After a big storm, a dryer vent that sits low on the side of a house can disappear under snow. Ice can also freeze the vent flap shut. Either way, the dryer loses its airflow. Clothes stop drying, the thermal fuse can blow, and a gas dryer can push carbon monoxide back into the house.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Can you DIY it? | Yes, keeping the vent clear |
| How urgent? | High with a gas dryer |
How do I know if my vent is blocked?
- •Clothes take two or three cycles to dry after a storm.
- •The laundry room feels hot and humid.
- •The dryer stops mid-cycle or won't restart.
- •Outside, the vent flap doesn't open, or there's no warm air coming out when the dryer runs.
Why is a blocked vent dangerous?
Electric dryers overheat, which is why thermal fuses blow. Gas dryers burn fuel, and the exhaust carries carbon monoxide. If the vent is blocked, that exhaust can back up into the house. Massachusetts law (Nicole's Law) requires CO alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, and this is one of the reasons why.
How do I keep the vent clear all winter?
- •After every storm, clear at least a foot of space around the vent hood.
- •Knock ice off the flap gently. Don't pry it, since plastic hoods crack in the cold.
- •Don't shovel or plow snow toward the side of the house where the vent is.
- •Consider a vent hood with a guard or one mounted higher on the wall.
- •Clean the vent in the fall, so you aren't fighting lint and snow at the same time.
When should I call a technician?
Call if the dryer won't start after the vent has been cleared (the thermal fuse may have blown), if your CO alarm sounds, or if you find frost or water inside the vent duct, which can mean the duct is sagging or too long.
Elliott's take
After a nor'easter, give the vent hood the same attention you give the furnace and water heater vents. It takes thirty seconds with a broom and can prevent a service call, or something much worse with a gas dryer.
Related: Dryer repair · Dryer Won't Start? Start With These Checks
Dryer struggling after a storm? Call TrueFix Boston at (857) 810-1119.