How often should I clear the lint screen?

Every load. Clear the lint screen. Not most loads, every load. It's the cheapest fire prevention in the house.

How often should I disconnect and clear the vent duct all the way to the outside?

Yearly. Disconnect and clear the vent duct all the way to the outside. A blocked vent is the most common reason a dryer takes three cycles to dry a load.

How often should I make sure the vent flap outside opens?

Yearly. Make sure the vent flap outside opens. They stick, and birds nest in them.

Dryer Maintenance & Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on a dryer here

Tumbling but not heating is the thermal fuse or the heating element, and a thermal fuse almost never blows without a reason. That reason is nearly always poor airflow, so if you replace the fuse without clearing the vent, the new one just blows too.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Pull the vent hose off the back and check it, and make sure the flap outside opens.
2A blocked vent is the most common cause we see.
3It's also a real fire risk, so do this today either way.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a dryer that has already failed the quick check above.

Dryer Not Drying? Check These Before You Call Anyone A dryer not drying, taking three cycles, or running hot with damp clothes. The airflow checks that fix most of it, and the burning smell that means stop.

Keeping a dryer out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Every load Clear the lint screen. Not most loads, every load. It's the cheapest fire prevention in the house.
Yearly Disconnect and clear the vent duct all the way to the outside. A blocked vent is the most common reason a dryer takes three cycles to dry a load.
Yearly Make sure the vent flap outside opens. They stick, and birds nest in them.

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if you smell burning, or if the drum is hot but the clothes stay damp. Both point at airflow or the heating element, and one of them is a fire risk. Schedule Service

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County

Dryer Maintenance & Repair Tips