How Often Should You Have Your Dryer Vent Inspected?

If your laundry room smells a little toasty or your dryer’s taking two cycles to do a one-cycle job, your dryer vent is sending up a flare. That's because lint builds up fast, and that’s exactly why AirWiz Duct Cleaning recommends dryer vent inspections to keep your family safe and your energy bill in check. Here's how often you should have this done.

What Is the Rule of Thumb?

For most single-family homes, an annual dryer vent inspection is the sweet spot. Maryland’s humid summers and chilly winters can both contribute to lint clumping and moisture buildup, which restricts airflow. If you’ve got a larger household, lots of laundry (hello, sports uniforms and towels), or a long/vertical vent run, consider inspections every 6–9 months.

What Are the Signs?

These are early warnings of potential blockages and fire risk. An inspection catches minor issues before they become big headaches.

• Dryer runs longer than 45–60 minutes for a normal load.

• Hot, humid laundry room or a dryer that feels scorching to the touch.

• Musty or burning odors during a cycle.

• Excess lint around the vent hood or behind the dryer.

• The flapper outside won’t open fully when the dryer runs.

Why Do Professional Inspections Beat DIY?

Dryer vents snake through walls, elbows, and tight spaces – places a vacuum hose can’t reach. A professional inspection from AirWiz Duct Cleaning uses specialized cameras and rotary tools to:

• Verify full airflow from end to end.

• Locate kinks, crushed ducting, or disconnected joints.

• Measure lint accumulation and identify moisture problems.

• Check the exterior termination for bird nests or stuck flappers.

What is the Cost of Waiting?

Clogged vents force your dryer to work harder, which can spike utility bills and wear out heating elements. Worse, lint is highly combustible, which could put your home at risk of a fire. That's why a quick, routine inspection and cleaning protect your home, extend appliance life, and restore fast, fluffy results.

Ready to Put Us On Your Calendar?

A little prevention goes a long way. Regular dryer vent inspections keep your laundry day smooth, your home safer, and your energy use sensible. While we’re there, AirWiz Duct Cleaning can also help with air duct cleaning, air duct sanitization, and mold remediation to improve whole-home air quality in your Germantown, MD, home. Ready to book? Contact us at (301) 200-7495 for a free quote.