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It’s Getting Hot in Here: Four Ways to Prevent your Dryer from Overheating

Docs Appliance • Dec 14, 2017

I think we can all agree that an overheated dryer is the last thing someone wants to deal with. According to multiple sources, dryers typically last  10-13 years  if well cared for and overheating is kept to a minimum. Not sure what you can be doing? We’ve rounded up a few easy ways to help you prevent your dryer from overheating and reducing the fire risk.

1.      Clean Out the Lint Trap or Filter

Dryer fires start when air circulation is blocked or uneven. Lint buildup can clog a crucial air pathway, cause heat buildup in a duct, and lead to your unit overheating. As a result, this could possibly start a fire. Cleaning the lint filter takes less than 10 seconds and should be done after every load of laundry dried. The lint filter is usually located towards the front of the dryer or on the door and is easily removable.

Another essential step to prevent overheating is to and clean the exhaust vent both inside and outside of the home. Disconnect the exhaust tube and vacuum it out. Sometimes there are two slats in the duct outdoors that need to be removed and cleaned. Additionally, remove any leaves, grass, or debris that can pile up and block the air flow through the outdoor airway.

2.      Steer Clear of Overloading

The general rule of thumb with dryers is that the more clothes there are in the load to dry, the more heat a dryer has to generate. Overloading your dryer with clothes causes it to generate more heat than is typically produced and to exhaust the heating element. Another issue with overloading is that the excess laundry can overstimulate the sensors in the dryer’s drum. The tumbling of excess weight from overloading can also damage the sensors, inhibiting their ability to sense an increasing temperature and prevent overheating.

3.      Clear the Vent Exhaust

Another essential step to prevent your dryer from overheating is to head outside and clear the vent exhaust. Sometimes there are two slats in the duct outdoors that need to be removed and cleaned. Additionally, remove any leaves, grass, or debris that can pile up and block the air flow through the outdoor airway.

4.      Clean and Dust Behind the Dryer

Cleaning behind your dryer might be the last thing you want to check off your chore list. However, this easy maintenance step helps to keep your appliance working correctly. Lint and dust often build up around the inlet vents, especially after multiple drying cycles. These vents are usually located on the back and bottom side of your dryer. Using a long-handled duster once every two weeks can take care of any buildup that could potentially clog the incoming air circulation.

How To Choose A Window Air Conditioner

By Docs Appliance • 26 Jun, 2019
Ease of installation and affordability are two top benefits of a window air conditioner. You will also be happy to know that the modern window air conditioner provides relief from high summer temperatures, removes humidity, and uses less electricity. Window air conditioners are less expensive to operate than central units because they are used only The post How To Choose A Window Air Conditioner appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

How Often Should You Clean Your Appliances?

By Docs Appliance • 19 Jun, 2019
You rely on a lot of home appliances every day, and cleaning and maintaining them will help you get the most out of them. You may wonder how often you should be cleaning your appliances for effectiveness. After all, you don't want to under- or over-clean. All home appliances are different and have a different The post How Often Should You Clean Your Appliances? appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

How To Improve The Performance Of Your Refrigerator

By Docs Appliance • 12 Jun, 2019
Your home appliances consume a lot of energy on a daily basis. Not only does this negatively impact the environment, but it can also land you with some expensive energy bills. It will help to understand how you can reduce your appliances’ energy consumption and improve their performance. By following some useful tips, you can The post How To Improve The Performance Of Your Refrigerator appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

Questions To Ask Before Your Oven Repair

By Docs Appliance • 05 Jun, 2019
If your oven is acting up, you're probably wondering whether you should have it repaired or replaced. It might help do some research into it before you decide on a particular solution. It is an excellent idea to do some troubleshooting and go through a checklist before you undergo repair of any major appliance in The post Questions To Ask Before Your Oven Repair appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

Tips On Maintaining Your Trash Compactor

By Docs Appliance • 29 May, 2019
A trash compactor is a useful home appliance that compresses your garbage and reduces the amount of space you need for trash cans in your home. The compactor makes some noise while compacting, but the sound is short-lived. Your trash compactor compresses garbage to a much smaller size, which saves trash storage space. Since your The post Tips On Maintaining Your Trash Compactor appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

5 Things You Should Know About Your Dryer

By Docs Appliance • 22 May, 2019
You shouldn't take your home dryer for granted and should take proper care of it to ensure its long life. You don't want to face a situation where you are running late for work, and your clothes have not dried properly. If you keep a few things in mind, they will help in properly maintaining The post 5 Things You Should Know About Your Dryer appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

Microwave Repair and Troubleshooting Tips

By Docs Appliance • 15 May, 2019
Microwaves are generally inexpensive and easy to replace. However, if you know some basic tricks and tips, you can increase your microwave’s lifespan and easily fix some of the common issues people face. Troubleshooting a microwave can be stress-free if you know what the generic problems are and what to do when you encounter them. The post Microwave Repair and Troubleshooting Tips appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

Guide To Maintaining Your Cooking Range

By Docs Appliance • 08 May, 2019
Your cooking range can be used multiple times in a day. Since it is used on a daily basis, it is essential to clean and maintain it in order to avoid costly repairs. Timely maintenance also provides a long life for your cooking range. Spills are bound to happen when you are cooking, so you The post Guide To Maintaining Your Cooking Range appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

Common Washing Machine Problems

By Docs Appliance • 24 Apr, 2019
Washing machines are used often, and you’ve probably grown to depend on yours. It can be very annoying when you are ready to load the washer, but it refuses to work. There are some common washing machine problems that you may be easily able to troubleshoot. For some other issues, however, you may have to The post Common Washing Machine Problems appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.

Tips on Troubleshooting Window Air Conditioners

By Docs Appliance • 17 Apr, 2019
Window air conditioners are a popular and convenient way to get cool air into your home. However, it can be annoying if your window air conditioner stops working in the thick of summer. Some of the typical problems you can face with a window air conditioner are that it doesn’t cool sufficiently or it doesn’t The post Tips on Troubleshooting Window Air Conditioners appeared first on Docs Appliance Service.
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