At a Glance:
Common Reasons a Dryer Will Not Dry
When your dryer won’t spin or you find your dryer stopped working, this can cause a low-grade panic to ensue. Dryers are a modern necessity for most, and when they stop working it can be incredibly frustrating and overwhelming. Few people have an old-fashioned clothesline anymore, and you feel quite helpless when you are left with a wet pile of clothes with no way to dry them.
The article below will give some color as to why your dryer may not be working, as well as ways to fix it. Also included below are tips on how to know whether you should replace or repair your machine, along with some estimates on repair costs. And finally, at the end are listed some of the top dryer options on the market today.
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See DryersCommon Reasons a Dryer Will Not Dry
We all know how frustrating it is when your dryer does not operate how it is supposed to. There are a few reasons why your dryer may not be operating as it should be and ways to check if these are the issues you are dealing with. Whether the lint screen is clogged, the vent hose is not working properly, or you have overstuffed your machine with too large of a load, there is typically a solution to your drying woes.
Sometimes, the reason your clothes are not drying is that you are using the sensor dry feature. This can be a helpful feature, but if the machine is sensing that one item of clothing is completely dry, it may stop the cycle, while not sensing that many items are still damp. This could be a reason your dryer is not fully drying your items. Or it simply could be that you have put too many items into your dryer. If you have overloaded your dryer with wet clothes, it may not have the power to completely dry the number of items you have put in. Thus, you may need to remove some items so the machine can properly do its job.
If your lint screen is clogged, this could prohibit the machine from fully drying your clothes, as it is not able to catch the lint coming off your fabrics. This could, in turn, clog your vent hose with the uncaught lint, which would stop your dryer from working properly. Ensuring your lint screen is cleaned every time you dry a load of laundry will help prevent your vent hose from clogging, which in turn should help your dryer function properly rather than not fully drying your clothes as you want it to.
→ Learn More: 6 Best Washer and Dryer Sets This Year
Dryer Not Heating
If your dryer will not heat, there are a few things you can check to determine what may be causing the issue. One possibility is that a thermal power fuse in the dryer needs to be replaced because it has been overblown. Or it could be that you have overloaded your dryer and it is not able to produce the power needed to heat and dry your items. These are the two most common reasons your dryer will not heat.
Dryer Won’t Start
When your dryer will not start, this indicates there is some sort of mechanical issue with the machine. One simple check to make first is that the dryer is still properly connected to power and that a fuse did not blow. These could be simple fixes as to why your dryer will not start.
Another reason why your dryer won’t start is that the thermal fuse, which prevents your dryer from overheating, could be faulty and need replacing. Or it could be that one of two significant switches is broken- the door switch or the start switch. If your door switch is broken, the dryer may not be starting because it cannot while it senses the door is “unlocked,” and you will need to have the switch repaired.
If your start switch is broken, this means the machine is not receiving a spark from the starter to start the motor of the machine. If you listen closely while you press the “start” button to begin a load, if you hear any sort of humming or noise that sounds like an engine trying to start, this could tell you whether the switch is broken or not. The start switch will also need to be replaced if this is the issue keeping your dryer from starting.
Dryer Keeps Shutting Off
One of the most basic reasons your dryer might stop in the middle of the dry cycle is overheating. Every dryer is equipped with a thermal overload switch that ensures your dryer does not become overheated. If your dryer’s motor is older, it may be that it is getting too hot, and the thermal overload is activating. When it activates, it stops your motor so that it can cool down. It may start up again after it reaches an acceptable temperature, but it is still something that needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, replacing a motor is something you would most likely need to hire a professional to do.
Another reason your dryer may be stopping is a malfunctioning moisture sensor. This sensor determines whether the items in your dryer are too wet; if they are, the sensor will stop the machine from running. If the moisture sensor is broken, it can easily be replaced by a technician.
Repair or Replace?
According to most appliance experts, a sturdy dryer will last anywhere from ten to fifteen years. Knowing the age of your dryer is a good way to know if you should repair the issue your dryer is having, or simply replace the machine. If your dryer is getting near the “retirement age” of ten or more years, replacing it altogether is a wiser option than repairing it. Investing your money in a newer model is a better financial decision than putting money into a repair for a machine that most likely will need to be replaced in a few years.
