At a Glance:
4 Signs That You Need to Replace Your Dryer
There are some people who always want the latest and greatest appliances, and there are others who hold onto appliances for decades until they finally break down. You may use your washer and dryer a few times a week or several times a day, depending on the size of your family. But without an efficient clothes dryer, the everyday household chore of doing the laundry can become a major hassle.
Other than the obvious signs of your dryer catching on fire or finding your clothes ripped, you can check the power, heating wire, thermal fuse, and heat blower wheel to potentially fix minor problems; however, there are certain signs that indicate when it’s time to replace your old dryer that shouldn’t be avoided. If you think it might be time to move on from your old clothes dryer, check out our guide that will go over four key signs that it’s time for a replacement, potential solutions, as well as several tips and tricks to keep your current unit running smoothly.
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4 Signs That You Need to Replace Your Clothes Dryer
If you’re even remotely suspicious that your clothes dryer is acting up, you need to address it right away. Detecting issues early will help you diagnose your dyer more efficiently and can even prevent them from becoming an issue in the first place! However, there are a couple of key signs that will point directly to replacing the unit once and for all ― let’s check them out.
1. Your Clothes Aren’t Dry
Do you still feel wet or damp areas when removing your clothes from the dryer? Or have you noticed that your dryer is taking longer than normal? If so, your dryer could be clogged up pretty badly beyond fixing. If you aren’t able to clear out the debris or have to run the unit several times before achieving an ideal dry, it very well could be time to replace the dryer.
2. Too Much Noise
Do you usually hear a lot of noise, such as banging, rattling, or high-pitched squealing? When your clothes dryer makes unusual sounds, it’s often in urgent need of repair or possibly replacement. In many cases, this can happen because of a defective blower wheel due to the blades becoming bent over time. You can potentially replace the wheel, then test the dryer to see if it’s still noisy. If the noise lingers when you run it, it’s time to invest in a new dryer.
3. Aging
The average life expectancy of a dryer is around 10-13 years. And no matter how great your clothes dryer is, all appliances will wear down eventually. Many are curious as to when to replace dryer? If your dryer has been around for close to a decade, you will likely be searching for a replacement soon. Older machines can actually cost you more money, while newer dryer models use less energy which helps you save on costs as well.
4. Exposed Wiring
We hope this one is a bit more obvious, but if you notice exposed wiring or a smoky odor ― it’s time to take action. An exposed wire could lead to a house fire, so you’ll need to handle this issue right away. You can potentially get a repairman to rewire your whole dryer, but it’s usually easier to just purchase a new unit.
How to Fix a Clothes Dryer
If your dryer has broken down or isn’t operating up to standards, you can often fix the problems yourself. With a little bit of determination and some elbow grease, you can avoid paying hundreds for your clothes dryer repairs. To help you improve the longevity of your dryer, here are a couple of quick tips and tricks that can both fix a faulty unit and extend its lifespan.
- Clean the lint trap every single load - The lint trap is your dryer’s first defense against fire from a clogged vent hose.
- Clean the vent hose on a regular basis – The general rule of thumb is that cleaning the vent too often is better than not cleaning it often enough since a collection of fiber in the hose is the dryer version of kindling wood.
- Make sure the vent hose isn’t bent or crushed - The vent is the escape for the blowing hot air, so you never want the dryer heating element to be blocked. Sometimes the dryer gets pushed too far back, and this is how the vent hose ends up getting crushed.
- Always ensure that the vent flap can open - If the flap can’t open, this is another way to block the hot air in and create a fire hazard. Also, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the vent flap to make sure it’s working because this might be your first tipoff that there is a problem with your dryer.
Most people often don’t give their dryer a second thought until something goes wrong. However, that can make the issue sometimes much worse than needed. When your dryer starts requiring repairs consistently, or if the repair bill is just too high, it doesn’t justify keeping an older machine ― it’s time to look into replacing it. At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we have a gracious inventory of the best clothes dryers on the market that will make sure your laundry comes out soft and fresh for many years to come.
Clothes Dryer Facts
To help wrap up this quick guide on when you should replace your clothes dryer, we’ve answered a couple of frequently asked questions to help you find the perfect solution for your laundry arrangement.
Q: How long does it take to install a dryer?
A: Installing a dryer should take about an hour. There is sometimes a gas line that needs to be connected to the dryer (unless it’s electric), vent hose, electrical wiring, and eventual testing.
Q: How far does a clothes dryer need to be away from the wall?
A: It's ideal to have around six inches of space behind your dryer.
Q: Do dryers use water?
A: Dryers can actually use a substantial amount of water for drying (up to 210 liters for some units.) This is due to the dryer's condenser mechanism using water from the tap for cooling.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Clothes Dryers at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop the best clothes dryers today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the perfect laundry appliances, no matter what! Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
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