There’s something oddly comforting about pulling warm, dry clothes from the dryer, until the moment it takes two full cycles to get there. If your dryer takes longer in the fall, you’re not alone. Seasonal shifts bring more than just falling leaves; they can also affect your appliance’s performance in sneaky ways.
From chilly laundry rooms to clogged vents, here’s why fall weather is slowing down your dryer and what you can do about it.
When One Cycle Isn’t Enough: What Slows Dryers Down
If your dryer is not drying clothes in one cycle, don’t immediately blame the machine. It might be reacting to external conditions.
In the fall, cooler and more humid air creeps into homes, especially in basements or garages where laundry appliances often live. This denser air impacts how well your dryer vents, slowing down moisture evaporation. So when towels aren’t drying in the dryer, it’s not always a mechanical issue, it could be environmental.
But that’s not all. Dirty vents, overloaded drums, or a bad heating element could also be at fault. Let’s dig into each cause.
Faulty Heating Element? Here’s How to Tell
Your dryer’s heating element is the MVP of the drying game. If it starts to fail, you’ll notice your dryer not drying clothes all the way or taking much longer to do so.
Signs your heating element might be failing:
- Clothes come out warm but still damp
- The dryer runs longer than usual
- You smell a faint burning odour
- The dryer feels hot, but the airflow is weak
If you’ve ruled out overloading or clogged vents, it’s time to inspect the heating element.
Easy Fixes for a Dryer That’s Slowing Down
Wondering how to fix a dryer that’s taking too long? Here’s a practical step-by-step guide:
1. Clean the lint trap thoroughly
Even if you clear the lint screen after every cycle, lint buildup in the trap housing can reduce airflow.
2. Inspect the dryer vent
A clogged or kinked vent restricts hot air from escaping, making your dryer take longer in the fall and winter months.
3. Check the exhaust outside
Make sure the flap opens easily and isn’t blocked by leaves or debris. In fall, outdoor blockages are more common than you think.
4. Test the heating element
Use a multimeter to check for continuity. No continuity? It’s time for a replacement.
Heating Element Replacement: Cost Breakdown
A common question we get at Canada Appliance Services: How much to replace a heating element in a dryer?
Average cost in Canada:
This can vary based on the nature of the repair needed. In most cases you need to account for labour charges which would range anywhere between $150 – $200 and additional costs to replace any faulty parts of the dryer if necessary. However, before jumping into a repair, make sure it’s the element and not the airflow or overloading that’s causing your dryer to take longer in the fall.
Cold Weather and Your Dryer: What You Should Know
Yes, cold weather can affect your dryer, especially vented models. Cooler air thickens condensation in the vent pipe, slowing airflow. It also increases drying time, especially if your dryer is in an unheated area.
If you notice your dryer not drying properly as the temperature drops, this could be why.
For condenser models, this seasonal change is even trickier. If condenser drying isn’t drying, it may be due to poor heat transfer in a colder room.
How to Check the Heating Element (Without Guesswork)
To confirm if your heating element is the problem:
- Unplug the dryer
- Remove the back panel
- Locate the heating element assembly
- Use a multimeter to test continuity between the terminals
If there’s no continuity, the element is dead. Still unsure? Book a service call with Canada Appliance Services, and we’ll handle it for you.
How Often to Clean Dryer Vents (and Why Fall is the Best Time)
At a minimum, you should clean your dryer vents once a year. But if your dryer takes longer in the fall, that might be your reminder it’s time.
Signs it’s overdue:
- Clothes come out damp
- The dryer feels unusually hot
- A musty smell from your laundry
- It’s been over a year since your last cleaning
Fall is ideal for this maintenance because it prepares your dryer for winter’s heavy workload.
Horizontal photo of female hand taking the lint out from dirty air filter of the dyer machine
Don’t Overlook the Lint Trap: It’s More Than Just Fluff
Knowing how to unclog the lint trap properly can save you hundreds in repairs.
Here’s how:
- Remove the lint screen and vacuum the cavity
- Use a flexible brush to reach deeper lint
- Soak the screen in warm water and soap if it’s coated in residue
This simple task boosts airflow and reduces dry time, especially crucial when your dryer takes longer in the fall.
Speed Up Drying with These Tips
Looking to speed up your dryer? Start here:
- Dry similar fabrics together (towels with towels, synthetics with synthetics)
- Spin clothes on high in the washer first
- Avoid overdrying smaller loads, as sensors can misread light fabrics
- Always clean the lint filter before each cycle
Bonus: If you’re drying clothes outside overnight, fall moisture can linger in the fabric, forcing your dryer to work overtime afterward. Avoid the double-drying struggle.
When You’re Just Asking Too Much of Your Dryer
Let’s be honest, sometimes your dryer’s not drying clothes but getting hot because you’ve overloaded it. Overstuffed drums reduce tumbling action, causing uneven drying.
Signs you’ve overloaded:
- Damp pockets in jeans or towels
- Balling up of sheets or bedding
- The dryer shuts off mid-cycle from overheating
Knowing how to tell if your dryer is overloaded will save you from long wait times and higher energy bills.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fall Wreck Your Dryer Routine
If your dryer takes longer in the fall, it’s likely a combination of environmental conditions and minor maintenance issues. From checking heating elements to clearing out lint and vents, a little seasonal TLC can go a long way.
And when it’s more than a DIY fix? Count on Canada Appliance Services for expert services. We’ll get your laundry routine back on track without the double cycles.
