Doing laundry can be highly therapeutic because it takes a load off your mind. However, a dryer that doesn’t work can be equally traumatic. This is why our topic today is how to repair electric dryer. Throughout this guide, we’ll discover the main causes of your dryer not working as it should and how to solve each issue simultaneously. Along with that, we’ll also mention some maintenance tips to keep your electric dryer in optimal condition regardless of its brand. We’ll also answer some of your frequently asked questions at the end of this guide. 

Let’s get your dryer fixed.

Ready Your Tools & Locate The Issue

The first and foremost thing you must do is prepare your necessary tools. For a thorough check-up, you’ll need a voltage meter, a screwdriver, a wirecutter, and for cleaning, you’ll need a bristle brush. As for the repair materials, they can vary based on the nature of the issue. We’ll mention these materials along the way. Now, let’s check out the issues and how we can fix them.

Reliable home dryer repair services are essential for maintaining your dryer’s efficiency. Whether it’s not heating, taking too long to dry clothes, or making unusual noises, professional technicians can quickly diagnose and fix the problem. Expert repair services ensure your dryer is back to optimal performance, saving you money on costly replacements and providing the convenience of a fully functioning appliance.

1. Inspect The Power Plug

While it may seem obvious, a loose power plug can hinder your electric dryer from working properly. Move your dryer and check if the power plug is plugged in correctly. If the plug is in the socket and the dryer is not turning on then you might have a bad plug cord on your hands. Simply, get a new 120V or 240V dryer cord based on your dryer’s voltage capacity. If your dryer has a 3-prong plug then get a 120V cord and if it has a 4-prong plug, you will need a 240V cord. 

To change the cord, unscrew the plug and the cord connection from the dryer. After that, cleanly cut both ends of the cord to reveal the earth (green), neutral (white), red (hot wire), and black (hot wire) wires. Give them small cuts to reveal the copper wire underneath. Make sure to only cut enough insulation to fit your terminals on both ends. Once you do that, place each wire to its respective terminal. Double-check everything to make sure everything is screwed in properly. 

If done correctly, you’ll have your dryer back on track. On the high end, this repair should only cost you between $30 to $60. 

1. Check The Fuses 

If you are sure that your power cord is completely fine then the issue might be with the fuses. Get your voltage meter and check if the power outlet is giving adequate power. If not, it’s time to replace the fuse in your circuit breaker. These fuses can blow due to a multitude of reasons. The most common being power surges. A fuse is beneficial for you because it keeps your dryer from a potential short circuit and other major damages. Once you locate the associated fuse in your circuit breaker, simply replace it with a new one and your power outlet should be back to its normal state. New fuses are inexpensive, a replacement should only cost you between $5 to $15. A 10-minute repair with an equivalent cost is way better than paying hundreds of dollars for a professional repair service. 

After you check the circuit breaker, check the thermal fuse inside your dryer. The thermal fuses for each dryer brand are located in different areas, check your dryer user manual to find its location. Once you do that, try to turn your dryer on. If it doesn’t turn on then you might have to replace the thermal fuse. These fuses can break either due to an electric surge or an overheating issue in your dryer. Get the respective thermal fuse and replace it. After that, your dryer should work properly. 

1. Check The Power Button & Temperature Sensor

If your electric dryer turns on for a moment but turns off after a couple of minutes then you might have a faulty temperature sensor. A temperature sensor is a fail-safe feature to keep your dryer from heating up. This sensor can malfunction due to a power surge or overheating. Connect your voltage meter, turn your dryer on, and check if the voltage is at the appropriate level. Otherwise, get a new sensor and replace it. These sensors are quite cheap and can be easily plugged in. A high-quality sensor will cost you around $20-40 from a trusted manufacturer. After replacing the sensor, turn your dryer on, If it doesn’t turn off then your problem is fixed. 

If your dryer isn’t heating properly, consider our repair dryer heating element services. A malfunctioning heating element can leave clothes damp and increase energy costs. Our expert technicians can diagnose and fix the issue efficiently.

1. Clean The Filters and Check Your Dryer Vents

Another issue that your dryer can face is unclean filters and clogged vents. This can put an extra load on your dryer and overheat it. Remove the lint filter and clean it adequately. Your dryer can have two filters depending on the size & capacity. To clean your filters, remove the lint first with a brush and then thoroughly wash the filter for any residue. Once they are clean, dry your filter and put them back in. As for the vents, use a bristle brush to remove accumulated lint and dust. Moreover, check the dryer vents for any blockage. After cleaning the filters and vents, your dryer should be back to its optimal condition. 

1. Electric Dryer: Examine For Knocking Noise

Lastly, if your dryer produces any knocking noise while it is spinning, there might be a couple of reasons for it. Firstly, check if your clothes have coins, keys, or heavy objects inside them. Removing them and the noise should be eliminated. If it continues then your dryer might have worn out drum bearings or loose tumbler support. For this purpose, you might a professional’s help to effectively get rid of the problem. This is because it requires a disassembly of the dryer to replace the bearings and support panels. It is better to keep yourself safe from messing up any electrical or structural features. One important thing to keep in mind is to always keep your dryer leveled. An uneven surface is the major cause of bearing and support damage. 

If your laundry routine is disrupted by a malfunctioning dryer, our professional clothes dryer repair services can help. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Now let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions from around the internet. 

How much does it cost to repair an electric dryer? 

On average, a DIY dryer repair can cost you somewhere between $100-150 depending on the nature of the repair. However, with a serviceman, this cost can easily go up to $500. This is mainly due to the associated labor and increased material costs. 

Should I replace my broken electric dryer?

It is way cheaper to fix your existing dryer rather than to purchase a new one. Even a basic dryer can cost you upwards of $700. Compared to that, your broken electric dryer might only need a $100 repair. 

Conclusion

This is all you need to know about the issues and repairs associated with a broken electric dryer. We highly recommend that you give these solutions a try and bring your electric dryer back to its peak performance. If you still feel like you are missing a piece of information, your dryer’s user manual is your best friend. Give it a thorough read, it has all the information you might need. Along with that, we emphasize keeping your safety as the number one priority before handling your dryer.