According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer fires cause approximately 2,900 home fires annually, resulting in 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property damage. The leading cause: failure to clean the dryer vent.

Why Dryer Vents Get Clogged

Every time you run your dryer, lint is produced. While the lint trap catches most of it, fine lint particles pass through and accumulate in the vent duct over time. In Colorado Springs homes with longer vent runs — especially in newer construction with dryers located in interior rooms — lint buildup can become significant within 1–2 years.

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

• Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
• Dryer feels hot to the touch during operation
• Laundry room feels unusually warm or humid
• Burning smell when dryer is running
• Dryer shuts off before the cycle is complete
• It's been more than a year since the last cleaning

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning dryer vents at least once per year. Households with heavy dryer use — large families, frequent laundry — should clean every 6 months. Homes with longer vent runs or flexible duct sections should clean more frequently.