Why does my dryer take 3 hours to dry?

Your duct is probably too long, and not constructed properly. Installing a proper exhaust system may increase the dryers performance, though this is not guaranteed.

Vent length and installation requirements will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but International Residential Code (IRC) gives us a conservative starting point.

M1502.1 General. Clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

M1502.4 Dryer exhaust ducts. Dryer exhaust ducts shall conform to the requirements of Sections M1502.4.1 through M1502.4.6.

M1502.4.1 Material and size. Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish and shall be constructed of metal a minimum 0.016-inch (0.4 mm) thick. The exhaust duct size shall be 4 inches (102 mm) nominal in diameter.

M1502.4.3 Transition duct. Transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the exhaust duct system shall be a single length that is listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A. Transition ducts shall be a maximum of 8 feet (2438 mm) in length. Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction.

M1502.4.4 Duct length. The maximum allowable exhaust duct length shall be determined by one of the methods specified in Section M1502.4.4.1 or M1502.4.4.2.

M1502.4.4.1 Specified length. The maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be 25 feet (7620 mm) from the connection to the transition duct from the dryer to the outlet terminal. Where fittings are used, the maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be reduced in accordance with Table M1502.4.4.1.

Why does my dryer take 3 hours to dry?

M1502.4.4.2 Manufacturer's instructions. The size and maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be determined by the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions. The code official shall be provided with a copy of the installation instructions for the make and model of the dryer at the concealment inspection. In the absence of fitting equivalent length calculations from the clothes dryer manufacturer, Table M1502.4.4.1 shall be used.

Basically what all this means, is that in general the overall length of the duct can be 33'. 25' of the duct system; measured from the exhaust hood to the dryer connection, must be 4" rigid metal duct. You can then have an 8' section of "transition duct", which can be flexible duct, but must be UL listed and labeled for the use. For each elbow, subtract the value from Table M1502.4.4.1 from the overall 25' length.

When you use flexible "transition duct", make sure the duct is fully extended and trimmed to fit. Don't leave the duct compressed and coiled.

If you look at the Maytag installation instructions (PDF), they tell you what type of exhaust hoods you can choose from.

Why does my dryer take 3 hours to dry?

The instructions then provide a table to determine the maximum duct length, based on the hood used and the number of bends.

Why does my dryer take 3 hours to dry?

Gas dryers need gas to dry, so make sure the gas is on before you spend too much more time or money on repairs. It might also be useful to make sure it's not user error, by making sure the tenants know how to use the dryer properly. Don't forget to make sure the tenants aren't overloading the dryer.

Please give us your model number. Some dryers have two heating coils. Mine did this same thing and one was burned out.

Causes for Dryer takes too long

Cause 1

Air Flow Problem

If the vent is clogged or partially clogged, it will restrict the airflow through the dryer, substantially increasing the drying time. To ensure proper dryer performance, you should clean your dryer’s venting system at least once per year.

Cause 2

Blower Wheel

The blower wheel works with the drive motor to draw air into the dryer drum. Clumps of lint, socks, and small articles of clothing can escape the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel. In addition, the blower wheel sleeve can wear out, allowing the blower wheel to wobble on the motor shaft. If the blower wheel is obstructed or defective, it may take too long to dry clothes. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air flow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If no obstructions are present, try rotating the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel wobbles as it turns, replace it.

Cause 3

Heating Element

The heating element warms the air before the air enters the dryer drum. If the heating element is burned out, or if any other part of the assembly is defective, the dryer may not heat. To determine if the heating element is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 4

Heating Element Assembly

The heating element assembly warms the air as it passes over. If the heating element is burned out, or if any other part of the assembly is defective, the dryer may not heat. If the dryer doesn’t heat, the dryer will take a substantial amount of time to dry clothes. To determine if the heating element is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 5

Moisture Sensor

The moisture sensor monitors the clothing’s moisture level and sends a signal to the control board when the clothes are dry. If the moisture sensor is malfunctioning, it could inaccurately report that the clothing is still moist, causing the dryer to keep running even though the clothes are dry. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the moisture sensor check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the moisture sensor.

Cause 6

High Limit Thermostat

The high-limit thermostat monitors the dryer temperature and shuts off the burner if the dryer overheats. If the high-limit thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the burner even if the dryer is not overheating. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the high limit thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 7

Cycling Thermostat

The cycling thermostat cycles the heat on and off to regulate the air temperature. If the cycling thermostat is defective, the dryer will not heat. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the cycling thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 8

Thermistor

Some dryer models have a thermistor. The control board uses the thermistor to monitor the dryer temperature and cycle the heat on and off. If the thermistor is defective, it might not cycle the heat on, causing the clothes to not to dry properly.

Drying cycle durations are stated in your tumble dryer’s user manual. Check your user manual and see if drying is taking longer than the time stated. If you’re having trouble finding your manual, download it here using your product’s model number.

If you notice an increase in your tumble dryer’s drying time, see if one of the following will solve the problem. 

See if the lint filter is dirty or clogged

Drying times may be longer if the lint filter is clogged. The lint filter gathers fluff and fibres from clothes and needs to be cleaned after every drying cycle. The lint filter is located on the rim of the door. 

To clean the lint filter, open the door and pull the lint filter upward to remove it. Remove the lint gathered on the screens by hand or with a soft cloth. If the filter is heavily clogged, wash it under the tap with warm water.

Dry the lint filter completely before reinstalling it. Before placing the filter back in its housing, give the housing itself a wipe as lint might also gather in this area.

See if the filter drawer or the condenser filter is dirty or clogged

Heat pump and condenser dryers have an additional filter behind the kickplate. This piece is called a filter drawer in heat pump dryers and a condenser filter in condenser tumble dryers.   

A blocked filter drawer or condenser may cause longer drying times. These filters catch fluff and fibres that seep through the lint filter. They need to be cleaned periodically or when the filter drawer cleaning warning symbol lights up (if available). 

To clean the filter drawer or the condenser filter, open the kick plate and remove the piece from its housing by unlatching the locks. The filter drawer can be opened further by pressing the red button.

Remove the lint gathered on the filter screens by hand or with a soft cloth. You can also user your vacuum cleaner on a low suction power. Finally, there’s a thin piece of sponge between the screens. Take the sponge out and wash it under the tap with warm water.

The condenser filter, on the other hand, is better cleaned by pressurized water. Hold it under the shower head for a few minutes. Try to run the water from all sides and get the fluff out. 

Wait for all pieces to dry completely before reinstalling them. Place the filter drawer or the condenser in its housing and latch the locks. Finally, close the kick plate cover.

See if the dryer vent is blocked (vented models)

If you own a vented tumble dryer, your appliance will need to be installed near an external vent. This vent needs to be clear of blockages for safety and for good drying performance. If the dryer vent is blocked or restricted, your appliance will take longer to dry clothes.

Check the selected programme and functions

The selected programme may have features that take additional time. Select the appropriate programme for the laundry type and use additional functions only when needed. Consult your user manual for the most suitable programme. If you’re having trouble finding your manual, download it here using your product’s model number.

Avoid overloading the appliance

If your tumble dryer is overloaded, air movement inside the drum will be restricted. This will result in longer drying times. 

Please consult your user manual for programmes and their laundry capacities. If you’re having trouble finding your manual, download it here using your product’s model number.