Dryers make our day-to-day routines easier, but problems can quickly turn convenience into frustration. When clothes stay damp or the machine makes odd noises, it’s tempting to jump straight to calling for help. However, a few simple checks might solve the issue without needing a service call. At Freedom Appliances, we’ve noticed that homeowners in Calgary often face the same handful of problems. Knowing what to look for first can save time, money, and stress. This guide will walk you through the most practical steps before picking up the phone.
Check the Power Supply First
Sometimes, the solution is more basic than expected. Power issues account for many repair requests that don’t require any tools to resolve. Begin by making sure the dryer is plugged in securely. It’s common for the cord to shift or loosen slightly, especially after moving the machine.
Next, try a different appliance in the same outlet. If that also doesn’t work, the problem may be with your home’s circuit. In that case, go to the electrical panel and see if the breaker for the laundry room has tripped. If so, flip it back to the on position.
If your dryer uses a dedicated 240-volt outlet, reset the breaker even if it doesn’t look tripped. Some breakers can fail without flipping visibly. For homes with older panels, this happens more frequently due to wear. If power returns, you’ve just avoided unnecessary service. If not, it may be time to look into appliance repair in Calgary.
Inspect the Lint Trap and Exhaust Vent
Poor airflow is one of the most overlooked reasons dryers stop performing well. When airflow is blocked, drying takes longer, and the machine may overheat. Start with the lint trap. Remove it, clean it thoroughly, and check inside the slot for buildup.
Beyond the trap, the venting system can also get clogged. If you can pull the dryer away from the wall safely, detach the exhaust hose. Look inside both ends. Sometimes lint collects in the hose or where it connects to the wall. Birds or rodents may also build nests inside exterior vents.
If there’s no visible blockage but drying still seems slow, run the dryer and step outside. Put your hand near the exterior vent. You should feel strong, steady airflow. Weak or no airflow means there’s a clog deeper in the duct. Cleaning this out yourself can help, but if you’re unsure, we recommend contacting a team that handles dryer repair in Calgary.
Make Sure the Load Size and Settings Match
When drying takes longer than usual or finishes with damp clothes, the problem may not be the dryer itself. Using the wrong cycle or overloading the drum causes common issues. Always double-check that the cycle you’ve selected matches the type of load.
For example, choosing a low-heat delicate cycle for heavy towels won’t dry them properly. Likewise, stuffing the drum with bulky items reduces air circulation, which slows the process. Try splitting large loads and selecting a timed dry or high-heat setting.
It’s also a good idea to ensure that the moisture sensor isn’t covered in buildup. If your model uses a sensor dry cycle, residue from dryer sheets can block the sensor from detecting actual moisture levels. Wipe it clean gently with a soft cloth. If issues continue despite trying the right settings, then you might be dealing with a more technical fault and should look into professional help.
Listen for Unusual Sounds and Vibrations
Dryers often give subtle signs before something serious goes wrong. Strange sounds usually mean something inside isn’t working as intended. If you hear rattling, thumping, or squealing, stop the machine and check the drum.
Loose items like coins or zippers left in pockets can fall between the drum and the seal. Over time, this damages the interior or knocks parts loose. If the dryer shakes excessively, make sure it’s sitting flat. All four feet should be level and firmly on the floor.
Grinding or high-pitched squealing can signal belt or motor problems. In these cases, it’s best not to run the machine. Continued use might worsen the damage. When sounds suggest wear or broken parts, turn off the appliance and speak with someone experienced in appliance repair in Calgary before more damage occurs.
Examine the Door and Control Panel
Sometimes the dryer appears fine on the outside, but still won’t start. The problem may lie with the door latch. If the door doesn’t close completely, the dryer won’t start for safety reasons. Open and shut the door firmly. If it feels loose or wobbly, the latch might need a simple realignment.
Control panels also wear over time. Buttons can get stuck or stop responding. For dryers with digital displays, try resetting the unit by unplugging it for five minutes and plugging it back in. If buttons still don’t respond or the display shows error codes, make a note of them.
Those codes give a good head start to any technician, helping them prepare in advance. That often reduces repair time and avoids repeat visits. You can always reach out for help or set up a service call using the contact us page for Freedom Appliances.
Check the Dryer Belt and Drum Movement
If the dryer turns on but doesn’t tumble, the belt may be the issue. While checking the belt requires more effort, it’s still possible without tools if your model allows drum movement testing. Open the door and try turning the drum with your hand. It should rotate smoothly.
If the drum feels unusually light or moves without resistance, the belt might have snapped or slipped. However, if it doesn’t turn at all or feels jammed, there could be something blocking it inside. Either issue calls for expert support, but knowing the symptom helps describe the problem clearly.
On some models, a burned-out belt will trigger a safety switch that prevents the motor from engaging. If your machine suddenly stopped mid-cycle and won’t restart, consider this one of the top causes. Mentioning these observations to a repair technician will help narrow things down fast.
Monitor for Burning Smells or Heat Buildup
Burning smells are always a red flag. If you notice any kind of burning scent coming from the machine or nearby, stop the cycle right away. Then unplug the unit. Smells like melting plastic or rubber may mean components inside are failing.
Check around the power cord and behind the dryer. Look for signs of melted insulation or dark marks on the wall or outlet. These signs could mean the plug or wiring is overheating. If the unit feels hotter than normal to the touch, that’s another strong indicator of internal problems.
Do not try to restart the dryer until a technician has inspected it. Even if it turns back on, the risk of fire increases with heat-related faults. It’s not worth the risk. Describe the smell clearly and be ready to share any changes that led up to the issue. These details make it easier for a technician to find the problem faster and fix it safely.
FAQs
Why does my dryer stop mid-cycle without warning?
It could be a thermal overload, a worn-out belt, or a failing motor. Check for overheating and make sure the drum still turns freely.
Can lint buildup really cause a fire?
Yes. Lint is highly flammable. If airflow gets blocked and temperatures rise, trapped lint can ignite. Always clean the trap and vents regularly.
Is it safe to keep using the dryer if it runs but doesn’t heat?
No. A dryer that runs without heat may still overheat internally or trip safety features. Stop using it until the issue is found.
How often should I clean the vent hose?
At least once every six months. If you notice slow drying or heat buildup, clean it sooner.
Do all dryers have reset buttons?
No. Some have thermal fuses or circuit breakers that reset automatically. Others may need professional tools to access and reset internal parts.
