Some people purchase brand new household appliances every year, while some keep their appliances for decades until they eventually malfunction and break down. Depending on your family size and lifestyle habits, you may use your dryer and washer either a few times a week or many times in a day. Without an efficient and functioning dryer, everyday household duties and chores can start to become a big hassle.
Although you can always check the heating wire, blower wheel, power, and thermal fuse to resolve minor problems with your dryer, there are certain warning signs that indicate it is time to replace your old appliance with a newer model.
Clothes are Not Drying Properly
Do you feel any damp or wet areas when you take out the clothes from your dryer? If so, your dryer could simply just be clogged up. Before you purchase a new appliance or contact the technician, you should clear all the lint screens and accurately the vent outside your house. While your dryer is running, you will be feeling a strong airflow that comes through the vent. In addition, it is recommended to check if there are any bends found in the air duct at the back of the dryer, as it could be hindering the air from being able to escape.
If you need to run many cycles to properly dry just one single load, it is definitely a sign that your dryer is not working. If you have checked all of the issues mentioned above and still face problems, it may be better to simply replace your dryer.
Excessive Noise
Do you hear a lot of noise very often, like banging, rattling, or high-pitched squealing? When your dryer starts to make unusual sounds and noises, it is likely in urgent need of a replacement or repair. In several cases, this could occur due to a defective blower wheel, as the blades might become bent as time goes by. You can try replacing the wheel and then testing if the dryer is still noisy. If the noise is still there, you should invest in a new dryer.
Not Working Effectively
You may observe that your dryer is moving or swaying around vigorously. Regardless if your appliance is a gas or electric dryer, this could be due to a problem with the drum or an unbalanced load. Either way, if more than one cycle is needed for the dryer to function effectively, there could be a bigger underlying issue with the dryer that you may only realize a long while later.
It Is Too Old
Clothes dryer usually can last for around 10 to 13 years. If your dryer has been with you for almost a decade, you should be starting to search for a replacement. Older appliances typically cost you more, as newer models are more energy efficient and will help you save money on electrical bills. Regardless of how amazing your dryer may be, all household appliances will ultimately break down one day.
Exposed Wiring
First unplug the dryer and take away the back panel. When checking the wiring inside, do you notice any peeling or cracked plastic coating? Do you detect a smoke odor, or notice exposed wiring? If so, it is definitely time to replace your dryer, as an exposed wire could potentially result in a house fire.
