Dryer repair
Gas and electric dryers. A dryer that runs but stays cold is almost always a heating or airflow fault, and most of them are fixed in one visit.
What usually goes wrong
When drying times creep from forty minutes to two hours, the cause is usually not the dryer at all but the vent. Lint builds up in the duct behind the machine and in the run to the outside wall, the dryer overheats, and a thermal fuse eventually blows to protect it. Replacing the fuse without clearing the vent only means the new one blows too.
Electric dryers heat with a coil element; gas dryers use an igniter and a pair of gas valve coils. Both are protected by thermostats and fuses that can be tested with a meter in minutes. Noise is the other common complaint: a squeal points at the idler pulley or drum rollers, a thump at a flat spot on a roller, and a scraping sound at worn drum glides.
Dryer problems and causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What the technician does |
|---|---|---|
| Runs but no heat | Blown thermal fuse, failed element (electric), igniter or gas valve coils (gas) | Test the heat circuit part by part and replace the failed component |
| Takes too long to dry | Restricted vent, clogged lint duct, weak heating element | Measure airflow, clean the duct, test the heater |
| Won’t start | Door switch, start switch, thermal fuse, drive motor | Check power and test each part of the start circuit |
| Squealing or thumping | Worn idler pulley, drum rollers or belt | Replace rollers, belt and pulley together when they are worn |
| Drum doesn’t turn | Broken drive belt, failed idler pulley | Replace the belt and check the pulley and motor |
| Shuts off early | Faulty moisture sensor, cycling thermostat, overheating | Clean and test the sensor bars, check thermostats and airflow |
Try this first
- Clean the lint screen and look into the slot it sits in with a flashlight.
- Pull the dryer forward and check that the foil or vinyl duct is not crushed behind it.
- Go outside and check the vent hood flap opens when the dryer runs.
- For electric dryers, check both halves of the double breaker.
Keep it running
- Have the full vent run cleaned once a year, more often for long runs or busy households.
- Replace thin foil or vinyl duct with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct.
- Wipe the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with a little rubbing alcohol.
Questions
- Do you work on gas dryers?
- Yes. Gas dryers are tested for ignition, flame and valve operation, and every connection is checked for leaks before the visit is closed.
- Is a dryer that smells hot dangerous?
- It can be. Stop using it, clean the lint screen and check the vent. A hot smell with a clear vent should be looked at before the next load.
Dryer still acting up? Book a visit.
Request a repair visit