Dryer gets hot but takes long time to dry

Common reasons your Dryer gets hot but takes long time to dry

The most common reasons your clothes dryer gets hot but takes a long time to dry are a faulty thermostat, weak gas valve coils or defective electronic control board.

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the
    Thermostat

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    Gas Valve Coils

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a dryer

Thermostat Replacement

When your clothes dryer gets hot but takes a long time to dry, a faulty thermostat could be causing the problem. The thermostat cycles on and off the heating element or the burner to regulate heating inside the dryer drum. If the thermostat is bad, it won’t cycle the heating system on properly to heat air inside the dryer to dry the clothes. When the dryer gets hot but clothes don’t get dry, have a Sears Home Services technician examine the dryer and replace the thermostat if it’s faulty.

Gas Valve Coils Replacement

A gas clothes dryer that gets hot but takes a long time to dry could have weak gas valve coils. The gas valve coils open the gas valves to ignite the burner and heat the dryer during the drying cycle. Weak gas valve coils will open the gas valve for the initial heating cycle when you initially start the drying cycle. As weak gas valve coils heat up, they won’t continue to be strong enough to open the gas valves and keep the dryer heating.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If your dryer gets hot but takes a long time to dry clothes, a malfunctioning electronic control board might be the culprit, hindering the proper heating of the dryer. If the electronic control board is faulty, it may fail to properly sense the thermistor signal so the dryer will heat but not heat properly to dry the clothes. A faulty relay on the dryer electronic control board could also fail to send electric current properly to the burner to heating element to heat the dryer enough to dry clothes. When your dryer heats but doesn’t dry clothes, schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to address and fix the drying issue.

What to expect when you experience a dryer that gets hot but takes a long time to dry clothes

How is the long drying time problem fixed?

Correcting most long drying time problems usually involves replacing a thermostat, installing new gas valve coils in a gas dryer or replacing a defective electronic control board. However, there are many other potential causes for long dry times, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. Finding the exact cause of the drying issue will lead to an accurate and permanent fix.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer taking a long time to dry clothes

When your clothes dryer is taking a long time to dry clothes, check the vent duct system for problems. Clean the lint screen if it’s coated heavily with lint and clear lint from the screen before starting each drying cycle. Wash the lint screen monthly with water and soft-bristle brush to remove residue buildup on the screen. Clean the flexible vent hose behind your dryer and clear lint and debris out of the entire exhaust duct system going to the outside of your home.

If the dryer still takes a long time to finish a cycle after following these basic troubleshooting tips, schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the dryer.

What to look out for with a dryer taking a long time to dry loads

Diagnosing modern dryers without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem may only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Sears Home Services technicians have the training and experience to fix drying problems in any type or brand of dryer. Schedule service to have one of our technicians professionally diagnose and fix your dryer when it takes a long time to dry clothes.

If your dryer runs hot yet clothes stay damp, airflow restrictions or misaligned sensors might be the problem. Re-running cycles raises bills and can scorch fabrics. Instead, consult dryer repair near me. Correct airflow ensures efficient, gentle drying each cycle.

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He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer get hot but takes a long time to dry?
A clogged vent, faulty heating element, or overloading the dryer can cause it to take longer to dry clothes.
Could a clogged vent cause my dryer to take longer to dry clothes?
Yes, if the vent is clogged, air circulation is restricted, which prevents clothes from drying properly. Clean the vent to improve drying efficiency.
How can I fix my dryer if it gets hot but takes a long time to dry?
Check and clean the vent, lint trap, and ductwork. Avoid overloading the dryer and make sure the heating element is functioning properly.
What should I do if my dryer still takes a long time to dry after cleaning the vent?
If the issue persists, the heating element or thermostat may need replacement.

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Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.