Category: Dryer

What is Dryer Vent Cleaning?

Philadelphia Dryer Vent Cleaning

Your home’s dryer is one of the most important appliances in your home. It’s responsible for keeping your clothes clean and dry, and it does a lot of work over the course of its lifetime. Unfortunately, all that work can take a toll on the dryer itself, and one of the most common problems is a clogged dryer vent. With Philadelphia dryer vent cleaning from Appliance Doctor, you can avoid this problem and keep your dryer running like new.

What is dryer vent cleaning?

Professional dryer vent cleaning is the process of removing lint, debris, and other obstructions from your dryer vent system. While it is possible to remove dryer lint yourself, it’s difficult to reach all of the nooks and crannies where lint can build up, and it’s easy to miss something or accidentally damage the unit. A professional dryer vent cleaning service will have the tools and experience necessary to thoroughly clean your system and remove any potential fire hazards.

Why is dryer vent cleaning important?

A clogged dryer vent can cause a number of problems, most notably decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear on the dryer itself. When your vent is clogged, the dryer has to work harder to do its job, which not only wastes energy but also puts unnecessary stress on the appliance. This can lead to a shorter lifespan for your dryer, and it can also increase the risk of a fire. A clogged vent can also cause your clothes to come out damp, even after a full cycle.

In addition to your vents, birds and rodents can actually become trapped in a dryer’s duct hood flap if the vent becomes clogged. Not only will the animal suffer, but it can also cause damage to your dryer and vent system. If you suspect that there may be an animal trapped in your dryer vent, call one of our professional appliance repair contractors right away. They can help you safely remove the animal and repair any damage that may have been done.

What to Expect From Your Appliance Doctor Contractor

During your Philadelphia dryer vent cleaning service, our technicians will thoroughly inspect your entire dryer vent system. First, they’ll identify any problem areas and make recommendations for repairs or replacement parts. Then, they’ll carefully clean the entire system, removing all lint, debris, and obstructions. Finally, they’ll test the system to ensure that it’s working properly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your dryer performs at an optimal level.

Contact Us For Philadelphia Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

The best way to avoid dryer problems is to have your vent cleaned on a regular basis, and that’s where Appliance Doctor comes in. We’re Philadelphia’s leading appliance repair and maintenance company, and we’re here to help you keep your home running like new. Contact us today to schedule a dryer vent cleaning appointment. We’ll have your vent cleaned out in no time, so you can rest assured that your dryer is running safely and efficiently.

How Much Energy is My Dryer Using?

If you’re like most people, you put a lot of thought into your refrigerator and stove’s efficiency and energy costs but probably haven’t given your clothes dryer much thought. That’s a mistake. While it’s true that newer models are more efficient than older models, they do use a surprising amount of electricity—on average up to 3 kW per hour.

What Are the Best Dryer Brands?

  • Tappan (manufacturer)
  • Atlantis (manufacturer)
  • All Clothes Dryer (manufacturer)
  • Bosch Tappan Appliance Service (manufacturer)
  • DeLonghi (manufacturer)
  • Electrolux Tappan Appliance Service (manufacturer)
  • Kenmore Electrolux Tappan Appliance Service (manufacturer)
  • LG Gas Tappan Appliance Service
  • Bosch Tappan Appliance Service

And while this may not sound like a lot per machine, when you multiply that by the number in most households with two or more clothes dryers running concurrently on long cycles or continuously for days at a time, it starts to add up. Along with the other appliances in your home, the clothes dryer is an appliance that could use some energy efficiency upgrades.

How Much Energy Does My Clothes Dryer Use?

First, let’s look at how much energy your clothes dryer is using. The latest energy star-rated gas clothes dryers use anywhere from 3 to 5 kW per hour, translating into $15 to $25 per month in electric costs.

If this doesn’t sound like a lot of electricity, consider the fact that most new models are sold with the sole purpose of saving you money by being more efficient. This means that if you have more efficient appliances, you’ll spend less on your utility bills overall.

How many hours per day are you running your clothes dryer?

Use this handy calculator to determine how much energy your clothes dryer is using. Once you plug in the number of hours per day you’re using the dryer and choose a load, the calculator will tell you how much energy the dryer is using. (Please note that this is based on a standard ‘ calm down’ cycle; if your clothes are not perfectly cool to touch before being removed from the dryer, your electricity usage during that period will be higher.

