Vent maintenance is the most important safety task for any dryer — here’s a realistic maintenance schedule and what to check.

Dryer fires are more common than most homeowners realize, and a blocked vent is the leading cause.

Ventless condensation dryers are popular in homes without exterior venting access. The self-cleaning condenser needs regular maintenance to avoid airflow-related faults.

Heat pump dryers use a heat exchanger in place of a traditional heating element, which changes where buildup and sensor faults tend to occur compared to vented dryers.