We got a call from a customer whose gas dryer wasn’t drying clothes properly — cycles were taking almost twice as long, and the top of the dryer was getting unusually hot. That’s usually a sign the vent line is restricted or the burner assembly needs cleaning.
The Problem
When lint builds up inside the vent or around the burner area, airflow drops and the dryer can’t move heat efficiently.
In gas dryers, that can also lead to poor ignition, weak flame, or even a burn smell from overheating parts.
In this case, the vent line was almost completely clogged with lint, and the inside of the burner housing was covered with debris.
The Fix
We disconnected the dryer from the wall, pulled it out, and performed a complete vent cleaning — from the back of the unit to the exterior exit cap. Then we opened the dryer and:
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Cleaned the burner assembly and igniter area
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Vacuumed all internal lint buildup
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Checked the flame sensor and gas coils
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Tested ignition and flame quality after reassembly
The difference was immediate — the flame burned steady, heat output increased, and the dryer was running cooler and quieter.
Why It Happened
Over time, lint collects not only in the lint screen but also deep inside the vent ducts and burner housing. This blocks airflow and causes overheating. In gas dryers, that can shorten the life of the igniter, thermostat, and flame sensor.
Even a small restriction can double drying time and increase energy use — or worse, pose a fire hazard.
Takeaway
If your gas dryer takes too long to dry, feels hot on the outside, or smells like it’s burning — it’s time for a vent and burner cleaning.
We recommend doing it at least once a year, especially if the dryer is in daily use or vents through a long duct.
Proper maintenance keeps your dryer efficient, safe, and lasting for many more years.
