Dryer Maintenance & Repair Tips
Dryer maintenance that matters in Arizona: what keeps a dryer running, what you can check yourself, and the point where it stops being a DIY job.
What usually fails on a dryer here
Tumbling but not heating is the thermal fuse or the heating element, and a thermal fuse almost never blows without a reason. That reason is nearly always poor airflow, so if you replace the fuse without clearing the vent, the new one just blows too.
Check this first — about two minutes
Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.
- 1Pull the vent hose off the back and check it, and make sure the flap outside opens.
- 2A blocked vent is the most common cause we see.
- 3It's also a real fire risk, so do this today either way.
Still not fixed?
The longer version, written for a dryer that has already failed the quick check above.
Keeping a dryer out of trouble
Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.
- Every load
Clear the lint screen. Not most loads, every load. It's the cheapest fire prevention in the house.
- Yearly
Disconnect and clear the vent duct all the way to the outside. A blocked vent is the most common reason a dryer takes three cycles to dry a load.
- Yearly
Make sure the vent flap outside opens. They stick, and birds nest in them.
When to stop and call someone
Past the point of a home fix?
Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.
Call (480) 791-8858 Schedule Service(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County