How to Save Money While Extending the Life of Your Dryer
Dryers are evolving into machines that can offer numerous options on care for different fabrics, sensors that determine when a load is dry, and enable programming to run laundry cycles remotely. The key to getting the most out of these machines rests in taking a few actions on a regular basis that can both save money and extend the life of your dryer.
These actions include:
* Cleaning the lint filter and the surrounding area either before or after each load – This step is easy to perform as lint filters are usually placed on the flat, top surface or just inside the door and in front of the tub on other models. Cleaning the lint filter maximizes air flow which shortens the time required to dry the load. Lint that accumulates in the filter and in other areas around the dryer can be a fire hazard as well, giving you another reason to remove it on a regular basis.
* Make sure the exhaust hoses are secured and vent easily to the outdoors – Exhaust hoses that are bent into sharp angles can provide an area for lint to gradually accumulate, which can cause venting issues and the potential for fire. Check this hose on a regularly basis and look for accumulations of lint behind the dryer. These accumulations typically indicate that the exhaust hose has been shaken loose due to the vibration that occurs during each drying cycle.
* Test your drying loads to see how long it takes to get them fully dry – Many people tend to choose the same time setting every time they dry a wash load, which can prove to be extremely inefficient. By testing your drying loads to see how long they take to completion, you can run your dryer for less time, which can save on energy costs as well as wear and tear on the dryer.
* Don't overload your dryer – Cramming what should be two separate loads into your dryer will usually take more time to dry while also being a source of stress to the motor and the belts that spin the tub due to the extra weight in the load. Overloading a dryer is one action that can drastically shorten its usable life and increase the need for repairs.
A dryer that is properly maintained and operated will last for years and save money in the process. By following these steps, your dryer will do its job effectively and cost efficiently.
These actions include:
* Cleaning the lint filter and the surrounding area either before or after each load – This step is easy to perform as lint filters are usually placed on the flat, top surface or just inside the door and in front of the tub on other models. Cleaning the lint filter maximizes air flow which shortens the time required to dry the load. Lint that accumulates in the filter and in other areas around the dryer can be a fire hazard as well, giving you another reason to remove it on a regular basis.
* Make sure the exhaust hoses are secured and vent easily to the outdoors – Exhaust hoses that are bent into sharp angles can provide an area for lint to gradually accumulate, which can cause venting issues and the potential for fire. Check this hose on a regularly basis and look for accumulations of lint behind the dryer. These accumulations typically indicate that the exhaust hose has been shaken loose due to the vibration that occurs during each drying cycle.
* Test your drying loads to see how long it takes to get them fully dry – Many people tend to choose the same time setting every time they dry a wash load, which can prove to be extremely inefficient. By testing your drying loads to see how long they take to completion, you can run your dryer for less time, which can save on energy costs as well as wear and tear on the dryer.
* Don't overload your dryer – Cramming what should be two separate loads into your dryer will usually take more time to dry while also being a source of stress to the motor and the belts that spin the tub due to the extra weight in the load. Overloading a dryer is one action that can drastically shorten its usable life and increase the need for repairs.
A dryer that is properly maintained and operated will last for years and save money in the process. By following these steps, your dryer will do its job effectively and cost efficiently.
