USER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTAINING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
The most common cause of dryer problems is poor exhaust venting. Poor exhaust venting may result from the following conditions:
•DIRTY OR DAMAGED EXHAUST DUCTS
•WRONG VENT MATERIAL
•RESTRICTED OR DAMAGED VENT HOOD
•EXCESSIVELY LONG VENT
•THE USE OF PLASTIC OR FOIL VENTING (Refer to page 13)
Maintaining the Exhaust System
Vent ducts should be checked for lint buildup and cleaned at least once per year. If any noticeable reduction in drying performance occurs, check the ducts for obstructions and blockages.
If the CHECK VENT indicator illuminates, the exhaust system should be checked immediately for damage or obstructions. The CHECK VENT indicator signals a serious reduction in exhaust airflow which will greatly reduce energy efficiency and increase drying times. Damaged or restricted exhaust systems are not covered by the dryer warranty. Damage to the dryer that is caused by damaged, restricted, or otherwise inadequate exhaust systems is not covered by the dryer warranty.
CHECK VENT Indicator
The CHECK VENT warning system is designed to help you avoid the reduced performance caused by restrictions in the household exhaust system. The CHECK VENT indicator illuminates to alert you when problems in the system occur, so you can have them repaired.
While you should always check and maintain your exhaust system regularly, the CHECK VENT warning system will detect and alert you if serious problems develop in your home’s exhaust system. This includes exhaust systems that are unsatisfactory for any reason including a blockage in the venting, crushed/kinked venting, or venting which exceeds the maximum recommended length requirement as described in the installation section.
NOTE: The total length includes the length from the back of the dryer to the outside vent hood, PLUS a factor for every 90° elbow in the exhaust system. For example, if the distance from the back of the dryer to the vent hood is 30 feet, and there are four elbows in the system, then it exceeds the 28 foot maximum length allowed for those conditions as specified in the Duct Length Chart on page 14.
The CHECK VENT indicator on the control panel will alert you that the exhaust system is not moving enough air from the dryer to the outside. This lack of airflow will lead to long dry times, poor drying and possibly dryer failure.
As a reminder, external dryer venting is considered part of your home and is not covered by the product warranty or protection agreements. There are services available for cleaning/maintaining the external venting. Sears provides this service via Sears Carpet, Upholstery, and Duct Cleaning. Call
CHECK VENT Operation
The CHECK VENT system uses components already in the dryer. By monitoring these components over the course of several cycles, the control is able to determine how much restriction there is in the exhaust system. If it detects a high level of restriction, it will turn on the CHECK VENT light to alert you to the condition. The dryer will continue to operate after the light comes on, but you should have the exhaust system cleaned or repaired immediately to avoid longer dry times and higher energy consumption.
IMPORTANT: In order for a dryer to properly and efficiently dry your clothes, it is extremely important that the exhaust system is as short and clean as possible. It MUST be less than the maximum length specifications as outlined in the installation section. It is also very important that you make sure that when the dryer is installed, the exhaust system is clean and clear of any restrictions and is not kinked or crushed.
Failure to meet these guidelines will result in long dry times, increased energy consumption and possibly even clothing damage or dryer failure. When exhaust system restrictions become extreme, the CHECK VENT light will blink to alert you to the condition so you can have the exhaust system cleaned or repaired.
1To prevent false alarms and for increased reliability, the dryer will monitor the exhaust condition for several loads. If multiple, consecutive cycles exceed the restriction limits, the control will blink the CHECK VENT indicator.
2A blinking CHECK VENT indicator means the external venting should be checked for potential restrictions as soon as possible.
3The CHECK VENT indicator will remain active (blinking) until the restriction is resolved AND the control has verified the improved airflow for several cycles.
4After the exhaust is cleaned or repaired, it will take several cycles for the CHECK VENT indicator to reset and turn off the light.
NOTE: The CHECK VENT indicator is designed to measure performance over several consecutive cycles before activating or deactivating, to avoid false alarms. A very large load, such as a large comforter, could cause the CHECK VENT system to sense that the exhaust system is restricted, but this would not cause the light to blink. However, if several large loads were to run back to back, the CHECK VENT indicator could be activated.
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