
Why does a dryer need a vent? Tumble dryers work by blowing hot air into a rotating drum of wet clothes. As the clothes tumble about in the dryer water evaporates from them forming water vapor. This water vapor needs a way to escape the machine which it does through the attached vent. Another product that comes from clothing as it dries is lint and this also needs to escape through the vent.
What if there is no vent attached to the dryer? If there is no vent connected to the dryer it could begin to overheat. Water vapor will not be able to escape the dryer and lint, which is extremely flammable, will accumulate in the machine with nowhere to go. When this happens, the dryer is at risk of bursting into flames.
It is important to check the dryer periodically to make sure the vent is working as it should. This can be tricky at times because washers and dryers are usually fitted into tight spaces and dryer vents are normally connected to the back of the machine. Because vents are generally made of bendable plastic or metal duct they are also vulnerable to damage. While checking that the vent is attached to the dryer, it’s a good idea to also check that there are no kinks or damage to the vent that would prevent airflow.