When your Amana dryer isn’t drying your clothes properly, it can be incredibly frustrating. You expect your dryer to quickly and efficiently dry load after load of wet clothes, so when it fails at this seemingly simple task, it’s natural to wonder what could be wrong.
Fortunately, there are a few common issues that tend to be behind dryers not drying, and understanding these problems can help you diagnose and fix the issue. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explore the three most likely reasons an Amana dryer won’t dry and provide actionable tips to get your appliance back up and running.
Clogged Lint Trap or Vent
One of the most common reasons an Amana dryer isn’t drying clothes is a clog in the lint trap or venting system. The lint trap is responsible for catching all the lint and debris that accumulates from your clothes as they tumble in the dryer. This lint can quickly build up and block the air flow necessary for efficient drying. The venting system also can become clogged with lint buildup over time, impeding air circulation.
To check your lint trap, pull it out of the dryer and examine it. If the screen is covered in lint, clean it thoroughly by hand or use your vacuum hose to suck out any built up debris. While you have the lint trap removed, check the opening where it fits into the dryer for any lint accumulation as well. You’ll want to clean this out completely.
It’s recommended to clean your lint trap before every load, but if you’ve neglected this maintenance, a clogged trap may be your culprit. Cleaning it thoroughly after each load going forward will help prevent major buildup.
The venting system can be trickier to inspect yourself, but if you haven’t had it cleaned in over a year, a clog is likely. There should be regular professional maintenance yearly to clean out lint accumulation from the venting system, which runs from your dryer to the outdoor vent.
Make sure to detach the vent from the dryer and the wall to thoroughly clean out any lint stuck inside it. A vacuum hose with a narrow attachment can help suck out debris from the vent system. Vent brushes are also available to scrub out any stuck-on lint in all the curves of the venting system.
A properly cleaned lint trap and venting system are key to allowing air to freely circulate and dry your clothes. A blockage anywhere in that airflow pathway will lead to inefficient, slow drying.
Heating Element Not Working
The next most common culprit behind an Amana dryer not drying is a malfunctioning heating element. For your dryer to effectively dry your clothes, it needs to produce heat. The heating element is responsible for generating this heat as the air circulates throughout the drum.
Over time, heating elements can burn out or become dysfunctional. If the air in the dryer drum isn’t getting sufficiently heated, the moisture won’t evaporate from your clothes no matter how long they tumble.
To diagnose if the heating element is the issue, start by running the dryer with no load on the highest heat setting. After letting it run for 5-10 minutes, open the door and feel the inside of the drum. If you don’t feel significant warmth, there’s likely an issue with the heating element.
You can further confirm the heating element is broken by carefully removing the back panel of the dryer and doing a visual inspection. If the element doesn’t glow red when activated, it needs to be replaced. Be cautious not to touch near the heating element or other internal components when doing this test.
Replacing a burned out heating element is a moderately difficult DIY task but certainly doable with proper care. Make sure to unplug the dryer before attempting any repairs. The heating element is located in the back of the dryer, secured by screws. After accessing it, you can disconnect the wiring and mount the new element.
If you don’t feel comfortable replacing it yourself, any appliance repair company can switch out the faulty heating element. Just make sure to diagnose that the heating element is the definite problem so you don’t end up paying for unnecessary repairs.
Dryer Settings Are Off
Before assuming your Amana dryer requires repairs or replacement parts, another simple possibility is the dryer settings need adjustment. If the dryer seems to run but isn’t drying thoroughly or taking much longer than expected, tweaking the settings can often solve these problems.
Many Amana dryers have autosensing technology to detect moisture and automatically adjust drying time. However, relying solely on this auto dry setting doesn’t always yield the best results, especially with larger or mixed loads.
Instead, select a timed high heat drying cycle for heavy clothes like towels or jeans. Lighter items like t-shirts and undergarments require shorter cycle times on medium or low heat. You can stop the cycle early if clothes are dry before time is up.
Experiment with the time and temperature that works best for the items you commonly dry. Take note if the load is still damp when the cycle ends. Then you can incrementally adjust to a longer time or hotter temperature on future loads.
