Because they need no duct to the outside, heat pump and condenser dryers suit the internal and garage laundries in newer homes. Instead of blowing damp air out, they condense the moisture into water that either drains away through a hose or collects in a tank you empty by hand.
Plenty of these dryers sit stacked on top of a front loader, which keeps the laundry tidy but puts the filters out of easy reach, so they get skipped. A phone reminder helps. A stacked dryer that has begun to rattle or shift should also be checked, because the stacking kit takes the shaking from the washer below as well as the tumbling above.
When the cycle drags on
If drying takes much longer than it used to, start with the filters. There's the lint screen in the door opening, and a second filter near the base in front of the heat exchanger. Both need rinsing regularly, and the base one is easy to forget. Then check the water tank. When it's full, the dryer stops or won't dry properly. On models plumbed to drain, follow the outlet hose to the tub and make sure it hasn't been pinched where the machine meets the wall.
Sensor-dried cycles can also cut out early or run on forever when the two metal strips inside the drum get coated with fabric softener. A wipe with a little vinegar on a cloth often brings the timing back.
If that doesn't help, the fault may be the condensate pump, the moisture sensors on the drum, or lint matted onto the fins of the heat exchanger. A heat pump dryer in an unventilated garage near the marina can also corrode earlier than one kept inside the house. The sealed refrigerant circuit is the one part that usually isn't worth repairing, and we'll tell you if that's where the fault lies. Bosch, LG, Samsung and AEG dryers are all covered by our authorised status. Getting a technician out costs a fixed $125, and you'll know what the fix costs before anything is touched.
Questions from Shell Cove
Why is my heat pump dryer so slow?
A heat pump model works at a gentler temperature than a vented dryer, so a longer cycle is expected. If cycles have grown noticeably longer than they used to be, blocked filters are the most likely cause. Rinse the lint screen and the base filter and empty the water container.
Why is my condenser dryer leaking water?
Usually the water tank isn't seated properly, the outlet hose is blocked, or the pump that lifts the water has stopped working. Check the container sits flush and the hose runs freely. If water still escapes, the pump or a seal needs attention.
Do you repair stacked washer and dryer setups?
Yes. We work on dryers stacked above a front loader and check the stacking kit while we are there. Mention that it's stacked when you book.