Common Issues With Dryers
Dryers have become a staple in most North American households, offering us the convenience of getting dry clothes ready to wear without hanging them to dry and waiting while hoping it won’t start to rain. As with so many appliances, we realize mostly how important they are to our daily routines when they malfunction or stop working altogether.
To help you save time, money, and stress, we’ve compiled some of the most common dryer issues and how to troubleshoot them so you can get back into your daily routine without any frustrating delays.
Dryer Not Heating Up
One of the most common complaints is that the dryer is not heating up, leaving clothes damp even after a complete cycle.
A dryer not heating up properly can have a few causes. Often, the heating element has stopped working correctly and is no longer generating enough heat to dry the clothes. You can use a multimeter to check for continuity; you’ll need to replace it if it is faulty. It could also be caused by a broken thermostat that no longer relays and regulates the temperature. Related to this, it could also be the thermal fuse, which is a safety device to prevent your dryer from overheating. If it blows, your dryer will no longer heat up. You can also check the thermostat and related thermal fuse with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it could be a bigger problem, and we recommend calling a professional technician.
Dryer Not Spinning
To effectively dry your clothes, the dryer drum must be able to rotate properly.
Among the causes of the dryer failing to spin is a snapped drive belt. This belt is responsible for turning the drum, so look for signs of wear or breakage and replace it if needed. If it’s not the belt, it could be the motor itself that has stopped working and is no longer rotating the drum. Check with a multimeter to ensure the motor is still receiving power and is functioning correctly. If this is the case, you can also check the idler pulley, which is responsible for maintaining the tension of the drive belt. If it shows wear, you may need to replace it.
Dryer Making Strange Noises
A dryer is not a very quiet roommate, but if you notice unusual sounds, there could be some underlying issues to examine.
Among the causes could be worn-out drum support rollers, which help rotate the drum smoothly, a loose or damaged blower wheel, which helps circulate the air and can cause noise if damaged, or small objects that get trapped in the dryer.
You can inspect the drum support rollers and lubricate or replace them to ensure a smooth drum rotation. If the blower wheel is damaged, it will have to be replaced. If you suspect trapped objects are causing the noises, check the drum and remove any items that may have remained in it.
Dryer Not Turning On
If your dryer doesn’t start at all, it could signify a more significant issue.
A common issue is a faulty outlet or power cord. Check if the dryer is properly plugged in and the outlet is functioning. Also, inspect the cord for any damage. A faulty door switch could also be responsible as a defective switch will not relay to the dryer that the door is closed correctly. Check for continuity with a multimeter and replace it if it is faulty. A tripped thermal fuse cannot only prevent the dryer from heating up but also cause the dryer not to turn on. If it is tripped, you must reset or replace it.
Dryer Overheating
If your dryer produces excessive heat, it can pose a safety risk and damage your clothes.
One of the most common issues with an overheating dryer is excessive lint buildup in either the lint trap or the vent, which prevents proper airflow. Clean the lint trap and the vent regularly to prevent restrictions. A malfunctioning thermostat that no longer regulates the temperature properly may also need replacing.
Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry
If you realize that it takes longer and longer for your clothes to dry, leading to inconvenience and increased energy costs, a few of the causes listed for other issues above could be responsible.
Excessive lint buildup in the trap or vent can lead to reduced airflow, reduced efficiency, and, with that, longer drying times. Regularly clean the lint trap and the vent to ensure clear airflow. Another reason could be a malfunctioning heating element, which may not generate enough heat. Test the heating element to ensure it works correctly and replace it if necessary.
Dryer Shuts Off Mid-Cycle
Various causes can lead to your dryer shutting in the middle of a drying cycle. One common cause can be that your dryer is overheating, and it shuts down to prevent damage. As mentioned just above, lint buildup is the most likely culprit for this and can be solved by cleaning out the lint trap and vent. The same goes for a faulty thermostat that could malfunction and not properly regulate the temperature. Problems with wiring or connections could also cause it, so you must check all electrical connections to ensure nothing is loose or disconnected.
Conclusion
Addressing dryer issues quickly can help avoid disruptions in your daily living and keep your household efficient and safe. As you can see, some of the most common dryer issues can be fixed relatively easily, while others are a bit more tricky. However, if these steps do not resolve the problem, we recommend professional help, and iCare Appliance Repair is here to help you with all your appliance repair needs.
If you feel your dryer needs more thorough maintenance or repairs, or if you have any questions, consider calling iCare Appliance Repair, your trusted source for professional and efficient dryer repairs and information.
At iCare Appliance Repair, our technicians are factory-trained and licensed to service almost every major model and brand. We offer same-day and after-hours dryer repair services, including evenings and late hours. Contact us today at (647) 370-2828 or complete our convenient online form to learn more.