What to do when damaged?

Before you can drive to the store and buy a new dryer, you need to determine if your old dryer is still repairable. First, turn off the circuit breaker (or disconnect the plug) that powers the machine. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult with a qualified electrician or a local appliance repair company.

The best appliance repair company, like Appliance Doctor, will be able to help you determine whether it’s worth repairing or if it’s time for a new machine. If the problem is simply something that requires a service call, such as a belt replacement, the repair cost will be significantly less than replacing the entire unit.

Most Common Dryer Problems

Laundry is a headache, especially if the dryer malfunctions or completely stops working. Sure, hanging the clothes outside on a clothesline is a ‘thing,’ but who really wants to endure all the extra effort that it takes? Nothing beats the snuggly feeling clothes have when they come out of the dryer! Dryers often fail us at the worst time, like after a big wash or when it seems like no one in the house has any clean clothes! And problems may occur without notice, despite proper maintenance. Call our appliance repair company serving Montgomery County if any of the following common dryer problems occur. Your dryer likely has plenty of life left in it after proper repair.

  • Dryer Won’t Turn On: When you set the timer or push the ‘start’ button to cycle on the dryer you expect to hear the turn of the drum and momentarily, a bit of heat. When the dryer will not turn on at all, check your settings followed by the power. Often it is one of these minor issues causing the trouble. A faulty start switch, or thermostat may also cause this common dryer problem.
  • Dryer Vibrates/Makes Strange Noises: Often the result of a faulty drum seal, repair requires mere replacement of the seal. This problem often occurs as the result of overloading.
  • No Heat: When the dryer runs but does not heat up, a faulty heating element is often the culprit, although other possibilities include blocked ventilation or a clogged lint filter. Clean the lint filter and then a professional if this does not resolve the problem.
  • Dryer Shuts Off: A dryer should operate the entire cycle that it is set to. If the dryer shuts off soon after a cycle begins, the thermostat may need to be replaced. Blocked ventilation also causes this problem.

A good appliance repair company serving Montgomery County has the skills, time, and tools to repair any of the above issues. Their service prolongs the life expectancy of the dryer, saving owners a lot of headache and hassle. Why replace an appliance that has plenty of life left?

Call our expert appliance repair company serving Montgomery County today if your dryer malfunctions or stops working. We will send a technician out who can quickly repair any of the common issues above or others that impact your appliance.

Overlooked Ways to Prevent Washing Machine and Dryer Meltdown

 

Overlooked Ways to Prevent Washing Machine and Dryer Meltdown

Our fantastic machines that make our days more convenient can easily be taken for granted. That is until they no longer function with the push of a button.

We often forget to ensure those marvels of modern life keep working away for us.

Washing Machine and Dryer

Your washing machine can create expensive repairs if a drum is broken or your house is flooded due to a burst water hose.

To keep your drum running efficiently for years, the type of detergent you use is a factor. Use only high-efficiency or HE detergents. Non-HE detergent suds create problems for your drum and drive system.

In addition to regular HE detergents cycles, once a month run an empty hot water load to break down any residue in the drum.

You know the sound of your washer. If it suddenly sounds off track or you experience heavy vibration, check the machine’s stability to ensure all four legs are firmly touching the ground. Most legs will come with locking mechanisms. Make sure the machine is firmly on the floor.

Your dryer’s lint trap should be cleaned regularly, but did you know it doesn’t trap all the lint. In fact, a large amount of lint, over time, is not trapped. This lint eventually becomes a fire hazard. Each year thousands of residential fires are started by lint filled dryers.

Use semi-rigid or rigid aluminum or galvanized steel ducting to protect your home. Cheaper ductwork such as light foil or plastic poses a higher risk for sparking fires. Using a vacuum cleaner once a month to clean out your lint slot reduces the risk of a fire. Once a year, unplug the dryer then clean out the vent tube with a vacuum.

Need a replacement or repair of your washer or dryer? Appliance Doctor in Philadelphia provides great service that you can trust.

Overlooked Ways to Prevent Washing Machine and Dryer Meltdown

 

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.