What Causes a Dryer to Malfunction?

A dryer may not start for any number of reasons, including simple fixes like an unplugged unit, an overloaded dryer, or a blown circuit. More complex issues like a faulty outlet, blown thermal fuse, broken door switch, or a failing start button, belt, or motor could also cause a dryer to malfunction.

How Do You Tell If Your Dryer Is Broken?

You can tell your dryer is broken if your unit takes too long to dry clothes, won’t start, stop, spin, or heat up, makes loud noises, or produces a burning smell.

Can You Repair a Dryer by Yourself?

It’s possible to repair a dryer by yourself. Depending on the problem, you may be able to purchase and replace specific parts. However, more complex problems affecting the control board, thermal fuse, or heating element should be addressed by a professional.

Is It Worth It To Repair a Dryer?

It is worth repairing a dryer if the cost of the repair is less than two-thirds of the cost of a new dryer. A repair is also worth considering if a unit replacement is out of your budget, even if the repair is only a short-term solution.

What Does a Gas Dryer Hookup Look Like?

A gas dryer has two connections: an electric cord that plugs into a 120-volt AC outlet and the gas line hookup. The gas line hookup tends to be coated in yellow but can also just look like a braided stainless steel line.

Does a Gas Dryer Need a 220-volt Outlet?

A gas dryer can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. An electric dryer, on the other hand, requires the extra power of a 220-volt outlet.

What’s a Thermal Fuse?

A thermal fuse is a pre-installed safety device on a unit that trips if the air flowing through the dryer overheats. The most common reason for the fuse to trip is a blocked exhaust vent. A blown thermal fuse will need to be replaced by a service professional.

Why Does My Dryer Smell Like Gas?

Your dryer may smell like gas for any number of reasons, the most common being a faulty igniter. The exhaust system in your gas dryer may also be leaking. If you smell gas or something like kerosene when the dryer isn’t running, you may have a defective gas valve seal. If you’re experiencing this, stop using your dryer and call your gas company immediately. Once the gas company is through checking for leaks, call your local Mr. Appliance to handle the repairs needed.

Do I Need a Gas Dryer Vent?

Yes, you need a gas dryer vent. Gas dryers produce carbon dioxide, which can be harmful in large quantities and should always be vented outside. Venting also removes water vapor, which could produce mildew growth in your laundry room.

How Can I Tell If My Dryer Is Gas or Electric?

If there’s only one cord attached to your dryer — a heavy-duty electric plug that runs into a 220-volt outlet — you have an electric dryer. If there’s also a thin connector (typically stainless steel) hooked into your dryer in addition to the smaller electric wire, you have a gas dryer.

Dryer Vent Cleaning in Alexandria, LA

While you’re probably familiar with cleaning out your dryer’s lint trap, many homeowners do not understand the importance of regular dryer vent cleaning. Your dryer vent is located on the back of your dryer, and lint and hot air exhaust through a tube to the exterior of your home. Over time, lint, dirt, dust, and other particles can get trapped in various components of your dryer venting system. If the area becomes too clogged, there is a serious fire risk. At Mr. Appliance of Alexandria, LA, we will ensure your dryer vent is cleaned, and your dryer is operating safely and efficiently. Call us today to schedule dryer vent cleaning in Alexandria, LA or Pineville, LA.

Dangers of Not Cleaning Your Dryer Vents

If you don’t regularly clean your dryer vent, you risk an electrical fire or damage to your dryer and home. If you have a gas dryer, a clogged dryer vent can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. Your dryer will not operate as efficiently, meaning your clothes will take longer to dry, and you will pay more to use your dryer. Your dryer components will experience more wear and tear, making you more likely to need dryer repair or a new dryer within five to 10 years.

Mr. Appliance tech discussing dryer vent cleaning options

How Often Should You Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning?

Our appliance repair technicians recommend annual dryer vent cleaning services. However, if your dryer gets heavy use because you have a big household or do four or five loads of laundry each week, you should consider scheduling dryer vent cleaning every six months. We also recommend that you schedule a dryer vent cleaning service or dryer repair service if you notice any of these warning signs of a dirty dryer vent:

Your clothes are excessively hot when they come out of the dryer.
Your clothes take longer and longer to dry.
Your clothes are damp or musty smelling when the drying cycle is complete.
The area around your dryer or the dryer itself is very hot.
You smell a burning odor when you operate the dryer.
Your clothes have scorch marks on them or appear melted.
There is excessive lint in the dryer when you take your clothes out.
You can’t remember when you last scheduled dryer vent cleaning.

Our Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

We offer comprehensive dryer vent cleaning services. We will first inspect your dryer and its components to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. We will then unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall or wherever it is installed. We will remove the backplate from the dryer to access the components of its venting system. We will inspect and clean out all components thoroughly. We will then use powerful tools to remove dirt, debris, and other particles from the dryer vent casing, drywall, and ventilation tube. We will put everything back together and ensure it is all working properly. We will then go over proper dryer maintenance and care and schedule your next dryer vent cleaning.

Why Choose Mr. Appliance of Alexandria, LA

At Mr. Appliance of Alexandria, LA, we are a locally owned and operated appliance repair company. We are part of a national network of home service professionals, Neighborly. We operate by the Neighborly Done Right Promise - if a job isn’t done right, we’ll make it right. If you need a home service we don’t offer, we’ll refer you to another local Neighborly company. We have a team of appliance repair technicians who have years of experience. They will show up on time, in uniform, and with all the tools needed to solve any appliance issue, big or small. We work with all major appliance brands and most makes, models, and manufacturers. We take pride in our work and provide our services with respect, professionalism, and cleanliness. Our goal is to improve your appliances' performance, efficiency, and safety and leave your home in better condition than when we arrived.

Request an Estimate for Dryer Vent Cleaning Costs

If it has been over a year since you last had professional dryer vent cleaning (or you can’t remember the last time you scheduled dryer vent cleaning services), our appliance repair technicians can help. Call us today or request an appointment online, and we will give you an estimate for dryer vent cleaning costs in Alexandria, LA or Pineville, LA.