Any electric dryer gurus in here?

[scootergmc]

So my wife has been complaining that our dryer is taking a longer time to dry things. Yeah yeah, I should listen, but I just say, "well, dry something on the high setting instead of the low. " I've checked the exhaust vent to make sure it's clear.



Well, today I'm washing some towels... I have it on high. They're usually done in about 45-50 min. Today, it takes about 70-80 min. So now she has me convinced. That'll teach me.



Here's my symptoms. It's warm (not super hot liek when it's on the high setting). I would say the "hot" setting feels more like the "medium" setting. Where do I start? It's just a basic Roper electric dryer. We've had it for about 7 years. Nothing special. Anyone?

 

[ACoyle]

1) When you say that you checked the vent, did you check the hoses (Pipe) coming out of the dryer to the bent.

2) Is there a vent door that is stuck?

3) there is also a thermostat and temp sensor that could be it>

4) Finally partial outage of the heating element.



Lots of things to look at, sorry.



Maybe this webboard:



http://groups.google.com/group/alt....78399805aff/e5a9676a4f18a2a7#e5a9676a4f18a2a7

 

[formula]

I'd recommend to take apart the vent ducting that's inside the base of the dryer. You would not believe the crap that can build up inside there. Just cleaning the part that you can see usually isn't good enough.



If it is really plugged up in there, the resulting low airflow could cause the thermal switch to shut down the heating elements resulting in lower heat output and long drying times.



Of course, it could be that the thermal switch itself is shot or one of the heating coils is shot. A quick test with a multimeter will let you know.



Sean

 

[nickleinonen]

lint trap restricting air flow?



how's the air flow feel coming out of the dryer vent. . more flow = faster drying

 

[WCPoe]

Wall plug bad???

Scoot - Several years ago ours was doing the same thing. When I pulled the plug from the wall the male prongs were all eat up. I believe the vibration from the dryer had loosened the plug and eventually the electrical arcing caused the connection to be almost non-existent. I replaced the plug and the receptacle, (which on inspection was burnt-up also), and it has been working fine ever since. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Skydiver]

Hello Scooter,

The elements are probably bad. It could be a high temp sensor not closing.

I did once twist the element back together on my friends dryer where they had burnt out. It worked for another year.

I have repaired about 6 electric dryers and once put a new igniter on my home gas dryer. Most are simple.

If you are familiar with an OHM meter UNPLUG it and check for an "open circuit". Remember the door (switch) must be closed also.

Most units will have the wiring schematic on the back of the unit. Depending on how elaborate the unit is will determine how complicated the wiring is. You stated your's is a basic roper.

Double check the ventilation ducts all the way back to the dryer.

If you have to replace it check the energy ratings on a gas unit.

 

[TowPro]

We got one of those new front loader Bosch setups around a year ago. she always complained how it took longer to dry. I had that flex pipe on the dryer vent, so a couple weeks ago I replaced it with solid pipe. Believe it or not it made a difference!



Plus ours has a moisture sensor inside that we have to wipe off with white vinager every couple weeks.



As others have said, go after the lint. Anywhere between the lint screen and the outside vent.

 

[scootergmc]

Thanks for the tips guys. I pulled the back cover, and vacuumed the lint from everywhere- it had built up over the years, but it was still relatively clean. I removed the lint chute and cleaned it out also- it wasn't bad. The plug is fine, it looks brand new. The vent pipe was clean from dryer to wall. .



I did a load after the cleaning, it seemed to work like normal (good). Interesting.



When I get more time I'll have to clean out the pipe leading out through the roof. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Dieselnut59]

God, I love my propane dryer. I have been offered several free electric ones and have no interest. SInce then, I have aquired one "cheap" gas and another free gas one. Gas dryers ROCK! Load of towels is dry in 30 min with a gas dryer!