First, clean out the vent duct. Dryers typically have a thermostat inside that turn off the heating mechanism when things get overheated…which happens when the vent duct is blocked with lint. This happens very frequently and easily, particularly if there are bends in the duct, or if the duct has a very long run to reach the outside. It’s a feature to prevent dryer fires.
My sister and I have both been through this. Thought we might need new dryers, but they worked just fine after cleaning out vent ducts that were blocked with lint.
Investigating a repair is definitely the way to go.
http://www.repairclinic.com/ is a useful site also. They have instructional videos, pictures of almost every part and they seem to carry just about everything. I work near their actual warehouse (it is huge), so I can pick thing up and have almost always the parts I have needed in stock.
It’s a tough call because they really don’t make them like they used to. A few things to consider:
Manufacturers generally contract with their sellers that they guarantee to make available parts for at least ten years. So if your dryer is over 20 years there’s a good chance parts will be hard to find. You may be able to find a part from some local guy that hoards appliances, but there’s also a good chance that the part you broke its the same one everyone else broke and again, you won’t be able to find it.
OTOH if you can fix it, it might last another 10 years.
New dryers only have an expected lifespan of ten-give-or-take years.
There is very little to be done to make a dryer more efficient (assuming it’s running with all working parts), so a new dryer probably won’t save you on energy bills–maybe a little but not much.
But a plus to a new dryer is that they are often more gentle on your clothes and will help extend the life of your clothes. Course with a kid, they will prolly grow out of them before they wear them out, but do put the savings in your clothes into your budget.
YouTube is a great resource for you to guess what is broken. Most dryer parts can be replaced by a novice DIY-er who knows how to follow instructions. Take digital photos at every step to help you put it back together.
If you do decide to buy a new dryer, make sure you size it to your washer. If you are considering getting a larger washer, then get a bigger dryer. A lot of dryers in your price range are smallish.
I’d give very different advice about a washing machine, so I’m glad it’s “just” your dryer.
Online helpers have gotten me through dryer and washer repairs, and the most recent was a phone call to the Whirlpool site where the guy said better check the connections before you give up on the motherboard- and BINGO I didn’t need anew washer after all:)
LiliesOfTheField, I also might have the generous offer from my dad to make sure his little grandson has a new washing machine too. Washer still works fine. Is not quite as old as the dryer but at least 15 years. I know that would save me some energy. (But I can’t decide - front loader or top loader? And again it’s kind of indelicate to ask "um, is this just an appliance deal or can I just have this money?)
I have an Asko condenser dryer that’s dead in the water. I also have an Asko washer, but that’s another story.
I don’t want to replace it, because condenser dryers (which can be used in an apartment without any venting to the outside) that are small and stackable are few and far between on the market.
But Asko seems to have abandoned the US market, and parts are hard to come by. I replaced the drive belt a couple of years ago, which was no big deal, but I can’t even figure out what’s wrong with this dryer. It’s just dead. No lights come on, nothing. I can’t find an internal fuse to replace. No idea.
I miss the old Kenmore machines. Simple, relatively inexpensive, and they lasted forever. But I can’t put anything like that in my apartment (the venting issue).
Where is the water heater, and is it gas or electric?
If the (gas) water heater is next to the (electric) dryer, it may be time to tap the gas line and run it to the dryer.
Then again, code may prohibit running two appliances form a pipe sized for a single one.
I don’t understand the last part of your question. Are you thinking of asking your dad for the cash for a new set, but only fixing the dryer??
Anyway… I had a front loading. They use less water, but there are issues with mildew in the seals. I never could get rid of it completely. It sounds like your dad wants to make sure you have a good set. If he can afford to do it, and it won’t be the kind of thing you hear about for the rest of his life, I would graciously thank him and enjoy his generosity.
No, I’m saying I’m not sure if my dad is offering me appliances or if he’s offering me money. (Obviously I’d never lie.) The less water thing is very, very compelling - I’d heard that the mildew issues had largely been fixed with newer models. Not true?
I’ve had a front loader for 4 years. Family of 5, with 3 girls, so LOTS of laundry. Never had a mildew or odor issue. I leave the door open when it’s not in use, and a few times a year I clean the rubber gasket with a towel to pick up any hair and wet lint stuck in the grooves. Takes about 3 minutes.