Maintaining The Exhaust System - Kenmore 796. 8147 Use & Care Manual

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
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.
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 1-800-661-6594 to schedule
duct cleaning service from Sears (if it is available in
your area).
USER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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To 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.
A blinking CHECK VENT indicator means the external
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venting should be checked for potential restrictions as
soon as possible.
3
The CHECK VENT indicator will remain active
(blinking) until the restriction is resolved AND the
control has verified the improved airflow for
several cycles.
4 After 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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