If the dryer's new, it is burning off the oil residue from shipping. Run the dryer empty for about 15 minutes to dissipate the odor. You should periodically clean the lint trap and the exhaust vent.
If you smell smoke is could be a belt slipping or the bearings in the idler pully could be bad. It could be lint on the heater. The last 20 yrs or more, the manufacturers added a thermal fuse. This shuts the dryer off if it detects a restriction in air flow leaving the drying.
Brand new
Odors and smoke are normal when the oven is used the first few times due to the manufacturing process. This will dissipate and is normal.
brand new electric dryers have coatings on the heating elements, when shipped new. when first turned on there can be some smoke, often its just a smell, but its should have dissipated in those 10 minutes.
As for the burning smell---that is really common after you replace the element because a lot of lint has gotten move around by taking the dryer apart as well as dust from the manufacturer on the coils. It should all burn off if you run an empty cycle for about 45 minutes or so.
It just means there's dust in your heating unit, which is harmless and should burn off quickly. If you smell an electrical burning smell, on the other hand, this is not normal at all. It could be a sign of a serious electrical issue that could lead to a fire.
Common causes of a burning smell from a dryer include lint buildup or a failing thermostat, motor, or belt. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, appliances and electronics start 24,200 house fires yearly. About a third of fires related to dryers are caused by excess lint buildup, so it's time to investigate.
Clogged lint vent: The most common cause of a smoking dryer vent is an overfull lint vent that has so much material it is burning from the heat of the dryer.
Clean the condensor and filters
A build up of lint and fluff in your dryer can lead to a burning smell. Check the filter found in the door recess and remove any fluff build up, also remove the lower cover to reveal the condenser. Remove the condenser by turning the clips and pulling it out.
Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent
The outside of the dryer feels unusually hot during operation. There's a burning smell while the dryer is running. Lint buildup is visible around the dryer's lint trap or vent opening. The lint trap doesn't capture as much lint as it used to.
Answer: Smoking can be caused by food and grease buildup on the element. Clean the element thoroughly to remove any residue. If the smoking persists, it might be due to an electrical issue or a failing element, and you should call a professional.
Faulty Wiring: Problems with the wiring within your furnace can cause inadequate amounts of electrical power to your heating element, causing it to burn out in. Corrosion: Corrosion on a heating element is not a serious problem at first, but can later cause small cracks which cause burn out.
If you have installed a brand-new furnace and turned it on for the first time, you can expect some amount of white smoke. In most cases, this smoke has a sweet and syrupy smell.
Heating Element Assembly
If a faulty element is a problem, it may produce heat continuously, even if the dryer has reached the proper temperature. When this happens, the dryer gets too hot. To determine if the heating element is at fault, a multi-meter is used to test the heating element for continuity.
The heating element is broken if your dryer runs but won't heat up to dry your clothes. This could be an electrical issue with the circuit breaker or a mechanical issue with the appliance itself.
When a new dryer starts up for the first time, it may smell like something is burning, as any oil residue from the packing material heats up. In this case, run the dryer empty for approximately 15 minutes until the odor has dissipated.
Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years. The variables that affect frequency include: How much laundry – how many loads – you do a week. How long your dryer vent system is.
While there are many causes, electrical fires can smell like “burning plastic” or “burning rubber” as the plastic insulation surrounding copper wires inside the walls starts to heat and melt, releasing strong unpleasant chemical odors. If the electrical fire progresses, you may begin to smell wood burning as well.
When the vent is clogged or not functioning properly, it can be a serious issue, and the first sign can be steam. Working in tandem with the vent, a lint trap secures any excess fabric debris during the drying cycle. If it's not cleaned out regularly, it can become clogged and cause overheating and moisture buildup.
The minimum duct air velocity during normal operating conditions should be at least 1,200 FPM (feet per minute) to keep lint moving through the vent. (In a 4" (102 mm) diameter pipe, this requires at least 105 CFM of air flow.)
If you smell a "rubbery" or "plastic" smell you should check your drive belt tension. A loose drive belt can be slipping on the motor pulley and getting hot. If you find that condition, replacing the belt is probably a good idea.
Several problems can cause the smoke coming out of your dryer vent or machine, including lint blockage, a worn-out belt or thermostat, or even residual chemicals. First, unplug the dryer right now. If the smoke doesn't go away or if you see flames, call emergency services immediately.
Clothes dryers typically last for about 10 to 13 years. If your dryer has been around for nearly a decade, you will likely be searching for a replacement soon. Ancient dryers should get the boot, as older machines can actually cost you more money. Newer, certified models use less energy, helping you save on costs.
One of the most common culprits behind a smelly dryer is lint buildup (we know it's the main culprit for almost anything dryer-related!). While most of us regularly clean the lint screen, lint can accumulate in harder-to-reach areas, which can trap moisture and begin to smell musty or mildewy.