An electric clothes dryer can be a highly convenient addition to any home. While these appliances can last for many years, you may still encounter some minor issues during this lifespan. These issues may prevent your dryer from properly functioning and you could end up with damp clothes even after you finish the drying cycle. So, here we’ll explore some of the common dryer repair issues and how you can resolve them.
Electric dryers have a heating element to warm the air inside the drum, This is fundamental to drying your clothing and other items. Unfortunately, with repeated use, over time, the heating element can break. When this occurs, your dryer will not generate sufficient heat to dry your clothing. Conversely, the heating element may overheat, causing a safety threat.
You can check if your heating element is working correctly by using a multimeter to test its continuity. The ideal reading is 20 to 50 ohms, but if you have no continuity, the element will need to be replaced.
The thermal fuse is a safety device which is typically located in the back cover panel near the exhaust duct. The primary purpose of this fuse is to prevent fires. If a dryer reaches a specific temperature and is at risk of overheating, the fuse will trip.
Unfortunately, this mechanism can also prevent your dryer from working properly. If the fuse blows, it may mean that your dryer will not generate sufficient heat to dry your items.
Thermal fuses are single use components, so once it has tripped, you will need to install a replacement.
The cycling thermostat regulates the temperatures inside your dryer. It is responsible for switching the heating element off and on to maintain the optimum temperature. When the thermostat develops a defect, it cannot accurately sense the temperature, which could lead to overheating or failing to heat altogether.
Modern dryers typically have another type of thermostat in addition to the cycling thermostat. The high limit thermostat keeps track of the temperature to shut off the heating element if the dryer begins to overheat. If the thermostat develops a fault, the element may continue to run, generating excess heat.
Clothes dryers can be ventless or vented, and if you have a vented model, it will have a ducting system to eject hot air outside your home. Unfortunately, if your duct becomes clogged, it can lead to the dryer overheating. You may notice that your clothing feels excessively hot after the drying cycle or you may even notice a burning smell.
This makes it crucial to regularly clean your ducting to remove any lint, dirt or dust that may accumulate.
Now we’ve covered the common dryer issues, there are some tips that can help you to maintain your dryer for prolonged lifespan and efficient performance. These include:
If you’re having issues with your dryer, you can rely on the expertise of a professional appliance repair technician. An experienced technician will be able to assess your dryer and advise you of the repair options.