“If your dryer suddenly needs 2 cycles, it’s often an airflow/vent problem—and it can be a fire hazard. Do this 60-second outdoor vent test before you run another load.”

Dryer Taking Too Long? The #1 Dryer Vent Mistake That Can Also Start a Fire (60-Second Check)

If your dryer suddenly needs two or more cycles to dry the same load, you might be dealing with more than just an inconvenience — it could be a hidden fire hazard. And the culprit? In most cases, it’s not the dryer itself, but your dryer vent system.

Before you call for service or replace your appliance, here’s a 60-second test that could save you hundreds of dollars — or even your home.

Why Is Your Dryer Slowing Down?

A dryer that used to finish in one cycle now needs two. Clothes come out damp. The laundry room feels hotter than usual. Sound familiar?

This often points to restricted airflow. Over time, lint builds up inside the dryer vent hose or ductwork. Other times, the vent is crushed behind the unit, clogged with debris outside, or blocked by a stuck flap. When airflow is limited, your dryer works harder, overheats, and still leaves clothes damp.

Worst of all? This buildup is one of the leading causes of house fires caused by appliances.

Try This 60-Second Airflow Test Before You Call Anyone

This is a simple, DIY-friendly test you can do with no tools.

Step 1: Start your dryer on a normal heat cycle.

Step 2: Go outside to where your dryer vent exits the house.

Step 3: Place your hand near the outdoor vent. You should feel a steady, strong flow of warm air.

• If the airflow is strong and warm, your dryer vent is likely clear.
• If the airflow feels weak or barely there, your vent is partially or fully blocked.
• If you feel no airflow at all, stop using the dryer immediately. This is a serious fire risk.

Some pros use a handheld airflow meter with red, yellow, and green lights to instantly measure vent performance. Green means good. Yellow is borderline. Red is trouble.

Common Airflow Blockers You Might Be Ignoring

There are a few things that can reduce or completely block airflow from your dryer:

• Lint buildup inside the vent hose or wall duct
• Bird nests or leaves clogging the exterior vent cover
• Crushed or kinked hoses, especially when the dryer is pushed too close to the wall
• Vent flaps that are stuck shut or broken

Any one of these can cause your dryer to overheat and work overtime — which not only wastes energy but also wears out heating elements and sensors faster.

When to Call the Pros in Boca Raton

If your dryer is still running slowly after a clean lint trap and a failed airflow test, it's time to call in a technician.

At General Appliance Service, we specialize in dryer repairs and full vent inspections across Boca Raton. We use advanced airflow meters, camera scopes, and professional tools to find — and fix — the exact issue. Whether it's a crushed vent, lint blockage, or outdoor obstruction, we’ll get it sorted quickly.

Live a bit outside Boca? We also service nearby areas like Palm Beach Gardens, and more across Palm Beach County aswell as northern

Why Homeowners Trust Us

At General Appliance Service, we’re local — not a national chain or dispatcher. Our experienced techs are trained in diagnosing airflow and dryer performance issues on the spot.

You can learn more about who we are and how we work by visiting our About Us page.

Final Reminder: Don’t Ignore Slow Drying

If your dryer is taking longer to dry, don’t ignore it or blame the appliance right away. A restricted vent can quietly overheat your machine and poses a real fire hazard.

Take 60 seconds to step outside and test the airflow — and if you’re not sure, let us take a look. It’s a fast, affordable way to stay safe, save time, and extend the life of your dryer.