When your dryer stops working properly, it doesn’t just slow down your laundry routine – it can completely disrupt your day.
Clothes that stay damp, strange burning smells, or a dryer that won’t even turn on are all signs that you need a
professional dryer repair service. On this page, we’ll explain the most common dryer issues our technicians see,
how we diagnose and repair them, and why homeowners throughout Philadelphia and nearby New Jersey communities trust
Appliance Repair Brothers to restore their dryers quickly and safely. You can always learn more or schedule service
directly on our dedicated

Dryer Repair Service page.

Use these quick links to jump to each section:

• Dryer runs but does not heat or dries very slowly
• Dryer won’t start at all
• Overheating, burning smells, or very hot exterior
• Loud or unusual noises during operation
• Gas vs. electric dryers – how we approach repairs
• Why choose Appliance Repair Brothers for dryer repair
• How to schedule your dryer repair service

Dryer runs but does not heat or dries very slowly

One of the most common complaints we hear from customers is that their dryer tumbles but does not produce enough heat,
or it takes two or three full cycles to dry a normal load of clothes. This can be frustrating and expensive, because running
multiple cycles wastes both time and energy.

Our technicians begin by checking the basics – airflow and venting. A restricted or clogged dryer vent can dramatically
reduce drying performance and cause the dryer to overwork. If the vent is blocked by lint, crushed behind the dryer, or
improperly installed, the hot moist air can’t escape. We inspect the vent, exhaust duct, and exterior vent hood to make sure
air is moving freely.

Inside the dryer, typical causes of poor heating include:

• Failed heating element (for electric dryers) – When the element burns out, the dryer will tumble but never get hot.
• Faulty gas igniter, coils, or gas valve (for gas dryers) – The burner may not ignite, or it may light briefly and then shut off.
• Defective thermostats or thermal fuses – Safety devices can fail and cut off heat even when there is no actual danger.
• Damaged cycling thermostat or temperature sensor – The dryer may misread the temperature and fail to heat correctly.

Our dryer repair service includes full testing of these parts using professional tools. Once we identify the exact
cause, we replace only the components that are actually defective, helping you avoid unnecessary costs while restoring proper
drying performance.

Dryer won’t start at all

Another frequent issue is a dryer that simply won’t turn on – no lights, no sounds, nothing. This can happen
suddenly and often makes people worry they’ll need to buy a brand-new appliance. In many cases, however, the problem is
repairable and much less expensive than replacement.

When a customer calls us for a dryer that will not start, we first recommend checking for the basics like power to the outlet,
tripped breakers, or a disconnected plug. If those are not the issue, our technician will examine:

• Door switch – If the dryer thinks the door is open, it will not start. A worn or broken door switch is a very common repair.
• Start switch or control panel – Buttons and dials can wear out over time and fail to send the “start” signal.
• Thermal fuse – A blown thermal fuse can completely shut down the dryer to prevent overheating.
• Drive motor – If the motor fails or is stuck, the dryer may hum briefly or do nothing at all.
• Main control board – On modern models, a failing electronic board can cause dead or unresponsive behavior.

Our goal is to pinpoint exactly which part is preventing your dryer from starting and provide a clear, honest estimate before
any work begins. Many of these problems can be resolved in a single visit with the correct replacement part.

Overheating, burning smells, or very hot exterior

A dryer that becomes excessively hot, emits a burning smell, or makes the laundry room feel unusually warm is
more than just an inconvenience – it can be a serious safety concern. Lint buildup, restricted vents, or failing components can
all contribute to overheating and, in extreme cases, increase the risk of a dryer fire.

When you contact us about overheating, we strongly recommend stopping use of the dryer until a technician has inspected it.
During the service visit we will:

• Check for heavy lint accumulation inside the lint trap housing, blower housing, and venting system.
• Inspect thermostats, thermal cutoffs, and thermal fuses designed to protect your dryer from dangerous temperatures.
• Verify the correct operation of the cycling thermostat that regulates heat levels during operation.
• Examine the heater assembly or gas burner for signs of damage, misalignment, or malfunction.

By resolving the cause of overheating, we not only restore proper drying performance but also help protect your home from
potential hazards. If you ever notice a burning smell, unusual heat, or smoke, it’s wise to unplug the dryer and schedule
professional service right away.

Loud or unusual noises during operation

Dryers are never completely silent, but they also shouldn’t sound like they are about to fall apart. If you hear
grinding, squealing, thumping, or rattling noises, it’s usually a sign that one or more moving parts are worn out.

Some of the most common noise-related repairs include:

• Worn drum rollers or drum glides – These support the drum as it turns; when they wear down, the drum can rub, squeal, or thump.
• Damaged idler pulley – This keeps the drive belt tight. When it fails, you may hear squeaks or chirps.
• Stretched or frayed drive belt – The belt can slip, causing slapping or thumping noises.
• Objects in the drum or blower wheel – Coins, buttons, and other items can get trapped and create repetitive noises.
• Worn blower wheel – If the blower loosens or cracks, you may hear rattling or grinding while the dryer runs.

Our technician disassembles the necessary panels, identifies the worn parts, and replaces them with quality components.
After the repair, your dryer should sound smooth and consistent again, without the distracting or worrying noises.

Gas vs. electric dryers – how we approach repairs

Appliance Repair Brothers services both gas and electric dryers for homeowners in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
While the general function is similar – both types tumble clothes and use hot air to dry them – the internal components and
safety considerations are different.

For electric dryers, we focus on components such as:

• Heating element
• High-limit thermostat and thermal cutoffs
• Thermal fuse
• Power supply and terminal block

For gas dryers, our work centers around:

• Igniter and flame sensor
• Gas valve coils
• Burner assembly
• Ventilation and safe combustion

Working with gas appliances requires special training and attention to safety. Our technicians follow strict procedures to
ensure that gas lines are secure, burners are operating correctly, and there is no risk of leaks or improper combustion.
Whether your dryer is gas or electric, our dryer repair service aims to restore safe, efficient operation while
extending the life of your appliance.

Why choose Appliance Repair Brothers for dryer repair?

Homeowners in the Philadelphia area have many options, but there are several reasons they consistently choose
Appliance Repair Brothers for dryer repair service:

• Local, trusted company – We serve Philadelphia and nearby New Jersey communities, so we understand local homes and typical installation setups.
• Experienced technicians – Our team works on all major dryer brands and models, from traditional vented dryers to modern high-capacity units.
• Honest, upfront pricing – You receive a clear estimate before repairs begin, so you can decide what works best for your household and budget.
• Fast response times – We know you can’t wait long when the dryer is down, so we strive for same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.
• Focus on safety and quality – Our repairs are performed according to manufacturer guidelines, with attention to proper venting and safe operation.

Our goal is not just to “get the dryer running,” but to fix it correctly, explain what went wrong, and offer tips so you can
avoid similar problems in the future.

How to schedule your dryer repair service

If your dryer isn’t heating, making loud noises, taking too long to dry, or refusing to start at all, it’s time to schedule a
professional inspection. Ignoring the problem can lead to higher utility bills, additional wear on your clothes, and even
safety risks if overheating or lint buildup is involved.

To arrange a visit, you can:

• Call our office during business hours to speak with a member of our team and select a convenient appointment window.
• Fill out the contact form on our
  
  Dryer Repair Service page to request service online.

Once your appointment is confirmed, one of our skilled technicians will arrive on time, diagnose the issue, and provide a clear
plan to repair your dryer. With Appliance Repair Brothers, you can get back to a smooth, efficient laundry
routine and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dryer is working safely and reliably again.