Though the idea of repairing a clothes dryer can be pretty intimidating, the truth is that some types of repairs are surprisingly easy. Yes, dryers appear to be built like huge, impervious metal boxes, but they are typically pretty easy to open and relatively simple to fix.
As shown at How Clothes Dryers Works, a clothes dryer has a motor that turns a big drum containing the clothes, a heat source for blowing warm air into the drum to dry the clothes, and controls for operating the motor and heat source.
Some dryers have an electric element to do the heating while others utilize a gas flame; the latter must be vented.
Clothes dryer problems generally occur because the heat source doesn't heat properly or the motor fails to turn the drum.
If a gas dryer doesn't dry properly, the first thing to check is the pilot light or igniter--it may not be lighting the burner. The second thing to check is the dryer's vent-if it is clogged with lint, the heating system won't work properly.
Pay attention to basic safety measures when working on a dryer. Always unplug the dryer, and turn off the gas supply to a gas dryer at the appliance shutoff valve.
As with most appliances, maintenance will keep your dryer purring. Clean the lint trap after every load, and clean the vent system once a year.
Does the ignitor glow? There should be a peep hole to watch for it.
×