Most of the time, your clothes dryer is probably going to just sit there waiting for the next load of wet laundry. You put your items in, set the timer, and then wait for them to come out warm and cozy. However, this appliance can have problems from time to time, ranging from strange noises and vibrations to sudden stops or insufficient heating. If you want to keep your clothes dryer functional and effective, you need to know some potential issues and how you can address them.
Not Working
Door switches, thermal fuses, timers, power cords, and control knobs and buttons are all parts that can malfunction and stop the dryer from working at all. If the dryer won’t tumble, the drum might not be rotating. In cases where the dryer works but shuts down before the cycle finishes, the problem can be anything from a broken motor relay to a weakened door catch.
Vibrations and Strange Noises
These often happen at the same time, and failed glide bearings can cause them. A faulty dryer drum seal can do the same thing. You can check for these by spinning the drum carefully after you open the door. If it binds up and produces noises, these parts are probably to blame.
Clothes Don’t Dry
Filter clogs and duct blockages might prevent a wet load of clothes from drying fully, but a malfunctioning heating element can also produce inferior levels of warmth. If the dryer stops heating completely, you may need to do extensive troubleshooting because multiple issues might be occurring simultaneously.
Overheating
Heat is how your dryer removes moisture from the load of clothes you put into it, but too much heat is a potential problem. It can burn and damage your clothes, and it’s a fire hazard and risk to your home. Clogged lint filters and blocked exhaust vents are the typical culprits when this happens.
Take Care of the Appliance That Takes Care of Your Laundry
While clothes dryers might have occasional issues, you can extend their functional life. At various points, someone needs to check the exhaust system, vacuum the interior, inspect the heating element, and verify the operating temperature. Parts that need testing or analysis for potential replacement include the controls, power cords, electrical connections, moisture sensor, drum, drive system, and seals.
Some of these might seem like DIY projects, but you might void the warranty on your dryer if you attempt fixed you’re not qualified to make. If you live in Louisville, KY, schedule your appliance services with The Appliance Man Kentuckiana for prompt and professional work.
