If a dryer is heating but still has long dry times, the likely cause is a vent issue or restricted airflow. The venting going from the dryer to the outside of the home must be cleaned every one to two years or as needed when dry performance has decreased.
Comments Section Long dry times are always an air flow problem. Clean or replace the venting, look outside where the vent hood is and make sure there are no obstructions like a screen or frozen louvers. If your dryer is taking that long to dry but you know it is heating, then 90% of the time it is an air flow problem.
When the screen is full of lint it can prevent the proper circulation of hot air, leading to longer drying times. To maximize airflow clean your lint screen after each drying cycle. Simply pull out the screen, remove the lint with your hand or a paper towel and replace it.
There are a few common reasons why your dryer doesn't dry clothes. Some of the most common reasons include overloading the dryer, power sources issues, clothes being too wet, a dirty dryer lint screen, clogged dryer vents, or possible part malfunctions.
Generally, if your dryer is taking a really long time to dry clothes and is heating proplerly then there is a blockage in the venting or the blower fan is not working.
There are variables that affects how often you should clean your dryer vent system. Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years.
Some dryer vent installations also have an external lint trap, which is also known as a secondary dryer lint trap or a 4″ In-Line Dryer Lint Trap.
A good airflow is the key for a dryer to work properly. If your clothes are still wet after a drying cycle it could mean that the Air Vent is clogged. To fix this problem, you will have to unplug the dryer and disconnect it from the vent. Once everything is disconnected, it's time to vacuum the vent.
The Benefits of Replacing a Dryer Heating Element
You may not even be able to use the dryer at all if the element isn't heating. Replacing it can restore your dryer's performance, making it a more cost-effective solution than buying a new appliance, given the dryer heating element cost.
Clogged vent/lint screens
This leaves you either with a dryer that turns but does not heat (due to a high temperature limit being reached by the heating element) or a dryer that takes an extremely long time to dry. Clogged Lint Screen: Another possible clogging issue is with your lint screen.
Problem with Dryer Power Source
One potential issue that can cause a dryer to take too long is a power source problem. Your dryer needs to be on a 240-volt circuit to operate at full capacity. If it is only receiving 120 volts of power, it will take three times as long to dry your clothes.
If a dryer is heating but still has long dry times, the likely cause is a vent issue or restricted airflow.
The cost to replace the heating element in a dryer averages $230 but often ranges from $100 to $350 depending on the machine's age, type, and the nature of the repair work.
Gently remove the wall duct from the exhaust vent. Carefully move your dryer away from the wall. Examine the area inside and around the duct for lint build-up and other blockages. Use a vent cleaning kit or vacuum with a hose attachment to clean debris.