Hearing strange noises from your dryer lately? Does it have a peculiar smell? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is an indication that your dryer needs to be repaired or replaced altogether. A good way to know what you should do depends on costs: when an appliance repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost, it is logical to purchase a new one. Continue reading to find some useful few tips on dryer repair and maintenance.
Ideally, a dryer's average lifespan is eight to twelve years if used according to the manufacturer's specifications. However, you can extend your dryer's lifecycle if you commit to regularly cleaning the lint trap. In addition to that, pay attention to the dryer hoses and all other heating elements within the appliance.
Did you know that an accumulation of trapped lint on heating elements could cause a fire? On the other hand, if your dryer is past its manufacturer's cycle and you begin to notice a drastic change in its performance, it is time to have a professional assess whether or not it needs a repair or if it should be replaced entirely.
Very often, people tend to overload their dryers because they are short on time. Whatever the reason is, it is never advisable to exceed the limit of your dryer’s capacity to function. This is a surefire way to damage your appliance. It does so by decreasing the dryer's efficiency, destroying the drum, and increasing electrical consumption. In other words, you should do frequent, moderately-sized loads to help with the proper usage of your appliances. Moreover, it is advisable to refer to the owner's manual whenever in doubt.
Efficient energy refers to an appliance's ability to function on a reduced amount of energy than most appliances. People looking to purchase laundry appliances often look for energy-efficient ones that fit into their routine activities. Some manufacturers promise a monthly (or yearly) $20 save on electricity consumption.
If you doubt the energy-efficiency of your dryer, adjust your settings to lower the heat when doing your laundry. It may take longer to dry your clothes, but you will certainly consume less electricity. Now and then, you should air-dry your clothes to save on power consumption. One strategy most people adopt is to do their laundry at night to conserve electricity.
Major home appliances are more costly than people realize, and they require a lot of attention if you want to try and use them for an extended period of time. Admittedly, it is stressful to have a faulty dryer on your hands when you are bent on sticking to a budget. Repairing or replacing altogether can take a significant chunk out of your savings, which is why you should take precautions with your dryer maintenance.