Top 5 Dryer Problems: Troubleshooting and Tips
Unlock the secrets to resolving your most frustrating dryer dilemmas with expert insights and tips. Whether it's strange noises, lack of heat, or premature shutdowns, we've got you covered with practical advice to tackle the top five dryer problems identified by Sears Home Services technicians. Keep your appliance running smoothly and efficiently with these troubleshooting solutions and maintenance tips.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The top five dryer issues include strange noises/vibrations, failure to heat up, not running at all, incomplete drying cycles, and early shut-offs.
- These problems often stem from issues like worn dryer drum seals, broken heating elements, blown thermal fuses, venting issues, or problems with the thermostat.
- Most dryer malfunctions can be prevented by avoiding consistent overloading, regularly cleaning the lint screen and ventilation system, ensuring proper maintenance, and addressing issues promptly to extend the lifespan of your dryer.
Solve your biggest dryer problems with these hints and tips from our experts.
Is your dryer shutting off early? Does it make strange noises? Have you opened the door after a load finishes running only to be greeted by a pile of wet clothes, or turned it on and find that nothing happens?
Our appliances are supposed to work. So when they don’t, it can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you’re not a repair expert or even a handy DIY type.
The experts at Sears report that the top five dryer problems are:
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It’s making strange noises or vibrations.
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It doesn’t heat up.
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It’s not running at all.
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It runs but doesn’t fully dry loads.
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It shuts off too early.
What about the causes of these problems? One big culprit is consistent overloading. Others include blocked ventilation and clogged lint screens.
Here are the top five dryer problems and solutions, identified by the repair experts at Sears. And don’t worry, with proper care and maintenance, your dryer will be up and running again in no time.
# 1 PROBLEM: Dryer Is Making Strange Noises or Vibrations
LIKELY CULPRIT: The dryer drum seal can wear down over time as a result of frequent overloading, or through contact with foreign objects.
# 2 PROBLEM: Dryer Runs But Never Heats Up
LIKELY CULPRIT: The heating element has broken. Some things that can cause this to happen include blocked ventilation, a clogged lint screen and a consistently overloaded machine.
# 3 PROBLEM: Dryer Doesn’t Run
LIKELY CULPRIT: Its thermal fuse has blown. The causes vary but can involve a clogged lint screen, an overloaded machine or blocked ventilation.
# 4 PROBLEM: Dryer Runs But Doesn’t Dry Clothes
LIKELY CULPRIT: Over 90% of service calls for not drying are venting issues caused by a clogged lint screen, an overloaded machine or blocked ventilation.
# 5 PROBLEM: Dryer Runs But Then Shuts Off Mid-Cycle
LIKELY CULPRIT: There’s a problem with the thermostat due to blocked ventilation, a clogged lint screen or a consistently overloaded machine.
By now you’ve probably figured out that the major causes of dryer malfunction come down to these three things: a clogged lint screen, overloading your machine or poor ventilation. There are very few dryer problems that can’t be fixed — it’s rare to have to completely replace the unit. So if you avoid those top three dryer problems, you should have a dryer that lasts a long time.
Schedule your dryer repair now!
Count on our knowledgeable technicians to provide thorough dryer repairs, ensuring your appliance operates at peak performance for years to come.
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