Are Gas Dryers a Carbon Monoxide Risk? What You Should Know

Wondering if your gas dryer could be putting your family at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning? The short answer: yes, if it isn’t properly vented or maintained. But don’t worry! Staying safe is simple when you know what to look for. Here’s what you need to know about gas dryers and carbon monoxide risks.

How a Gas Dryer Works

Gas dryers heat air by burning natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber. A blower moves the hot air through the drum to dry clothes, then pushes the damp, heated air out of the dryer through the exhaust vent and outside your home.

That exhaust air contains water vapor, lint particles, and small amounts of carbon monoxide. As long as the vent system is intact and unblocked, these combustion byproducts leave your home safely.

The risk comes when that venting system is compromised, damaged, or blocked, allowing CO to leak indoors instead.

Why Carbon Monoxide Is Dangerous

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. At high enough concentrations, it can be deadly. Even at lower levels, CO can cause health problems like:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Confusion

Because CO is impossible to detect without a CO detector, you may not know it’s accumulating until you feel sick. That’s why it’s so important to prevent it in the first place.

How a Gas Dryer Can Cause Carbon Monoxide to Leak

There are a few common ways a gas dryer could allow CO to escape into your home:

• Blocked or Clogged Vent: The most frequent cause is a blocked vent pipe. Over time, lint, dust, and even bird nests can clog the vent. This prevents exhaust gases from flowing outside and forces them to back up into the laundry area.
• Crushed or Damaged Vent Hose: If the flexible vent hose behind your dryer is kinked, crushed, or disconnected, exhaust can leak directly into the room.
• Disconnected or Leaky Joints: Metal vent ducts can come loose at the joints or develop holes, allowing exhaust gases to escape before reaching the exterior vent.
• Poor Installation: Improper vent routing, like venting into an attic, crawlspace, or garage instead of outside, can also create a CO risk.
• Burner or Ignition Problems: A dirty burner or misadjusted gas valve can cause incomplete combustion, producing more CO than normal. If that CO then leaks into the home, the risk is even higher.

Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Problem With Your Dryer

Your dryer may give you clues that something isn’t right. Look out for:

• Longer drying times than usual (blocked vent reduces airflow)
• Excessive heat or moisture in the laundry room
• A musty or burning smell near the dryer
• Visible lint buildup around the vent outlet
• Disconnected, crushed, or rusty vent ducts
• People in the home feel dizzy or sick when the dryer runs

If you notice any of these, turn off the dryer and check the vent system.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Risks From Your Dryer

You don’t have to be a professional to keep your dryer safe. With regular attention and a few simple steps, you can prevent CO from becoming a hazard.

Keep the Vent Clear

• Clean the lint screen after every load.
• Inspect the vent duct at least once a year and clear out any lint.
• Check the exterior vent flap to make sure it opens freely and isn’t blocked by debris.

Inspect the Vent Duct

• Look for kinks, crushed sections, or holes in the ductwork.
• Make sure all joints are tight and sealed.
• Replace damaged or overly long vent hoses with rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting for better airflow and safety.

Check the Burner and Flame

• The burner flame inside the dryer should be a steady blue.
• If it’s yellow or flickering, clean the burner and check for dust or debris.

Use a CO Detector

• Install a carbon monoxide detector near your laundry area. Test it monthly and replace the batteries annually. 

Keep the Dryer Area Clear

• Don’t store boxes, laundry, or cleaning products close to the back of the dryer where they can block airflow or press against the vent hose.

Part Inspections That Help

Along with general maintenance, you can also inspect and replace some key parts that help keep your dryer operating safely:

• Burner Orifice and Assembly: Dust and lint can clog the burner orifice, leading to incomplete combustion. Remove and clean the burner assembly periodically.
• Igniter and Flame Sensor: These parts help ensure the gas ignites cleanly. A weak igniter or dirty sensor can result in poor combustion and more CO production. Test and replace them if necessary.
• Vent Hood: The exterior vent hood should open easily when the dryer runs and close when it’s off to keep out pests. If it’s rusted or stuck, replace it.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.