The Health Risks of Radon in Dayton & Columbus, Ohio Communities

What You Need to Know About the Dangers of Radon

  1. Radon concerns are NOT false. It is an actual dangerous radioactive gas listed in the Scientific Table of Elements along with all the other radioactive substances.
  2. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. It is actually more deadly than second-hand smoke.
  3. Radon causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Almost 3,000 of those deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
  4. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon

Radon Presence in Ohio

Radon is a clear and present health hazard and that can’t be detected without proper testing.  It is an odorless, colorless gas whose presence puts you and your family in jeopardy because the effects of radon exposure can be severe, especially on children.

In Ohio, Radon is a very Major problem.  As this map, created by the EPA, shows, most of Ohio has very high levels of the gas (shown in red.) Franklin, Delaware & Montgomery Counties average DOUBLE the EPA max level of concern, and some of the highest measurements on record have been in the thousands in Ohio! Even those areas that aren’t totally high are still high enough to be of concern.

Radon is a dense gas that tends to settle in the lowest available space, so those who sleep or spend a lot of time on the lowest levels of your home (first floor or basement) are at the highest risk.

Why Do You Need Radon Testing?

Because radon gas is odorless, colorless, and has no taste You’ll never know that radon is in your home unless you have it tested.  Just because no one has had your home tested and it is older means nothing. 

The effects can be felt within a few months or as long as 25 years after exposure.

The radioactive emissions damage cells that will take 44 years for 75% of radon inhaled to become harmless. But the remaining 25% can affect your health even after that period.  Prolonged Exposure increases the changes for greater danger.

Radon Gas Symptoms
Radon gas exposure affects the respiratory system, with symptoms that can take years to develop but are irreversible. 

The most common symptoms are:

• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

EPA Bulletin 2009b

The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is estimated at between 10 to 20 times greater for persons who smoke cigarettes compared to those who never smoked.

EPA News Release 2003

Exposure to high radon levels is the leading environmental cause of death in the United States

EPA estimates that at its recommended guideline of 4 pCi/L, the risk of developing lung cancer is based on exposure factors:

Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks!

Get Your home tested by Airduct Cleaning & Radon Co to find out whether your family, tenants or employees are at risk for radon poisoning.

Are Scented Candles Safe?

Everyone should want cleaner, fresher air in their home. Not only is it better for your health, but it leaves your home smelling better. Rather than actually cleaning their air, however, many homeowners opt to use artificial air fresheners instead. Whether it’s a plugin or an aerosol spray, these items can provide an appealing scent.  

However, air fresheners come with a number of problems.  

For starters, they are not actually cleaning the air or treating the source of bad smells. Instead, they are simply covering them up. What’s worse is that many of these products include toxic chemicals that can irritate your nose and throat. Some have even been linked to kidney issues, liver problems, and cancer. They can also be directly harmful to children and pets who may try to consume them. 

Some may assume that scented candles are a better alternative to plugins and sprays. Sadly, this is not the case. In fact, in some ways, they can be even more dangerous. 

The Problems with Scented Candles 

There’s no question that lit candles provide a comforting ambience to a room. And in today’s market, candles come in just about every scent you can imagine. However, these candles feature many of the same problems that other air freshening products do. For starters, they don’t actually treat the source of unpleasant smells. Instead, they simply cover them up. 

On top of that, candles tend to release many of the same toxic chemicals that plugins and sprays contain. They also release particle matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, both of which are bad for your health. 

Arguably the biggest issue with candles, however, is the fact that they are a serious fire hazard. Each year, fires caused by candles result in 677 injuries, 81 deaths, and $278 million in property damage. Between 2014-2018, US fire departments responded to 7610 home fires that started with candles. All it takes is a moment of neglect for a candle to cause a serious, life threatening situation. 

Keeping Your Air Fresh without Candles 

There are a number of simple ways to keep you home smelling pleasant without having to rely on candles. Regular cleaning, emptying of the trash, and maintaining airflow can make a big difference. Additionally, you should have your air ducts checked and cleaned periodically. Over time, debris, dust, and even mold can start to build up in your ducts. 

All of this can make your home’s air feel musty and stuffy. 