However, if your dryer is newer, it is certainly worth it to repair your dryer, especially if you like the one you own. If the repair you need is only a few hundred dollars, it is worth the investment to repair what is broken so you do not have to purchase a whole new dryer.
How Much Does Professional Repair Cost?
The cost of a professional repair for your dryer does depend on where you live and what repair services are available. However, on average, the cost to repair a dryer is anywhere from $100-$400. This is helpful to know as you consider whether you should repair or replace your dryer. If your repair is half the cost of a new dryer, it might be worth it to invest in a brand-new model rather than spend an inordinate amount on a repair.
3 Replacement Dryer Options
If you prefer to stick with the same brand when replacing your dryer, here are a few options from LG, Maytag, and GE. So, if you notice your LG dryer not drying, your Maytag dryer not drying, or your GE dryer not drying, you have some great replacement options below.
LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Electric Dryer
This stunning steel electric dryer from LG leaves you wanting nothing. Its large capacity allows you to dry all your items in one cycle, and the sensor dry feature ensures your fabrics are thoroughly dried before it finishes. The LoDecibel™ Quiet Operation feature allows the machine to work quietly so as not to disturb your household, and the FlowSense™ Duct Clogging & Lint Filter Indicators make certain you are always notified when you need to clean your machine to prevent high utility bills or damage to your machine. This dryer is an exceptional upgrade for any home and is highly recommended by users.
- Model: DLE7400VE
- Dimensions: (H) 44.25” x (W) 27” x (D) 29.5”
- Total Capacity: 7.3 Cu. Ft.
Maytag® 7.3 Cu. Ft. Metallic Slate Front Load Electric Dryer
This high-tech dryer from Maytag is a smart appliance, meaning it boasts the most modern of conveniences. You can control this device from anywhere with the touch of a few buttons, as well as receive notifications as your appliance finishes a load. It also contains numerous user-friendly settings such as Moisture Sensing, a Reduce Static option, a Wrinkle Prevent option, and more. This dryer is easy to use and with its sleek appearance, it would be a great benefit to any home.
- Model: MED8630HC
- Dimensions: (H) 38.75” x (W) 27” x (D) 30.75”
- Total Capacity: 7.3 Cu. Ft.
GE® 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Electric Dryer
This stainless-steel beauty from GE is available in two color options, white or sapphire blue. This appliance is made with built-in Wi-Fi so you can control your dryer from your smart device. It also contains helpful features such as a power steam option, stainless steel drum, wrinkle care, and a quick dry feature to expediently finish your load of laundry. This model has exceptionally high user ratings, with over 3,200 five-star reviews, proving it is certainly a high-value appliance you will not regret adding to your home.
- Model: GFD85ESSNWW
- Dimensions: (H) 39.75” x (W) 28” x (D) 32”
- Total Capacity: 7.8 Cu. Ft.
→ Learn More: 7 Extravagant Stainless Steel Appliances
Why Trust BlvdHome?
The roots of this family business began as early as the pioneer settlement of Southern Utah. One descendant of those 1861 pioneers was Lester Wittwer. In 1928, he started a trucking business with other family members, delivering homegrown fruits and vegetables to many outlying areas. The story of BlvdHome began in 1974, when Lester’s son Tony decided to venture off into the furniture world - with two full-time employees and a small showroom of only 8,000 square feet. Today, BlvdHome has 5 retail locations with over 160,000 sq. ft. of showroom space, located in St. George, Utah, Hurricane, Utah, Cedar City, Utah, Mesquite, Nevada, and a new Las Vegas location. With over 230 amazing team members, BlvdHome continues to deliver on a commitment to customer service that started over 90 years ago.
Shop Dryers at BlvdHome
At BlvdHome, we provide quality name-brand appliances, furniture, and mattresses for great prices. Shop dryers online or visit us today at one of our locations in Utah or Nevada. In the meantime, browse our website to shop BlvdHome Bargain Barn and check out our flooring selections to increase your home value. More available than ever, our experts at BlvdHome are always happy to help you find your next dryer whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
→ Learn More: 5 Tips to Maintain Your Dryer