Dryer
Dryer Taking Two Cycles to Dry? It's Almost Always the Vent
If your dryer is running fine but clothes come out damp, the problem is rarely the dryer — it's the vent. Here's how to diagnose it yourself.
Why long dry times are a Florida problem
Tampa Bay's humidity and long vent runs (often through attics) make this the single most common dryer complaint we get. A vent that's even 50% blocked doubles your dry time and is a real fire hazard.
The 60-second self-test
Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer and run a normal dry cycle for 5 minutes. If clothes dry normally, your dryer is fine and the vent run is your problem.
Clean the lint trap housing — not just the screen
Pull the lint screen all the way out and shine a flashlight into the housing. Lint builds up below the screen where vacuums can't reach. A long, flexible lint brush ($10 on Amazon) clears it.
When to call a vent-cleaning pro
If your vent runs through the attic or roof, or you can't remember the last time it was professionally cleaned, book it. We can do the cleaning during a service visit if the dryer also needs work.
When it really is the dryer
If the vent is clear and dry times are still long, the most common culprits are a weak heating element, failed cycling thermostat, or thermistor that's misreading drum temperature. All are quick fixes with the right parts on the truck.
FAQ
How often should I clean my dryer vent in Tampa?+
Once a year minimum for most homes; every 6 months if you have pets, a long vent run, or do more than 6 loads a week.