The Bird Nest That Strangled a Dryer

# The Bird Nest That Strangled a Dryer

A homeowner complained of 90-minute dry cycles and a burning smell. The lint filter was clean, but the room felt like a sauna.

## Vent Path Investigation

Airflow at the lint screen was weak. We detached the vent hose and measured strong airflow directly at the dryer. The restriction had to be downstream.

## Nest Discovery

At the exterior wall hood, the damper was stuck open and packed with twigs, feathers, and lint — a bird nest had colonized the hood, turning it into a fire risk.

## Vent Clearing Fix

We removed the nest, cleaned the vent line end-to-end, replaced the hood with a pest-resistant model, and verified airflow and temperatures under load.

## Safety Angle

Clogged vents overheat dryers, trip thermal fuses, and significantly increase fire risk. They also waste energy and time.

## Prevention Tips

- Install pest-resistant exterior hoods with a backdraft damper.
- Clean the full vent run annually, more often for long runs or pet homes.
- Never operate a dryer with weak exhaust or a missing lint screen.

## Dryer Performance Restored

Dry time dropped from 90 minutes to 35 for a mixed load, with normal exhaust temps and stable cycling.