The lint filter. Might be clogged.

And checked the vent flow ?


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to the wall inside , that flex hose can fill with lint too


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If not, I'll call my handyman and ask him. I can't figure it out: the dryer just hasn't gotten that much use in the few years we've had it. He might have gotten the original dryer for us. I'll check with him tomorrow.

- dryer vent flex tube if applicable.
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A clogged or restricted vent can cause what you're describing. If it's that, it's an easy fix and you've saved a service call. If not, it's probably worth a try at getting it fixed.

Stating the blazingly obvious: Make sure the lint screen is clean.

A lot of people are stating the dryer vent could be the problem. Check the vent at the dryer, the flex hose, and the vent on the outside of the house.

If that clogs it'll take much longer to dry
If you're getting SOME hot air your element is probably ok.

Would it be cheaper to give up entirely and just get a new dryer?

I have a handy man who knows our house really well. If it is just a part he could figure out what was needed and get it (I think). But after all of that would it just be cheaper and easier to buy a new dryer and have the store deliver/set it up?

How much is a new dryer anyway?

First, check the exhaust vent. A clogged vent is the #1 reason for no heat.

Then, check the handyman pages for someone who can diagnose and fix any mechanical problems. Could be the thermostat. Little parts that run under $10.

around in the drum.

at the end of a cycle? Then that does sound like your heating element is fried. And - depending on your finances - you might be correct in considering replacement to be the least headache (and fastest?) way to go. Kind of depends on how much 'tinkering' you (or handyman) are willing to mess around with ...

weekend. The question will be how much our house cleaner can do laundry-wise. Maybe a small amount and ask my neighbor if we can use their dryer...

Amazon and ebay are great sources for washer and dryer replacement parts on the cheap.

Assuming you have done the home troubleshooting stuff…

How old is the dryer? If more than 13 years time may be up. (Newer units are more efficient and “smart.”)

I had a similar problem. The cause was lint clog, but not the lint filter inside the unit, but lint accumulation inside the tube that vented to the outside of the house.

If you call repair service, know - in advance, before he walks in the door - two things:
- What’s the price of a new dryer. And,
- What you are willing to pay for a repair vs. buying new.

I had repair service on a washer and the bill came close to half the price of just getting a new one. If I ever have to call again I won't bother; I’ll just get a new one.

It is typically on the lower half of the housing. Use a flat headed screwdriver or blade to remove it. Once off, start the machine. You should hear a click indicating that the igniter is trying to ignite the gas. Look into the opening where you removed the panel. If there is a flame the coil is operating properly. If no flame, the coil needs replaced. The part will cost $20.00 or so. It’s a simple replacement but a pain.

Finding out makes all the difference


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If electric, you can probably get anybody handy with a screwdriver & wrench to put a new heating element.
If it's gas, that's more problematic.
Could be the valve, the igniter, the regulator, the thermocouple, the thermostat, the solenoid..
I hope it's the former because you can get a new element at most Ace Hardware stores.

Some electrical work done. We just had to trip the circuit and it worked again.

Turns out the dial (hot / perm press warm / air fluff cold) had been set between temps after using a different temperature, and I didn't notice.

I would love to blame it on my partner, but he doesn't ever do the laundry!
{Shrug emoji}

So yeah, don't be like me - check the setting.

It gets constricted and doesn't allow enough air to flow out from the dryer to the vent.
I know from experience that this can cause the dryer to overheat and fail...could even cause a fire in extreme conditions.
If you can't do it yourself, get a local company to do it for you. It's probably cost 100-200 dollars, but it's better than risking a fire in the dryer hose that could burn down your house.

My daughter visited last week and did a load of clothes. She set the dryer on delicate to dry some things. I didn't notice, put a small load in that came out cool and damp. I figured the worst, but then noticed the dial.

Hope it's an easy fix.

I actually didn't think that much of it at the time, I just ran the clothes longer to get them completely dry.. I was young and stupid at the time and didn't think to actually try to figure out what was causing the problem. But it got worse to the point where the dryer was super hot on the outside and I probably almost burned the house down. Turns out birds had built a nest in the vent outside so the ventilation was completely blocked.

There's the regular settings for mixed, cottons, towels, bulky and et cetera that I choose using a turning knob.


There's another set of settings to the right of the main settings that light up. On the right is an obnoxious setting called "eco dry" that comes on by itself sporadically. Whenever that comes on it never fully dries the load that's in the dryer and the load is damp.


I placed a note to myself that reads "Double check that eco dry isn't on" before leaving the utility room. If it comes on I only push a button to turn it off.

Double check all your settings first. Good luck!

…and proceeded to pull what seemed like buckets of lint out of the big hose in back.

After that it worked fine again. However, I did realize it had gotten into fire-hazard territory.

If a family member can do that for you, give it a go. Otherwise, spend the money to get a pro in to heft it away from the wall while looking it over.

Does the air within the dryer get warm? to the point that it used to?

Sorry if this is a repeat.

It’s right there in the name.

If your clothes aren’t coming out dry, it’s not working.

Fortunately, I can use air dry in the meantime. It will help but some heavier items might need to be put back in for another go. I do has a bit of space on my tiny porch outside to put out a heavier item for the sun to dry!