Are your clothes coming out of the dryer cold and wet? Here are a few possible causes for your dryer problems and ways to fix them.
Lint Buildup
Check your lint screen and lint trap to make sure there isn’t excessive lint buildup. Ideally, you should be clearing out lint after every load of laundry to ensure a safe and efficient drying cycle.
Clogged Vent
For your dryer to work properly, it needs proper airflow. Excess heat from the dryer is moved outside your home through your house vent. Find the spot where the vent exits your home and use your hand to check whether hot air is coming out during a cycle. If not, your vent may be clogged and require cleaning.
Gas or Electric Supply
For gas dryers, check the gas supply. Confirm the gas valve is open and the gas line is functioning. If you have an electric dryer, check that the unit is plugged into the outlet properly and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If problems persist, you may have your unit plugged into an insufficient power supply. Most dryers will need at least 240 volts of power to operate properly.
Drum Problems
Ensure the drum is spinning freely and that there are no obstructions or jams. A stuck drum can affect the heating process.
When to Contact the Professionals
A faulty thermostat, a broken thermal fuse, a malfunctioning heating element, or a faulty door switch (common in front loading dryers) are more complex causes of heating problems in dryers. These issues are more difficult to identify and to fix, so if the above solutions haven’t worked, it’s probably best to contact a repair specialist.
On the other hand, if you have an older dryer and you suspect repairs would cost more than the unit is worth, it may be time to shop for a new dryer. Aaron’s has a HUGE selection of dryers from top brands like GE and Samsung.
For tips on choosing the right dryer for you, check out our washer and dryer shopping guide.