To further clean your air and reduce unwanted scents, you can utilize air purifiers. Unlike other air freshening products, air purifiers actually remove irritating particles and unpleasant smells from the air. For air purification and air duct cleaning in the Springfield & Dayton, Ohio area, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today. We can help you breathe a little easier in your home or at your workplace. 

Are There Harmful Particles in Your Home’s Air?

It’s important to keep your home’s air clean, especially these days. Over the past year, most of us are spending more time in our homes than ever due to major events being cancelled and businesses operating remotely. The air you breath can have a profound impact on your general health and well-being.  

Just because your home’s air smells pleasant doesn’t actually mean it’s clean.  

There are a number of harmful particles that can hide in the air that are odorless. Additionally, some of the items people use to make their home smell nice can actually contain toxic chemicals. Regardless of how much time you spend inside of your home, its in the best interest of you and your family to keep its air clean.  

In order to do that, you need to understand some of the harmful particles that might be floating around in your home. 

Mold 

Mold spores are almost always in the air around you. That’s why mold can develop so quickly inside of your home. By themselves, these spores are harmless. When a moist surface is left exposed, however, mold starts to collect and multiply. This releases additional spores into the air, which multiply further.  

Having active mold in your home can cause congestion, irritated eyes, itchy skin, coughing, and more. Mold can be especially dangerous for people with asthma, lung diseases, or immune conditions. 

Pet Dander and Other Allergens   

Pets can be great company, especially when you’re trapped in your house all day. However, they can take a toll on your home’s air quality. Just because you’re not allergic to your cat or dog doesn’t mean you won’t be affected by the fur that they shed. Even if you have a pet that doesn’t shed, they still release dander and other allergens that can cause sinus problems and skin irritation. 

As for those without pets, there is still pollen, dust, and other allergens floating in your home’s air. Left unchecked, they can result in stuffy air, scratchy throats, congestion, and more. 

Radon 

Like mold, radon is in almost all of the air we breathe. In small amounts, this radioactive gas is harmless. In higher doses, however, it can be very dangerous. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon gets into your home through cracks in the foundation or through pores in brick and concrete.  

Left unchecked, it can become concentrated, slowly poisoning anyone living in your home. Radon build-up is especially common in basements, though it can happen in other areas as well.  

Air Fresheners and Toxic Contaminants  

Air fresheners and aerosol sprays might make your home smell more pleasant, but this comes at a cost. Rather than actually purifying your air, these products simply cover up one smell with another. Once your air freshener fades, any previous scents will return. What’s worse, however, is that air freshening products use toxic chemicals to create their trademark scents. 

Most air fresheners contain carcinogens which cause irritation to your nose and throat, not to mention they’ve been directly linked to cancer.  

Keeping Your Home’s Air Safe and Clean 

There are a few things you can do to actively keep your home’s air clean. Cleaning your home regularly is a great start. This will help reduce dust, germs, and mold. If you have pets, you should keep them cleaned and groomed as well. 

Rather than relying on air fresheners, you should utilize air purifiers. Unlike plugins and aerosol sprays, air purifiers actually clean the air, removing harmful particles and naturally improving the smell of your home.  

Even with regular cleaning and air purifiers, you still need to have your home checked for radon. A simple radon test can ensure your home’s air is safe. The EPA recommends that your home is checked for radon at least every two years. 

Finally, you should make sure that your home’s HVAC system and air ducts are cleaned. A dirty HVAC system can suffer from performance issues. Meanwhile, dirty air ducts can house allergens, debris, mold, vermin, and more. Keeping your ducts clean can make a big difference in the quality of air flow throughout your home. That’s part of the reason why the EPA recommends your ducts be inspected every 3-5 years. 

If you live in the Miami Valley area, Air Duct Cleaning Company has your air purification needs covered. In addition to providing commercial and residential air duct cleaning services in Dayton and Springfield, Ohio, we offer air purification services, dryer vent cleaning, radon mitigation, and more. Contact us today to get started. 

The Problem with Air Fresheners

Civilizations have been using various methods to freshen the air for thousands of years. The Egyptians would use aromatic resins and jasmine, particularly during sacrifices. Ancient Chinese cultures were fond of fragrant flowers and mandarin oranges. 

