repair your appliances - don't replace them!

If your clothes dryer has been acting up and suddenly refuses to start, your first thought is probably to call for a dryer repair technician. However, there are a few things that you can do beforehand to make sure that you only pay for that service call if it is absolutely necessary. Here are a couple of the things that you should check.

Power Problems

While it often sounds too simple, power supply issues are one of the most common problems that people encounter with their dryer. The first thing you should do is to make sure that your dryer is getting power.

Check to be sure that the dryer is plugged in. If it is and the dryer still doesn't seem to be getting power, you should test the outlet with a multimeter. The multimeter will help you to confirm that there is actually a current feeding the dryer. If not, you need an electrician, not a dryer repair technician.

Check The Thermal Limit Switch

The thermal limit switch is a fuse that's installed in your dryer to protect against overheating and dryer fires. If your dryer has run too long and overheated or if there's been a power surge in your home, this thermal limit switch may have tripped and blown the fuse.

In most cases, the thermal limit switch is located behind the rear panel of the dryer. You can test the switch with a multimeter to see if it is still producing a closed circuit. If it isn't, that means it blew and you'll need to have it replaced.

Test The Heating Element

Whether the dryer runs but doesn't get warm or doesn't run at all, the problem could also be the heating element. If the heating element is bad, a safety override may prevent the dryer from running. In other cases, it will run, but it won't heat up.

If your dryer is running but stays cold or if you've eliminated the power and the thermal switch as problems, you should talk with a dryer repair technician about the possibility that your dryer's heating element may be bad.

Clear The Vent

Some dryers have a safety feature that shuts the unit down when the vent system is clogged with lint. Make sure your dryer vent lines are clear and flowing freely so that air can pass through without causing heat problems within the unit.

These are some of the most common issues that you may encounter with your dryer. Talk with your dryer repair technician today for more information.

To learn more, contact a company like D-3/A-OK Appliance Service Inc.