QUESTION: I notice the laundry area in my house seems chilly and drafty at times. Also the dryer does not seem to dry as quickly as it used to. Could the outdoor dryer cover, which looks pretty old, be causing this?ANSWER: A clothes dryer is one of the major energy consumers in most homes. If it, or its venting system, is not working properly, it can really increase your utility bills year-round. It uses energy for heat and to operate the motor, plus it draws already-heated air from your home.It sounds as though the old outdoor dryer vent is the first place to check. If it does not close completely when the dryer goes off, this might cause chilly, drafty conditions in your laundry room. When it does not close during winter, there is a direct path for cold air (warm, humid air during summer) into your house. This might also allow allergens and insects into your home.If the dryer vent cover is stuck in a partially opened position, it restricts the necessary air flow through the dryer. This increases the drying time significantly. Also check the path of the flexible duct from the dryer to the outdoor cover. If you have pushed your dryer too far back against the wall, the duct might get crimped. Just a sharp bend can reduce air flow.Reduced air flow through the dryer duct can result in a build up of lint which further reduces the air flow. With the reduced air flow, the air temperature can increase to the point of starting a lint fire. While you are inspecting the duct and outdoor cover, clean out any lint to be safe.I use a floating-cap design of outdoor vent cover in my own home. Instead of relying on many hinged slats to open and close properly, the floating plastic cap drops down and rests over the vent outlet when the dryer shuts off. It provides an excellent seal against outdoor air and insects. The top cover snaps off so it is easy to clean any lint that builds up on the cap.Another option is a draft stopper device that is placed in the duct indoors. It effectively is a dryer vent cover mounted indoors. By not being exposed to the harsh outdoor weather conditions, it should continue to seal well for many years, and it is easy to keep clean.If you have found the dryer vent to be pinched, consider installing a vertical rectangular telescoping duct extension. It is only three inches deep and extends up above the dryer. The dryer duct is then attached above the dryer. A dryer vent box, which is recessed into the wall, provides more space if needed.Check with your local codes about venting an electric (never gas) dryer indoors to recapture the heat and humidity. There are several dryer duct kits available that can be switched from indoor to outdoor venting.The following companies offer dryer vent products: Deflecto Corp., 800-428-4328, www.deflecto.com; Dundas Jafine, 800-387-2578, www.dundasjafine.com; In-O-Vate Technologies, 888-443-7937, www.dryerbox.com; Heartland Products; 888-772-2345, www.heartlandnatural.com; and Lambro Industries, 800-645-2860, www.lambro.net.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.James Dulley has a degree in mechanical engineering. His column is published in more than 400 newspapers.