Today, many people use store-bought air fresheners such as aerosol sprays, gel substances, and scented plugins to add pleasant smells to their homes and offices. 

While this sounds good in theory, modern air fresheners aren’t as safe or effective as you might think. In fact, there are a number of concerning facts regarding air fresheners that many don’t realize. Whether it’s a spray, a plugin, or some disposable object you set on a shelf, these air fresheners rely on a number of chemicals to create their aromas. 

Often, we don’t even know what’s in them as companies aren’t required to release ingredients for air fresheners. Nevertheless, the chemicals we do know are present tend to be quite dangerous, even in smaller doses.  

Let’s take a look at the hidden problems and dangers that modern air fresheners pose.   

They’re Only Masking the Scent 

On a surface level, most air fresheners don’t actually do what they claim to; they don’t freshen the air. 

Instead, they simply mask smells with other smells. When the air freshener fades, the previously smells arise again. Often, the air freshener isn’t actually strong enough to cover the smell, leaving you with an unpleasant mixture of scents.  

Bad smells and stale air are usually a sign of something that needs to be addressed, whether it’s uncleanliness, excess moisture, rotting food, dirty air vents, or generally stale air. The better solution is to address what’s causing your home or office to smell unpleasant. 

Dangerous to Children 

Gel-based air fresheners and plugins are often placed in areas within arm’s reach of children. Their attractive scents and bright colors can lure children towards them. Younger children may then try to eat or swallow the air freshener. 

This is a serious danger. 

For one, they can easily choke on it. Beyond that, air fresheners are typically made of chemicals that are toxic to humans. They can cause illness and even death. 

Polluting the Air You Breath 

Even in low levels, air fresheners have shown to cause headaches, asthma attacks, breathing problems, and more. Most air fresheners contain carcinogens which, in addition to causing irritation to your nose and throat, are directly linked to cancer. 

While plugin air fresheners have been marketed as a safer, longer lasting alternative to spray fresheners, this is not actually the case. Plugin air fresheners contain phthalates, which have been shown to impact male hormone levels, and may even have negative effects on your kidney and liver. 

A Better Alternative  

If you’re looking to keep your home smelling clean and fresh, there are better ways to do it. Beyond general cleaning and maintenance, adding high-quality air purifiers to your home or office can make a big difference. These devices do a great job of eliminating stale odors and irritating particles from the air.  

You should also make sure to have your air duct systems inspected and cleaned. Overtime, dust and debris build up inside the ducts. This can lead to stale air, mold, and more. If you’re finding that your home or office’s air feels stale and stuffy, have your air ducts inspected. 

For air duct cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today. Give us a call at 937-399-4242 or click here to get a quote. We also offer some great air purifier options.  

Home Safety Resolutions for 2020

With a new year comes changes, big and small. People everywhere are setting out to become a better version of themselves, learn a new skill, and/or save money for something important. If you’re looking for a way to take care of yourself and protect your finances, we would recommend improving your home safety. 

Home accidents can pose a serious threat to the safety of you and your family, and they can also cost a lot of money. 

By addressing potential problems before they arise, you save yourself from a lot of pain down the road. Here are some simple ways to make your home a happier, healthier place in 2020.  

Check Your Smoke and CO Detectors 

Now is as good of a time as any to make sure you have the appropriate detectors in the appropriate places and that their batteries are charged. A working smoke alarm can be the difference between a hundred dollars in damage and a hundred thousand dollars of damage. More importantly, it could also save your life. 

The same is true for CO detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, which means you won’t know it’s there unless you have a working detector in place. 

Practice Fire Safety 

While working smoke detectors are a great first step towards fire safety, they’re not the only precaution you should take. You should create a fire escape plan for your home that everyone is familiar with. You should also keep fire extinguishers around, particularly in the kitchen.  

Also, make sure you are very careful with candles, space heaters, and other exposed heat sources. Finally, we highly recommend you don’t smoke indoors. 