Refer to your owner’s manual for specifics on the drying options available for your Amana model. Most dryers have varying heat levels from delicate to high heat, along with timed drying from 20 minutes up to over an hour. Finding the optimal combinations for each load will help your dryer work at maximum efficiency.
Don’t overload your dryer, as too many clothes tumbling can lead to uneven drying. Clothes need room to tumble freely to fully dry. If your dryer takes multiple cycles to fully dry a normal load, overcrowding could be your issue.
With this knowledge of how settings impact drying performance, you can tweak and test combinations to find what works best for each type of laundry you dry. Taking the time to optimize the settings can mean the difference between wet clothes and dryer that actually dries.
4 Steps to Quickly Diagnose Your Dryer
When your Amana dryer won’t dry, there are thankfully a few quick checks you can do to zero in on the likely problem before resorting to replacement parts. Follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Clean the lint trap – Remove and clean out the lint trap thoroughly. Use a vacuum hose if lots of lent is stuck on. Ensure the lint trap housing is also clear of debris before reinserting.
- Check the exterior vent – Verify the outside vent wall or roof opening is not blocked. Vent covers can sometimes become clogged.
- Examine the interior heating element – Carefully remove the back panel of the dryer and visually inspect the heating element. It should glow red when activated.
- Monitor a test cycle – Run the dryer for 5-10 minutes on high heat, then feel the interior air temp. If it’s not hot, the heating element likely needs replacing.
Following these steps will help you quickly diagnose whether simple air flow or more complex heating element issues are to blame.
Common Problems Solved by Proper Dryer Venting
Maintaining clear and unobstructed dryer vents is one of the most effective ways to prevent a variety of operational problems. When vents get clogged with lint buildup over time, it affects multiple aspects of performance. Having properly installed and well-maintained vents can solve:
Long drying times – Restricted airflow from clogged vents directly leads to inefficient drying. Lint and debris in vents inhibits the hot air from circulating to evaporate moisture.
Overheating issues – When airflow is blocked, dryers overwork themselves trying to dry clothes. This can lead to overheating, longer running times, and breakdowns.
Lint accumulation on clothes – Vent blockages cause lint to get trapped inside the dryer instead of venting outside. This leads to lint getting redeposited on clean clothes.
Excess humidity in laundry room – Poor ventilation leads to greater moisture buildup in the room instead of being carried out by the venting.
Increased risk of fire – Lint buildup in dryer ducts is a leading cause of dryer fires. Routinely cleaning vents reduces this danger.
Taking steps to regularly maintain clear dryer vents prevents all of these headaches. Make sure your vents are made of rigid metal, not flexible plastic, which is more prone to kinks and clogs. Have a professional inspect and clean your entire duct system each year. And be sure to detach and clean behind the dryer as well. Proper dryer venting is essential for safe operation and optimal performance.
DIY Maintenance to Maximize Amana Dryer Lifespan
While it’s recommended to have professionals handle any major repairs, there are small maintenance tasks you can easily do yourself to get the longest lifespan out of your Amana dryer. Here are a few DIY tips to keep your dryer running like new:
Clean the lint trap before every load – This prevents debris buildup that can lead to clogs and ventilation issues over time. Get in the habit of clearing the lint trap as part of your laundry routine.
Periodically use vent cleaning brushes – Special dryer vent brushes allow you to periodically clean out the interior ductwork yourself between professional cleanings.
Check the outdoor vent hood – Make sure the outdoor vent covering is not obstructed by debris. Birds sometimes nest there!
Vacuum under and around the dryer – Use crevice tools to remove lint accumulation from behind and underneath the dryer where you can’t easily reach by hand.
Wipe the drum interior – Over time, residue can build up inside the drum. Use a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner to scrub the drum interior.
Clean the moisture sensors – Dryers have stainless steel sensor strips that detect moisture. Wipe these strips down so they continue working effectively.
Inspect the door gasket – front loader models have a large rubber gasket that seals the door. Clean out lint and debris so the door can close tightly.
