Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Can Lead To Big Savings On Your Energy Bill

A dryer vent is one of those things that's easy to forget about completely — until it doesn't work right anymore. Often, that's because it needs to be cleaned. Cleaning the dryer vent not only helps keep your dryer in good condition but also saves you money on your energy bill by drying your clothes more efficiently.

"Cleaning out a dryer vent can lead to significant savings on energy bills," Corey Buescher, handyperson expert with Frontdoor, exclusively told House Digest. Buescher says that homeowners can save an average of 10% to 30% on dryer-related energy costs, or about $20 to $50 per year, simply by cleaning the vent. "The exact amount varies based on several factors, such as the frequency of use, the condition of the dryer, and energy costs in your area," Buescher said. Here's why cleaning the vent has such a big effect on energy costs and how to reap these benefits.

Your dryer vent captures lint and moisture from your laundry and funnels it outside. Over time, that debris can build up. "A clogged vent restricts airflow, causing the dryer to work harder and run longer to dry clothes," Corey Buescher exclusively told House Digest. "With a clear vent, air can circulate properly, which means clothes dry faster. Shorter drying cycles mean the dryer uses less electricity or gas per load."

Additionally, a clogged dryer vent can also require the machine to use more heat to fully dry your laundry. "This not only consumes more energy but also wears out the dryer and clothing faster," Buescher explained. Eventually, dryer vent build-up could even cause the dryer to overheat or become a fire risk, which creates much bigger problems than your energy bill.

Cleaning your dryer vent also has other financial benefits. "Regular maintenance reduces wear and tear on the dryer, potentially extending its operational life and delaying the need for a replacement," Buescher said. You're also less likely to need "costly repairs" to the dryer, he said, and the clothing and bedding that you put in the dryer will last for longer.

As for how often to clean your dryer vent, Corey Buescher recommends "at least once a year." If you notice your clothes aren't drying all the way or are taking much longer than usual, or if the dryer gets very hot while running, it's probably time to clean the vent. Clean more often if you have a large family or pets.

To clean your dryer vent yourself, Buescher says to unplug the dryer, move it away from the wall, and detach the vent duct. "This may require loosening clamps or screws," Buescher exclusively told House Digest. Then, "Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove lint and debris from the duct and dryer vent opening." You can also use a dryer vent cleaning kit to get into the duct and get all of the lint out. Don't forget to clean the outdoor vent as well. Afterward, securely reconnect everything and test the dryer.

Sometimes, the most effective way to clean a dryer vent is to call a professional. "If the homeowner doesn't have the right tools or isn't comfortable performing the cleaning themselves, hiring a professional can ensure the job is done safely and effectively," Buescher said. Situations that Buescher recommends calling a pro for include significant lint build-up outside the vent, a burning smell, or a tricky-to-reach vent system. Also, if you've cleaned the vent yourself but your dryer still isn't working normally, a pro can help.