Highly efficient clothes dryers have many benefits and with regular maintenance they will save you money now and into the future. A few simple steps can increase the life of your clothes dryer during the high-use spring and summer seasons. Because when you are more active, odds are your washer and dryer will be, too.
Be Active While Staying Clean with an Efficient Clothes Dryer
Springtime ushers in the season of active outdoor living, which takes a toll on your clothes washer and dryer. When they are well maintained, they are better able to take on increased use.
In the old days most people hung their clothes out on the line to dry as few homes had clothes dryers. Nowadays you rarely see pants and shirts blowing in the breeze.
New textiles and fabric finishes allow you to throw the wet clothes into the dryer, remove them, and put them on right away. If you remove them immediately, they will be unwrinkled and fresh. During the active months, cooler clothing that is easy to maintain will be very valuable, especially for homes with children.
Newer highly efficient clothes dryers are so universally energy efficient that they are not included in the appliances evaluated by the U.S. government’s EnergyStar rating system. For maximum energy efficiency, gas dryers are marginally better than electric, but they cost a bit more to buy.
Once you have your dryer, a few simple steps will help you keep it running well.
Clothes Dryer Upkeep
- Clean out the lint filter before every dryer load.
- Every three months, use detergent to remove the invisible chemical residues that can cling to the lint filter and restrict airflow.
- Once a month, look at the dryer exhaust duct for crimps and obstructions.
- Every year, remove and clean out the entire exhaust duct line from the dryer to the outside.
- Reduce fire hazards by replacing vinyl dryer exhaust ducts with metal ductwork.
For best results, avoid overloading the dryer and remove the clothing from it as soon as the cycle is finished or the garments are dry. Doing so will deliver clothes that are truly “ready to wear” and will extend the life of your dryer.
By following these simple steps you can extend the life of your clothes dryer and save money in the process. Occasionally, even a well-maintained appliance will need an overhaul. A home warranty can protect your appliances should repairs become necessary. When you contract with American Home Shield you can rest assured they will find a reliable service technician and that your repair costs will always be at the rate you selected.