Keep Your Air Clean 

Dirty air can cause allergies to flair and asthmatic symptoms to increase. Make sure to keep up with dusting in your home. You should also have your air ducts professionally inspected and cleaned every 3 to 5 years by an NADCA certified member. If you still find there to be excess dust in your home and/or the air feels heavy, consider setting up an air purifier. 

Clean Your Dryer Vents 

Dryer fires are a common cause of fires in homes. Often, it’s as simple as a dirty lint trap catching fire. You should always clean your lint filter after every load of laundry. Even then, lint builds up over time within your dryer vents.  

Not only does this cause your machine to work harder (resulting in increased utility bills and costly repairs), but it can eventually cause a fire in your home. Make sure your dryer vents have recently been inspected and cleaned. 

Test for Radon 

Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that’s in almost all of the air around you. In normal doses, it’s completely harmless. If it’s allowed to build up, however, it can pose a serious health risk. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. 

Every home should be tested for radon. This is a simple, highly affordable process that can literally save your life. If radon levels are too high, further action will be needed. For radon mitigation in Springfield and Dayton, Ohio, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today.

Is There Mold Growing in Your Home?

Mold is something everyone should want to keep out of their house. Not only is it unsightly, but it can be harmful to people. Mold can cause sinus congestion, coughing, agitated eyes, and skin rashes. Those with asthmas or mold allergies are much more susceptible. 

If you have chronic lung disease or immune system issues, you can even get infections from mold. 

Before you deal with mold in your home, you need to understand how it gets there in the first place. 

How Does Mold Develop in Homes? 

Mold is a fungus that’s actually found in the air you’re breathing right now. The amount is so minimal, however, that it’s harmless. When moisture is present, however, mold starts to collect. Mold thrives and grows with moisture, creating spores that are released back into the air. This is when it starts to become a problem. 

Because of its prevalence in the air, mold can start to build on any moist surface that’s left alone for too long. Unfortunately, this means it usually develops in places you don’t regularly see.  

Common places for mold are underneath sinks, in crawl spaces, behind walls, on stocks of cardboard boxes, around air condition units, and behind washers and dryers. 

How to Keep Mold from Developing in Your Home 

The defenses against mold in your house are moisture control and regular cleaning. If your home (especially basement) feels damp, consider setting up a dehumidifier. This can make a big difference in mold development. 

If your home experiences any amount of flooding, make sure to clean and dry it immediately. Remove any damaged carpet as well, even if it feels dry. Mold can develop underneath the carpet where you can’t see. 

Beyond that, make sure you’re keeping your house cleaned, even in the less visible areas. Mold commonly forms in air ducts and behind your washing and drying machines. Dirty dryer vents can prevent moisture from escaping, resulting in mold build up. 

The only way to truly know your home is mold free is to have these areas inspected and cleaned. For air duct and dryer vent cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today.

How Does Radon Get into Your Home?

Radon, in case you didn’t know, is a colorless, odorless gas that’s found in almost all air around you. While trace amounts are harmless, high concentrations can be dangerous. In fact, radon is the number one cause for lung cancer among non-smokers. 

The EPA estimates that around 21,000 people die from radon-related lung cancer each year. 

The most at-risk place for radon poisoning is in your very home. But how does radon reach dangerous levels inside your home? 

How Radon Builds Up in Your Home 

Radon develops from uranium decay in soil, rock, and water. It then rises from the ground and into the air. When it releases outdoors, it spreads around, causing no harm. When it gets inside a building, however, it becomes concentrated. 

One of the most common ways radon gets into your home is through cracks and holes in your foundation. Radon leaves the ground and seeps straight into your home. It can also come through walls, seams, crawl spaces, sump pumps, porous materials like brick or concrete, and more. 

For homes with basements, radon is typically at its highest there. However, radon can still pose a risk to homes without basements. Any home can have radon problems. It doesn’t matter if it’s new or old. Whether it has a basement or not. Radon can seep in from the ground, build up, and cause fatal problems. 

Don’t assume your home is safe. Have it inspected so you can know that it is. A radon test is a cheap and simple procedure that could save the lives of you or your family members. If your radon levels are too high, a simple mitigation process can bring things down to normal. 

For radon mitigation in Dayton, Ohio and the rest of the Miami Valley, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today! 

