Cleaning the lint trap often isn't enough to maintain proper dryer ventilation. No lint screen is perfect and some lint always gets past the intial screen. As you have discovered, rodents love lint as nesting material. It is common to find mice nests in places such as the blower fan assembly and along the dryer vent hose. I would recommend you inspect the vent about once per season. That is, four times per year. Most manufacturers recommend twice, per year, but I have found it better to check a little more frequently. The following link provides you with some good advice on proper dryer maintenance:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r385301-thorough_dryer_advice
Pay particular attention to the section that discusses dryer ventilation. Something as simple as a clogged vent can cause serious problems with the heating circuits. Not to mention, it can create potential fire hazards. I would recommend you try running the dryer for one load with the vent hose removed. If the load takes less time to dry, I would inspect your dryer ventilation thoroughly from the point it exits the dryer, to the point where it exits your home. If you are not using the semi-rigid metal type ducting, or if the vent line has not been replaced in a while, I would recommend you do so. The ducting is sold in 10 foot segments, is fairly inexpensive and easy to install. The air at the back of the dryer should be forceful and warm (about 140 degrees F). If the air flow is weak, and not very warm, you still may have problem internal to the dryer. Here's another link you can view that discusses proper ventilation installation:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r389357-dryer_ducting_installation_tips
The rule of thumb when it comes to dryer ventilation is the SHORTER and STRAIGHTER the ventilation, the better. Every bend, sag, or rise creates resistance for the blower motor and can create potential choke points for lint to clog. Vent lines that run through an attic or crawl space are generally the worst for clogs. Also, make sure the exhaust outside is at least 12 inches off the ground to prevent rodents from entering.
To answer your question, if the dryer seems to be performing well and drying as it should, you probably have no problems at this point. I would recommend, however, that you inspect the dyer interior to make sure you don't have lint build up inside. Since you said you had cleared a clog recently, I suspect you may have some lint build up in the cabinet. This can cause a potential fire hazard. I would also recommend you lubricate the dryer drum supports (rollers) at the point where the roller meets the axle with a light weight machine oil. DO NOT get oil on the rubber rollers. These rollers can also cause noise if not lubricated periodically. I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know if you require additional assistance.
NOTE: Make sure you UNPLUG the dryer before servicing the interior cabinet. There are still live voltages present even with the dryer turned off.
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