Troubleshooting Guide for Electric Dryers

Electric clothes dryers are a common appliance in many households. A variety of appliance manufacturers produce electric dryers, which come in various sizes and styles for home use and professional use. Most models have various drying options, including temperature and time settings. Although most electric clothes dryers work well with little difficulty, as with all appliances, issues may occasionally occur. Troubleshooting these problems may offer potential solutions.

• 1

  Ensure the electric dryer is plugged into a working power supply if the dryer does not turn on or function. Reset the circuit breaker or fuse if necessary.

• 2

  Open and close the dryer door firmly if the power is properly connected but the dryer is not working. Most dryers do not function if the door is not firmly closed.

• 3

  Open the dryer door and pull out the lint trap if the dryer is taking a long time to dry or does not seem to be drying items completely. Clean the lint trap after every use, as a full lint trap restricts air flow.

• 4

  Ensure the dryer is set on a stable, level surface if the dryer seems extremely noisy during use. Place a piece of plywood underneath the dryer, if necessary, to improve the level surface.

• 5

  Examine the seals, drum and baffles for signs of cracking, damage or leaking if clothes are damaged or stained. Wipe the drum with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue inside the dryer.

• 6

  Put the dial on a heated drying cycle if the clothes are not drying or there is no heat in the dryer. An "Air Dry" cycle does not use any heat. Look at the heating element, which is a long coil of wire, and test it with an ohm meter, which is available at most hardware or home repair stores. If there is no continuity, contact an authorized service technician for assistance.

• 7

  Turn on the dryer and hold a hand outside of the vent on the outside of the house if the dryer does not seem to be functioning properly. If you do not feel air flowing, turn off the dryer and unplug the dryer from the power supply. Clean the vent duct of any lint or other dirt or debris.

• 8

  Contact an authorized service technician if the above steps do not resolve the issue.