Home Safety Precautions Everyone Should Take

Do you actively try to keep your home a safe place? You should, especially if you have children. Every year, 2000 children under 15 die from an injury in their home. Even if you don’t have a child, it’s important to keep things safe. 

That doesn’t mean you have to rebuild your home from the inside out. But there are simple actions every homeowner (and home renter) can take. 

Keep Things Clean 

Cleaning your house doesn’t just make it look nice. It keeps it safe. Often, accidents occur from something as simple as slipping or tripping on a mess that was left on the ground. Additionally, dirtiness can attract rodents and produce mold, both of which are unsafe. 

Install/Test Fire Alarms and CO Monitors 

There are over 350,000 house fires per year. If these aren’t detected immediately, damage, injury, and even death can occur. Most homes and apartments have smoke alarms in place these days, but they often don’t have working batteries in them.  

It is very important that you have working smoke alarms placed around your home within earshot of bedrooms. In addition to smoke detectors, you should have CO detectors as well. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) might not seem as scary as fire, but it can be very dangerous. This colorless, odorless gas typically enters the home through something as simple as a stove being left on. In addition to being toxic, it’s also highly flammable.  

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer. Over 400 Americans die from CO poisoning, over 20,000 visit the emergency room, and over 4000 are hospitalized. Since it’s odorless and invisible, it easily goes undetected without a monitor in place. 

That’s why there should be a CO detector on every floor, placed five feet from the ground. Like fire alarms, they should be placed near bedrooms, as they need to be loud enough to wake you up. 

If you have an attached garage, you should also place one in the room nearest it.  

Keep Your Home Secure  

Home security doesn’t just protect your valuables. It protects you and your family. Break-ins often happen while someone is home. This can lead to a very dangerous confrontation. Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at night and when you’re home alone. 

A security system is definitely worth considering as well.  

A simpler, yet still effective solution is to add motion lights by your home’s entrances. These are often enough to startle would be robbers and send them on their way. 

Stock Up on First-Aid Essentials  

Despite the best precautions, accidents can happen. You should always keep basic first-aid supplies on hand. Here’s a list of  a few essentials to get you started: 

While this list is hardly exhaustive, it should prepare you for most common situations. 

Make Sure Your House Address is Visible 

When it comes to serious emergencies, every second counts. If you’ve called an ambulance, police officer, or the fire department, they need to be able to accurately find your home. Having visible address numbers ensures they go to the correct home right away. 

Check for Radon 

Carbon monoxide isn’t the only odorless gas you need to worry about. Radon causes 20,000 deaths per year. While a little radon is common for most air, 1 in 15 homes have radon levels that are dangerously high. Every home should be inspected for radon. 

If you haven’t had yours checked, either purchase a testing kit or contact a professional for a radon inspection. For radon inspection and mitigation in the Miami Valley area, click here. 

Dryer Vent Cleaning 

Did you know that clothes dryers and washing machines cause over 15,000 house fires per year? The vast majority of these stem directly from clothes dryers. Over time, your dryer vents collect dust and lint. Even if you clean your lint trap out between every load, build-up still happens. 

The only way to ensure your dryer system is safe is to have it inspected and cleaned. This simple, affordable process helps your machine run better, and it could potentially save lives. Keep your home safe. Have your dryer inspected. 

For dryer vent cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding cities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today!

What to Do Before Finishing Your Basement

A basement is a wonderful, cozy, multipurpose space. At least, it is if it’s finished. But many homes come with basements that are pretty bare bones: cement walls, cement floors, poor lighting, damp air, etc. It’s understandable as a homeowner to be eager to get things finalized so you can start utilizing the space. 

But before you do that, there a few important steps to take and items to consider. 

Protect Against Flooding 

Basements, even newer ones, can be at risk of flooding. Before you start placing new and expensive items down there, make sure you’re protected. Check for cracks in walls. Inspect gutters outside. Install a sump pump, if necessary. Any machines down there, such as water heaters and washing machines, should be inspected for leaks. 

If you’re still seeing water getting into your basement, make sure the ground around your home isn’t sloping towards your house. 

