Your clothes dryer is a workhorse appliance. You depend on it to keep your household chores flowing smoothly. But what happens when your clothes are still damp after they come out of the dryer? It’s an annoying and frustrating circumstance that the experts at Alpha Tech Appliance are here to help you with. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons why your dryer isn’t heating properly and how to fix it.
Ensure Dryer isn’t Overloaded
Dryer not drying your clothes? Many people make the mistake of cramming too many clothes into their dryer. Overloading the dryer minimizes the airflow, meaning that the warm air blowing into the drum can’t adequately reach all the clothing items inside the appliance.
Consult the manufacturer’s directions for optimal dryer loading so this doesn’t happen to you.
Review Settings
Make sure to use the correct settings on your dryer based on what items you’ve loaded into the appliances. For example, if you load the dryer with towels and jeans but only put the dial on delicate or air dry, there’s no way that your clothes are going to be dried in the desired time.
Again, consult the instruction manual that came with your appliance to ensure proper usage of the dryer.
Clean out Filter
Dryer not heating up? A full filter or lint trap means that there is restricted airflow to the dryer and your machine cannot operate correctly. You should clean out the lint trap every time you use the dryer. Don’t use water. The lint should easily roll off when you pick at it with your fingers.
Every six months, you can do a deeper clean by removing the screen and scrubbing it with hot soapy water. Let it dry completely for up to 24 hours before returning it to the dryer.
Dryer Vent may be Obstructed
Drying not drying clothes? Another way that air flow is blocked in your dryer is through the vent that takes the hot air outside of your home. If you are able to, you can detach the vent pipe from the dryer and inspect it to make sure nothing is blocking the air from getting out.
If you are not comfortable doing this task, you can always hire a technician from Alpha Tech Appliance to help you out.
Deep Clean Inside Vent
Before you start cleaning the vent, ensure that your dryer is unplugged or that the gas line valve is switched to the “off” position. Detach the dryer vent from the back of the dryer and gently run a brush along the edge of the dryer duct.
Re-attach the vent, plug the dryer back in or turn on the gas and test it out. If it’s still not working, you’ll probably need to call a professional appliance repair technician.
Confirm Vent System is Installed Properly
Clothes dryer not heating? Make sure that your dryer’s vent system is properly installed. There should be no kinks in the hose. Also, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to see how many bends you are allowed.
In the best-case scenario, you should be using a rigid metal pipe for the best airflow, however, this is not always possible and many homeowners must use flexible foil ones to accommodate their respective setups.
Clean Sensor of Dryer
Many dryers have sensor bars inside the appliance that detect moisture and tell the dryer when to switch off. If the sensor becomes too coated with dirt and grime, then it may not work properly, leaving your clothes still damp after a cycle.
Gently wipe off the sensor regularly to ensure proper functionality.
Check Location of Dryer
If your clothes aren’t drying properly, it could be the position of your dryer.
If you have machines installed in a closet, you must ensure that the room itself has proper ventilation and that the appliances have adequate space to let air flow.
Look for Heat
Turn on the dryer and go outside to your vent. If you’re not feeling adequate airflow, like that which might come from a hair dryer, then you have a heating issue.
Also, if your dryer is turning but not getting hot, there may be an issue with the heating element or appliance wiring.
Contact Us
If your dryer still isn’t working or you have other repair and installation concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the appliance repair experts at Alpha Tech Appliance. We’re standing by to help you 24/7.
Contact us now to book your appointment.