Weston, MA · Laundry
Dryer repair in Weston
We repair gas, electric, condenser and heat-pump dryers in Weston, MA, including Miele, Electrolux, Bosch, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag and Speed Queen. The most common problems are no heat, clothes taking two or three cycles to dry, a dryer that won’t start, and new squealing or thumping. Call (781) 386-1452 or send the form for a visit and a written estimate.
At a glance
Dryer problems and their usual causes
| Symptom | Usual cause | Can you check it? |
|---|---|---|
| Takes too long to dry | Lint buildup in the filter, the vent duct or the outside hood | Yes, mostly |
| Runs but no heat (electric) | Heating element, a thermal fuse, or one tripped breaker on a 240-volt circuit | Partly: check the breaker |
| Runs but no heat (gas) | Igniter, gas valve coils, flame sensor, or the gas supply | Partly: check the gas valve |
| Won’t start at all | Door switch, thermal fuse, or a broken belt | No, usually a technician |
| Squealing or thumping | Worn drum rollers, idler pulley or belt | No, a technician |
| Heat-pump dryer slow | Clogged door filter or plinth filter | Yes |
Why is my dryer taking so long?
In most homes it is airflow, not a broken part. A vented dryer pushes hot, damp air out through a duct to the outside. When lint builds up in the duct or the outside hood, the moist air can’t escape, drying takes much longer, and the dryer runs hotter than it should.
- Clean the lint filter every load. If water beads on it or it looks clogged with a film, wash it with warm soapy water and let it dry, especially if you use dryer sheets.
- Check the outside vent. With the dryer running, you should feel strong airflow at the hood outside, and the flap should open. Weak airflow means a restricted duct.
- Look at the duct behind the dryer. It should be short, without crushed sections, and made of metal. Plastic or thin foil duct is a fire risk and should be replaced.
- Don’t overload. Clothes need room to tumble.
If the vent is clear and the dryer still runs warm but slow, the heating side or a sensor is the next thing to check.
Lint is a fire risk, not just an efficiency problem
A U.S. Fire Administration report found that failure to clean accounts for 34 percent of clothes dryer fires in homes, and that lint, dust and fiber are the materials most likely to ignite (Safety+Health summary of the USFA report). The USFA advises venting dryers to the outside, cleaning lint traps, vents and other parts regularly, and keeping foam, rubber and plastic items, or anything that has touched gasoline or other flammable liquids, out of the dryer.
Stop using the dryer and call if you smell burning, the outside of the cabinet gets very hot, or clothes come out hotter than usual. Those are signs of a restricted vent or a failing safety part.
Why does my dryer run but not heat?
Electric dryers run on a 240-volt circuit with a double breaker. If one half trips, the drum can still turn but the heater gets no power, so check the breaker first. Beyond that, the heating element, a thermal fuse or a high-limit thermostat is the usual fault. A blown thermal fuse is often a symptom of a restricted vent, so we check the venting too, or the new fuse will blow again.
Gas dryers light the burner with an igniter and open the gas with valve coils. If the igniter glows but the flame doesn’t light, the coils are a frequent cause. If there is no glow, the igniter or the flame sensor is the likely fault. Make sure the gas valve behind the dryer is open before you call.
Condenser and heat-pump dryers, such as Miele’s heat-pump models, don’t use an outside vent, but they depend on clean filters. Clean the door filter every load and the plinth filter at the bottom as the manual directs. See our Miele page for more.
Dryer brands we repair in Weston
We repair Miele, Electrolux, Bosch, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE and Speed Queen dryers, and we can check the washer on the same visit. See our washer repair page. We cover all of Weston, including Weston Center, Kendal Green, Silver Hill and Hastings. You get a written estimate first, and the diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair.
Common questions
Dryer repair, answered
Why does my dryer take two cycles to dry clothes?
Usually restricted airflow: lint in the filter, the vent duct or the outside hood. Clean the filter, check for strong airflow outside, and make sure the duct isn’t crushed. If the vent is clear, the heating side needs checking.
Why is my electric dryer running but not heating?
Check the double breaker first; if half has tripped, the drum turns but there is no heat. Otherwise the heating element, thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat has usually failed.
Why is my gas dryer not heating?
If the igniter glows but the flame doesn’t light, the gas valve coils are a common cause. If it doesn’t glow, the igniter or flame sensor is likely at fault. Make sure the gas valve is open.
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
Clean the lint filter every load and the vent duct regularly; more often if drying times are getting longer or the outside airflow feels weak.
Why is my dryer squealing or thumping?
Worn drum rollers, a worn idler pulley or a damaged belt. They are routine replacements.
Dryer not heating or taking forever?
Tell us the brand and what’s happening, and we’ll confirm a visit and a clear estimate. Call (781) 386-1452.