Control Moisture 

Even if you have your basement safe from flooding, moisture can still get down there. Purchasing a dehumidifier is a great way to help control that, but it’s not the only thing you can do. If you’re covering up pipes with new walls and panels, you may want to insulate them first to help against condensation. You may also want to avoid traditional drywall, which can easily attract mold in damp locations.  

Instead, purchase non-paper alternatives that are mold and moisture resistant.  If you due use drywall, use a wood frame with foam insulation that creates separation between the foundation walls and the drywall. 

Consider Soundproofing the Ceiling 

If you’re planning on using your basement for entertainment (or as a place to tuck away your children), a little sound reduction can go a long way.  

Adding some soundproof insulation above the ceiling tiles can make a big difference in cutting down both airborne and impact noise. The same goes for acoustic panels, though even some fluffy rugs and carpet can do a pretty good job. Lastly, make sure doors and windows are properly sealed. 

Check to See if a Permit is Needed 

When making major renovations in and around your home, it never hurts to check with the city inspector. Depending on what you’re having done, you may need a permit. If electric and plumbing are involved, you’ll likely need to have an inspector come. 

Check for Radon 

While radon is a common element found in almost all air, it can be dangerous at high levels. In fact, the EPA estimates that radon causes over 200,000 deaths from lung cancer every year. Nearly 1 in 15 homes have excess radon. If you’re home has a basement, that’s likely where radon levels are the highest. 

That’s not to say radon only affects homes with basements. It can also seep through slab foundations, as well as crawlspaces.  

Whether you havea basement or not, if your home hasn’t been tested for radon, it’s very important that you have it tested immediately. For radon mitigation in Springfield, Ohio and the surrounding cities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today! 

Why is My Dryer Underperforming?

It’s laundry day. Your second load of clothes is finishing up in the washing machine, while your first load finishes its dryer cycle. The timers on both machines ding, and you go to empty the dryer so you can move over the next batch of washed clothing. 

There’s just one problem. The clothes in the dryer are still wet. 

Despite going through a full cycle at the appropriate setting, you now have to run them again. Meanwhile, the load that just finished in the washing machine has to sit in a wet heap, building up an unpleasant damp smell. The clothes in the dryer face extra wear and potential shrinking due to another dryer cycle. 

And your drying machine itself goes through added stress due to the additional cycles. 

Running each dryer load multiple times is not a solution to your problem. Not only is it hard on your cloths, your machine, and your electricity bill, but it could potentially lead to a dryer fire. 

Instead, you should find the source of the problem and address it. The good news is, it can be a relatively simple fix. 

Check Your Lint Trap 

Despite its small size and simple function, your lint trap can have a major impact on how well your dryer performs. A lint trap should be cleaned after every load of laundry. Not only does it improve performance, but it greatly reduces the chances of dryer fires. 

Make no mistake, the threat of dryer fires is very real. Dryers and washing machines cause nearly 16,000 structure fires a year. 90% of those fires stem from clothes dryers. 

Don’t Overfill It 

Dryers need space to work effectively. If you’re overfilling your dryer to the point where clothes are literally spilling out of it, it’s too full. And if your dryer is too full, it probably means you’re washing too many clothes at once as well. Make sure to follow capacity guidelines for both your washer and dryer. 

You may think that doing more clothes at once will save you on water and electricity, but it actually just leads to more stress on your machine, while leaving your clothes dirty and wet. 

Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned 

Even with a properly maintained lint trap, your dryer’s vents and ducts will get dirty. Overtime, lint can build up to the point where it blocks airflow. As with lint traps, this leads to underperformance and greatly increases the chances of dryer fires.  

Your dryer vents should be inspected and cleaned once a year. 

For dryer vent cleaning in the Dayton, Ohio area, Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company has you covered. We’ve been working in the HVAC industry since 1970. 

What if My Machine Still Isn’t Drying? 

If you’ve done everything listed above, and your vents are clean, it’s time to call a repairman. They’ll be able to inspect your unit and see if a part needs to be replaced. Otherwise, it might be time for an upgrade. 

You might not want to shell out the money for a new machine, but trust us, it’s much better to buy a new dryer than risk a dryer fire happening in your home.