How Long Do Dryers Last?

A dryer is an essential appliance in most households. It can save you an awful lot of time and effort by quickly drying your clothes and bedding, no matter what the outside weather conditions may be like. However, like all appliances, a dryer is prone to wear and tear and if you don’t take care of it properly, it could break down sooner than you had anticipated. In this article, we are going to discuss how long you can expect the average dryer to last and what steps you can take to make your dryer last longer, such as hiring dryer vent cleaning professionals to help you maintain it.

How Long Should My Dryer Last and What Can I Do to Maximize Its Useful Lifespan?

A good-quality dryer should last for approximately thirteen years - although some models may last significantly longer, particularly if they are especially well looked after. If you want to extend the useful lifespan of your dryer, we recommend following the suggestions below:

• Clean the Lint Filter Regularly - The lint filter in your dryer catches the tiny fibers and dust particles that come off your clothes during the drying process. Over time, the lint buildup can reduce the airflow, making your dryer work harder and take longer to dry your clothes. This can also increase the risk of a fire. To prevent this, you need to make sure that you clean the lint filter on a regular basis.
• Wipe Down the Drum with Alcohol Disinfectant – Dryer sheets tend to leave a thin, sticky residue inside the drum, which, if left to accumulate unchecked, may eventually start to interfere with the sensors the machine uses to determine what it needs to do next and for how long. In turn, this will have a negative impact on the operating efficiency of your dryer so it is something to be avoided if at all possible. The easiest way to tackle this issue is to wipe down the inside of the drum after every drying cycle, with a decent alcohol-based disinfectant.
• Clear the Dryer Vent - The dryer vent is the tube that carries the hot, moist air out of your dryer to the outside. If the vent becomes clogged with lint or debris over time, it can cause the dryer to overheat and break down. It can also increase the risk of a fire. Even if it does not break down or catch on fire, your dryer will start to operate far less efficiently if you do not keep the vent clear at all times. You can either tackle this job yourself or, if you prefer, you can call dryer duct cleaning specialists such as ourselves to come and take care of this task for you. Once a year is enough for most people but if you use your dryer on a daily basis, it may be safer to have it cleaned once every six months.
• Don't Overload Your Dryer - Overloading your dryer with too many clothes can put excessive strain on the motor and other moving parts, leading to premature wear and tear. It can also cause the dryer to take more time to dry your clothes, which means it has to work harder for longer. To prevent this from happening, you should always follow the manufacturer's guidelines as far as the maximum dryer load capacity is concerned.
• Dry Heavy Items Outside or in a Commercial Machine - Drying heavy items like blankets and comforters in a domestic dryer can easily put too much strain on the drum and motor, causing premature wear and damage over time. We recommend that you air-dry these items instead or take them to a local Laundromat equipped with larger machines that are designed to handle them.
• Keep the Dryer Level - A dryer that is not level may suffer from excessive vibration and noise, to the point where it may even result in lasting damage to your machine. Make sure your dryer is installed on a level surface and adjust the legs to compensate if this is simply not possible.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance - Like any household appliance, your dryer needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. Schedule a professional maintenance checkup at least once a year to inspect the dryer's components, including the motor, belts, and bearings. This can be combined with a visit from your local dryer vent cleaning specialists to ensure you have covered all your bases.

By following the above suggestions and taking care of your dryer over the years, you can extend its lifespan and save yourself a considerable amount of money in the process. And not only will your dryer last longer, it should operate more efficiently too. Remember to clean the lint filter, wipe down the drum with alcohol, clear the dryer vent once or twice a year, avoid overloading the dryer, avoid drying heavy items, keep the machine level at all times, and schedule regular maintenance.

If you have never had your vent and ductwork cleaned by professionals before, you can search for local service providers by typing ‘dryer cleaning near me’ into your favorite search engine. Alternatively, if you are looking for a company that performs dryer vent cleaning services in Arvada or surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact Steve's Air Duct Cleaning.