The clothes dryer is one of the most used appliances in the home. When it stops working, takes too long to dry clothes, or simply doesn’t start at all, it can quickly become frustrating.
While there are many brands of dryers on the market, they all operate using the same basic principles. That means many common problems can often be identified with a few simple checks.
Below are five important things to check if your dryer isn’t working properly before calling for service.
If you check these items and still have problems, Dryer Vent Cleaner can help diagnose the issue and make sure your dryer vent system is safe and operating efficiently.
1. Make Sure the Dryer Is Plugged In
It may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how often this is the problem.
Sometimes when moving items behind the dryer or cleaning the laundry area, the electrical plug can become loose or unplugged. If you press start and the dryer does absolutely nothing, the first thing to check is the power connection.
Make sure the dryer plug is fully seated in the outlet before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.
2. Check the Circuit Breaker
If the dryer is plugged in but still not working, the next thing to check is your electrical panel.
Dryers use a dedicated breaker, and occasionally the breaker may trip. If this happens:
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Locate the dryer breaker in your panel
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Flip it fully to the OFF position
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Then switch it back ON
If the breaker continues to trip, there may be an underlying issue such as overheating or a problem inside the dryer itself.
3. Check the Lint Trap and Dryer Vent
This is one of the most common causes of dryer problems.
If the lint trap is full or the dryer vent is clogged, airflow becomes restricted. When this happens your dryer can:
• Take much longer to dry clothes
• Run hotter than normal
• Shut down due to overheating
• Trip the breaker
• Leave clothes damp after a cycle
Many homeowners clean the lint trap but forget that lint continues building up inside the dryer vent duct and even inside the dryer itself.
Dryer manufacturers recommend that the entire dryer vent system be cleaned regularly, all the way through to the outside vent hood.
If your dryer takes longer to dry clothes or feels unusually hot, it may be time for professional dryer vent cleaning.
If you suspect your dryer vent may be clogged, give Dryer Vent Cleaner a call. We service Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, St. Catharines, Grimsby and surrounding areas and can quickly restore proper airflow.
4. Check the Heating Element
If the dryer runs but produces little or no heat, the heating element may have failed.
A quick test is to run the dryer for a few minutes on a regular timed cycle. If the drum turns but no heat is generated, the heating element or thermostat could be the issue.
This type of repair is usually best handled by an appliance technician.
However, keep in mind that restricted airflow from a clogged dryer vent can also cause heating problems, so it’s important to ensure the vent system is clear.
5. Check for Uneven Loads
Sometimes the issue isn’t mechanical at all.
If laundry inside the dryer becomes unbalanced, the dryer may:
• Shake violently
• Make unusual noises
• Stop mid-cycle
If this happens, pause the dryer and redistribute the load evenly before restarting the cycle.
Still Having Dryer Problems?
If you’ve checked the items above and your dryer still isn’t working properly, the problem may be lint buildup inside the dryer vent or inside the dryer itself.
At Dryer Vent Cleaner, we specialize in:
✔ Dryer Vent Cleaning
✔ Dryer Vent Repairs
✔ Dryer Vent Installation
✔ Dryer Internal Cleaning
We service homeowners throughout:
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • St. Catharines • Stoney Creek • Grimsby • Beamsville
If your dryer is taking too long to dry clothes, running hotter than normal, or shutting down unexpectedly, give us a call and we’ll make sure your dryer vent system is clean, safe, and working properly.