Dryers

Problem: My Dryer takes too long to dry my clothes.

Solutions:
Your Dryer's vent could be clogged or restricted by lint and other debris. To function properly, your dryer requires an unrestricted air flow path from the lint trap to the point of exit at a wall. You can make sure the pathway is unobstructed by cleaning the vent system of any built up lint, and by making sure the vent hose is not kinked.

If your clothes are taking too long to dry, the heating element of your dryer could be malfunctioning(electric dryers). It could be that your heating element has burned out, but still has enough of a connection to produce very low heating temperatures. If this is the case with your Dryer, you will have to replace the heating element. 

Problem: My Dryer is not starting.

Solutions:
Your Dryer may not be receiving the proper voltage to start. First, make sure your Dryer is plugged in. Also, check the circuit breaker panel to make sure all the circuit breakers are in the correct positions. Finally, check to make sure no fuses in your fuse panel are blown. Any of these could be the reason power is not getting to your Dryer.

The power cord of your Dryer could be frayed or burned, causing a lack of power to start your Dryer. Sometimes main power cords can become frayed or severed from the Dryer completely. This is considered a major fire hazard. You will have to replace both the power cord itself as well as the corresponding terminal block that attaches the power cord to the Dryer.

It just might be the door switch that is causing your Dryer to not start. If the door switch is no longer functioning properly, it will need to be replaced.

If the dryer is making a "humming or buzzing" noise, it's possible you could have a bad motor.

Problem: My Dryer will not heat up.

Solutions:
If your Dryer won't heat up, it's possible that it is not being supplied with the proper voltage. First, make sure your Dryer is plugged in. Also, check the circuit breaker panel to make sure all the circuit breakers are in the correct positions and not blown.  If you have a 220V electric dryer, make sure you have 220 going to the dryer.  An electric dryer will tumble on 110V, but won't heat without 220V.

The power cord may be frayed or burned. Sometimes main power cords can become frayed or severed from the Dryer completely. This is considered a major fire hazard. You will have to replace both the power cord itself as well as the corresponding terminal block that attaches the power cord to the Dryer.

It is also possible that the heating element in your (electric) Dryer is defective. Heating elements are irrepairable. You will have to replace the element if it has ceased to function properly.  

Another possible cause for a Dryer to not heat up could be attributed to a faulty thermal fuse. Once a fuse has blown, it is no longer of any use. If your Dryer won't heat because of a blown fuse, you will have to replace the fuse.  Not all brands have a thermal fuse.

In gas dryers, make sure there is not a crack/break in the ceramic ignitor.  If the ignitor is making an orange glow, your ignitor is good.  Some brands have a thermal fuse and this is usually located in the back of the dryer near the 4" vent (remove back cover).  An ohm meter is good to check this part.  No continuity, replace fuse.  Also see above about a clogged vent.  Gas dryers that the ignitors glow, fire up and then shut down and don't re-fire, the problem is usually in the gas valve solenoid coils.

Problem: My Dryer is not tumbling.

Solutions:
If your Dryer won't tumble, it could mean that the belt or idler pulley is broken. Belts wear over time, eventually breaking. If you need to replace yours, you may want to replace the idler pulley at the same time. If the belt is worn enough that it has broken, then the pulley has also received a lot of wear.

Your Dryer might not be tumbling due to an inoperable door switch. Check to see if you door switch is working. If it isn't, then you will have to replace it.

It is also possible that your Dryer will not tumble because the motor is defective. If this is the case, you will need to replace your motor.

Problem: My Dryer is tearing up my clothes.

Solutions:
A defective front or rear seal could be the reason your clothes are coming out of the Dryer torn. The seal is designed to keep clothes from getting between the drum and the front or rear wall of the dryer. If this seal becomes worn or torn, your clothing may become lodged between the two parts. Because the Dryer drum keeps turning, the clothes get ripped.  (Not all brands have this seal).

Torn clothing could mean that the glides in your dryer have become defective. The glides support the drum towards the front of the Dryer. They can wear over time, causing the drum to slump or sag toward the front of the Dryer. When this happens, a pinch point is created at the top of the drum. It is this pinch point that can tear clothing. If this happens in your Dryer, you will have to replace the entire set of glides.  (Not all brands have glides).

Another possiblity for torn clothing could be defective drum support rollers. The rollers support the drum in the back of the Dryer. These too can wear over time, causing the drum to slump or sag in the back. Again, a pinch point is created, causing clothing to tear. If it is the drum support rollers in your Dryer that have become defective, you will have to replace the entire set of rollers. (Not all brands have rollers)