The dryer is overheating and smells hot or burnt
When you last used your dryer, did you notice a strong hot or even burnt smell? It is important for you to deal with the problem quickly because it can be hazardous. In fact, in the worst-case scenario, it could cause a fire to start. This phenomenon is more common with condenser dryer models, but vented or heat pump dryers can also be affected. Don't worry! By following the verification steps in this troubleshooting guide, you will soon discover why your appliance is overheating so you can fix this breakdown.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
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The appliance is not installed properly
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The lint filter is full
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The condenser is full of lint
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There is a lint build-up in the dryer
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The heating elements are overheating
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The tensioner idler is out of place
WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured
The dryer is not installed properly
If you smell a hot odour when your dryer is running, start by checking if it is installed properly. It is always essential to ensure there is good air circulation. Inspect the airflow intake and outlet on your appliance. Thoroughly clean the grilles if they are full of dust. Similarly, you also need to leave a certain amount of space around the appliance to ensure it is well ventilated (1 cm minimum). If the machine is located in a small, enclosed space, make sure you leave the door or a window open during the drying cycle.
The lint filter is full
Then check the state of the lint filter(s). If they're full, that could stop the heated air circulating properly and cause the motor to overheat. Likewise, an overloaded drum could cause your machine's motor to work harder.
Buy a tumble dryer lint filter
The condenser is full of lint
If your dryer is a condenser dryer, you should now check its condenser. This can actually be filled with fine lint particles. This can in the long run clog the ventilation circuit. The appliance will no longer be able to cool down and will then heat up. That's why it is vital to clean it regularly. If you want to make sure the air circulates properly inside the condenser, we advise you to clean the dryer's condenser once a month or every 6 drying cycles. Also remember to regularly remove fragments of lint that may be stuck in the ducts.
There is a lint build-up in the main dryer unit
Over time, lint that escapes from the dryer circuit builds up inside the main unit. This may cause a defect in the air circulation which could lead to the appliance overheating. In that case, the safety thermostat should trigger and automatically stop the dryer. On certain models, this overflow is indicated by a light that tells you that you need to completely clean the appliance, which means you have to remove the body panels.
The heating elements are overheating
The heating element(s) in a dryer heat the air to the right temperature. These heating elements are designed to operate in an air stream with a certain minimum flow. If this air flow is too weak because of all the lint, the heating element won't cool down enough and will cause the dryer to overheat. Similarly, a heating element covered in dust or lint may burn this lint and give off a burning smell. If this is the case, start by cleaning the air ducts (hot and cold) and remove the lint from the heating element(s).
Buy a tumble dryer heating element
The tensioner idler is out of place
The drive belt runs around a pulley that is connected to the motor's drive shaft. This part, often made of plastic, is also called the tensioner idler. Sometimes this part works loose. This means that the drive belt will be in direct contact with the motor drive shaft which is likely to heat up the pulley which may melt in all the heat. If that happens, the drum will have to work overly hard to turn which will set off the appliance's safety mode. You will then have to replace the idler to fix your dryer.