The 3 Things All Homeowners Can Do To Avoid Dryer Repairs

Whether your clothes dryer is a top-of-the-line model or a hand-me-down vintage machine, chances are good it will one day need a repair. After all, clothes dryers are one of the most-used household appliances in many family homes.

While a major breakdown requires hiring a professional washer and dryer repair contractor, there are many things homeowners such as yourself can do to prevent clothes dryer breakdowns. Here are three of the most common:

1. Clean the Lint Filter After Each Use and Clean the Exterior Venting System Annually

By far, one of the absolute best ways to extend the life of a clothes dryer is to clean out the lint filter after each and every use. Not doing so allows small fibers to blow through the filter and pass into the interior of the appliance. Over time, lint fiber buildup will lead to appliance failures and potentially even cause a fire.

In addition to regularly removing lint, you also need to clean out the entire exterior vent system at least once each year. A clogged vent prevents a dryer from working properly and will drive up your power bills.

2. Never Overload Your Clothes Dryer or Washing Machine

Since most people don't enjoy doing laundry, the natural tendency is to stuff the washer and dryer completely to get the task done in as few loads as possible. However, this is horrible for both washing machines and dryers.

Washing machines and dryers are designed to accommodate a certain amount of weight from a combination of water and clothing. When you exceed this weight by packing the machine with too many items, it is very hard on every part of the machine, especially the motor, belts, and bearings.

To increase the lifespan of your clothes dryer and washing machine, never overload it or force it to do more work than it's designed to do in one go.

3. Service Your Washing Machine When Necessary

Finally, some dryer problems aren't dryer issues at all. For example, if your washing machine is getting older and not adequately spinning all of the water out of your clothing, then it will appear your dryer isn't working correctly although it is working fine.

If you have to turn on your dryer multiple times to dry a single load of clothes because they are hot but not drying, then you should suspect your washing machine is the problem.

As washing machines age and their belts wear out, they often stop spinning as well. The lack of spin action leads to your clothing being wetter when it's moved from the washer to the dryer. This will make the dryer run far too long. This is not only hard on the dryer, but it is also a leading cause of increased power bills.

So, if your clothes feel wet coming out of the washing machine, then the appliance needing repair is the washer and not the dryer.

Contact a washer and dryer repair service near you to learn more.