By proactively cleaning and inspecting your Amana dryer, you can avoid many issues and keep it operating like new for years to come. A small amount of regular preventative maintenance goes a long way!
When to Call a Repair Professional
While many minor dryer issues can be resolved with troubleshooting and DIY repairs, certain problems are best left to professionals:
Electrical issues – If you notice any sparking, exposed wires, burning smells, etc., unplug the dryer and call an appliance technician immediately. Never attempt to handle electrical problems yourself.
Drum bearing issues – If your dryer is making loud noises when running, the drum bearings could be worn out and require expert replacement.
Bent or damaged drum – While rare, if your dryer drum is visibly deformed or damaged, replacement by a professional is safest.
Gas dryer issues – For gas models, only licensed professionals should handle any issues with gas connections, burnt gas smells, etc.
New part installation – While doable yourself, having an expert replace complicated parts like heating elements, control boards, etc., often yields the best results.
Anything you’re unsure of – If you’re uncomfortable with any investigation or repair, don’t hesitate to call an appliance repair company to get help.
Amana dryers are generally quite reliable, but when malfunctions do occur, don’t take any risks attempting to fix the problem yourself unless you’re fully confident in your abilities. Otherwise, leave it to the experts and avoid making the issue worse.
Cost Comparison of Professional Repair vs New Dryer
When faced with dryer troubles, deciding whether to repair or replace your Amana dryer can be difficult. Professional repairs can get expensive depending on the parts and labor involved. This leads many to wonder if they should just invest in a brand new dryer instead.
To make the best decision for your needs, here is an overview of cost considerations:
Appliance technician service call – Expect to pay $80-$100 just for a technician to diagnose the problem. Parts and labor are extra.
Dryer part replacements – Heating elements ($120-$300), control boards ($200-$400), drum rollers ($40-$60 each) are common part costs.
Labor for installation – Appliance repair pros charge around $65 per hour for installation of any new parts or repairs needed.
New Amana dryer – Buying a new electric model ranges from $500-$1500 depending on features. Gas dryers cost more, from $800-$2000.
Haul away fees – If you purchase a new dryer, factor in $50-$100 to have your old machine removed and disposed of properly.
For minor repairs needed, fixing your current dryer is likely the cheaper option. But for major part replacements or elderly machines, investing in a new high-efficiency dryer often pays for itself long-term through utility bill savings. Consider both the costs and your dryer’s lifespan as you determine the better investment.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dryer
As with any appliance, dryers won’t last forever. If your Amana dryer is showing any of these warning signs, a replacement may be the smarter option versus sinking money into repairs:
- Frequent overheating and shutting off while running
- Burning smell or smoke coming from dryer
- Numerous part repairs needed in a short time period
- Visibly damaged drum or other internal parts
- Electrical issues – sparks, shocks, etc.
- Extensive lint accumulation inside cabinet or venting
- 10-15 years old or more
- Difficulty finding replacement parts due to model age
- Utility bills suddenly much higher even after repairs
Once dryers reach a certain age, the accumulated wear and tear typically means they’re near the end of lifespan. At that point, repair costs often approach the price of a new model. Investing in a fresh, warrantied Amana dryer yields lower long-term costs and improved performance.
If your dryer exhibits multiple symptoms or is simply outdated, take it as a sign to start shopping for an upgrade. Take advantage of new features and technology so you can look forward to laundry day again!
Summary
Dealing with an Amana dryer that fails to fully dry your clothes can certainly try your patience. But in most cases, a systematic approach to troubleshooting the problem will reveal the cause. From a clogged lint trap to malfunctioning heating element to optimized settings, understanding the common issues will set you on the path to fixing your dryer quickly.
By following the outlined tips for maintenance, repair, and knowing when to call a professional, you can maximize your dryer’s lifespan. And if your Amana model eventually shows undeniable signs of aging, use it as motivation to start browsing for an exciting new replacement. With the proper care and troubleshooting, your dryer can continue delivering fresh, warm laundry for years to come.