Have you checked your dryer vent lately??

Not long ago our clothes dryer started having issues; it was a Kenmore, so we called Sears.  After looking at the unit the service person said the problem was not with our dryer, but that the dryer vent (see photo) had become clogged and the buildup had burned out the dryer motor.  Apparently, the outside vent had become the home to many birds that decided it was a great place to build their nests and raise their families.  The resulting debris they brought in cut off air flow and made the motor in the clothes dryer have to work much harder.

We did have to replace our clothes dryer and we also called another contractor, I had worked with previously, to vacuum out the vent and put on a metal grate to prevent birds from coming back in.  The cost of the new dryer was about $450, the cost of getting the dryer vent cleaned out was about $125.  So the moral of the story is keep your dryer vent clean and make sure to put on a cover that will allow air flow but prevent critters from climbing in and gumming up the works.

Putting on a vent cover is not difficult, however if you are not comfortable climbing up a ladder, particularly if the vent is on the 2^nd or 3^rd floor, than I strongly recommend calling a contractor. Most handymen can do this.  We called our chimney sweep that also has a practice of cleaning out commercial and residential dryers.  Due to the nature of their business, I have found chimney sweeps comfortable and skilled at using a tall ladder and climbing heights.

If you live in the Maryland/DC area and want the name of a contractor to do this for you, just let me know.