Doing laundry is a task that most people dread, but it can get even more frustrating when your dryer is malfunctioning. On laundry day, one of the worst sights to see upon opening your dryer is a load of damp clothes, after the cycle has already completed.
A dryer that’s not drying clothes is at best an inconvenience, but at worst, it’s a fire hazard. There are a variety of problems that can lead to a dryer not doing its job properly:
- Clogged ductwork. Proper dryer care and maintenance goes beyond simply cleaning out the lint screen after each cycle. Ductwork — piping that extends from your appliance to the exterior of your building to properly vent out the expelled air – gets clogged with lint and other debris, too. It’s important to clean ductwork out on a yearly basis; otherwise, it can quickly become a fire hazard. You should also consider the type and length of ductwork that’s installed in your home. Smooth plenum ductwork, for example, is more efficient than the corrugated, slinky-like equipment that can actually catch lint in its folds. Similarly, short ducts are more efficient than long ducts, because there is less space for lint and other debris to get stuck.
- Electrical issues. A malfunctioning dryer could also be tied to an electrical issue. It’s possible that the appliance isn’t receiving enough electricity to maintain the proper heat.
Without a seasoned technician that specializes in appliance repair, it’s difficult to know what is causing the issue. At HomeWiz, our technicians are experienced in appliances and can diagnose the issue, as well as perform maintenance checks. Dryer inspection is included in some of our Service Club Membership plans.
No matter what, it’s important to make annual appointments with a service company to check your dryer for issues. That way, you can prevent future issues and keep energy costs low.
