Having a working clothes dryer is a necessity. Line drying clothes may be possible some of the time, but in many cases the weather isn’t favorable and some neighborhood associations don’t allow clotheslines. A dryer is the best option for getting your laundry dry quickly and efficiently.
A common problem that occurs with dryers is failure to heat up. The drum may turn and the laundry tumbles, but without heat the clothes won’t get dry. If you go to get the clothes out after a cycle and they’re still wet, your dryer must have a problem.
What causes a lack of heat in a dryer and what should you do about it? Here’s what you should know about troubleshooting your dryer and when to call for an appliance repair service.
Reasons for No Heat in Your Dryer
When your drying is not heating up, there are a few potential causes:
- Broken heating element. The heating element is the part of the dryer that heats up to dry the laundry. If the heating element is broken, the dryer can’t produce any heat. This can usually be replaced easily to get your dryer heating up again.
- No electricity. If the dryer fails to turn on at all, check to make sure the dryer is plugged in. If so, check the circuit breaker in your electrical box to make sure it is not tripped. If all seems correct but there is still no power, there may be a problem with the wiring.
- Lack of gas. If you have a natural gas or propane dryer, make sure the dryer is getting adequate fuel. Propane tanks must be refilled periodically, so it’s possible that your tank is empty. For natural gas, make sure the gas is turned on. If your dryer doesn’t seem to be getting any gas or if you smell natural gas (a rotten egg or skunk smell), contact your supplier.
- Severely clogged lint screen or vent. Sometimes you won’t feel any heat in your dryer and the clothes won’t dry if the lint trap is full. Your dryer also has a vent, usually a silver tube that leads to the outside of your home, that allows the heat to escape. Make sure this tube is clear and connected to the dyer and the outside vent.
- Blown thermal fuse. As a safety feature, dryers have a thermal fuse. The thermal fuse will detect excessive heat and shut down the dryer to prevent fire. If the thermal fuse is activated due to extremely high temperatures, it will need to be replaced before your dryer will run again.
- Timer/Setting knob broken. If your dryer has a knob that you turn to set the cycle or the timer for the load, it may be that the knob itself is broken. The knob may turn on the outside without connecting to the mechanism inside that will activate the heat setting. Your dryer may run but not call for any heat.
When Should I Call For Professional Repair?
If you’ve cleaned the lint trap and vent, checked the power or fuel source, made sure the dryer is set to a cycle that calls for heat, and your dryer is still not heating up, you may need to call an appliance repair service. Unless you have experience with dryer repair, calling a professional is the best choice to get your dryer working safely again. Dryers are one of the biggest potential fire hazards in the home, but a knowledgeable technician can ensure your dryer is working properly for optimal safety.
America’s Appliance Repair Provides Dryer Repair
When your dryer isn’t working properly, you need fast repair, especially if you don’t have the option to line dry your laundry. America’s Appliance Repair can diagnose the problem and repair your dryer so you can get your clothes dry. Repairs can help your dryer run more efficiently as well, saving electricity or fuel and lowering your monthly bill.
Call (512) 351-7624 or contact us today to schedule a service appointment.