Dryer vents and chimneys do the same job: they move heat and air safely out of your house.

Disruption hits fast when their exits clog, crack or fail: laundry piles up, schedules go sideways and safety risks rise (aka: a fire can start).

Here are two quick checks that protect your time, appliances and peace of mind.

Your dryer needs a clear exit path, not just a clean lint screen

A friend of Dochen Realtors bought a new dryer last September. Within a few weeks, it flashed an “error” message and stopped mid-cycle. She did what most of us do: cleaned the lint filter and even the secondary lint trap. The dryer wouldn’t begin. She needed a professional.

The issue was the dryer’s vent line to the outside. Lint builds up in that duct over time, which can reduce airflow, overheat the machine, trigger shutdowns and even cause a fire! In her 10 years living at the home, she’d never cleaned the vent line. Lady luck was on her side, but it’s never wise to chance it.

The fix was simple: a yearly professional cleaning.

Don’t ignore these dryer vent clues:

• Clothes take longer to dry than normal
• The dryer feels hot to the touch
• A “burnt” smell shows up during a cycle
• The outside vent flap barely opens
• Lint collects behind the machine

What to do this week:

• Pull the dryer out and check for a crushed or kinked hose.
• Look outside at the vent hood and remove visible lint.
• Schedule a pro to clean the full vent line end-to-end (if you haven’t done this in 2025 or 2026).
• Put it on your annual home care list.

We can share our trusted local HVAC and vent-cleaning pros with you.

Your fireplace and chimney also need a clean, clear exit path

I hate to tempt Mother Nature, but once these darn cold snaps ease up, many homeowners stop thinking about the fireplace.

That’s why I recommend an annual chimney cleaning each March. Adding it to your regular calendar makes it less stressful: no need to analyze. It’s part of regular maintenance.

A sweep will remove buildup and will also check the structure’s integrity and safety.

Over time, small gaps and cracks can form where the firebox meets surrounding materials as homes shift. Those tiny openings matter because heat can reach areas it shouldn’t, like the wooden frame of your home.

Chimney and fireplace checklist:

• Creosote and soot buildup
• Draft and airflow through the flue
• Firebox condition (especially corners and seams)
• Damper function and fit
• Chimney crown and visible exterior cracks

What to do this week:

• Book a chimney sweep for this spring.
• Ask your professional to look for gaps around the firebox and recommend the right repair approach.
• If you smell smoke indoors during use, stop and schedule service ASAP.

As with all the names in my rolodex, I’m happy to share options for Austin, TX-based chimney sweeps.

“I know I talk about home maintenance all the time!” says Carol Dochen. “Remember that your home is your biggest investment. Small repairs needn’t be pricey and can prevent larger issues, including home fires.”