Hotpoint Dryer Repair Tips
Hotpoint dryers are an economical choice for a buyer on a budget. These dryers, manufactured by General Electric, offer a basic, no-frills way to get your clothes dry. Gas and electric dryers are available with two or three heat selections and drying temperatures. Despite the absence of complicated controls and multiple cycle and heat selections, minor problems can occur from time to time. Fortunately, troubleshooting a Hotpoint dryer is not difficult and most repairs can be completed without professional assistance.
User Considerations
Some problems that appear to be coming from a Hotpoint dryer are really originating with the user. It is important to remember that this is a no-frills dryer with basic controls. Overloading and over drying can cause the dryer be less effective and result in damp or wrinkled clothes. Failure to clean the lint trap can lead to longer drying times or lint on your clothing. Dirty exhaust ducts can prevent a Hotpoint dryer from effectively drying clothing. Pay close attention to how you are using the dryer and make repairs to the process when necessary.
Never dry more than one load at a time. There must be sufficient tumbling room within the dryer to allow for effective air circulation. Overloading can create "hot spots" in some areas and no drying action at all in others. Hotpoint dryers use timed controls to set drying times. If you set the dryer to run for one hour, it will run for one hour regardless of whether the load is dry or not. If your clothing is not drying correctly, try adjusting the timer control. Remove clothing from the dryer immediately. Hotpoint dryers do not have a "cool down" cycle, and allowing clothing to sit in the dryer may cause wrinkling. Lint traps and exhaust ducts should be clean and lint free. Clean the lint trap after each load and use a shop vacuum to clean the exhaust duct every couple of months. This is extremely important, as lint buildup is a fire hazard.
Repairs
If the dryer will not start, first check the power cord to make sure it's completely in the outlet. Next, check the fuse or breaker box. A gas dryer will use one fuse and an electric dryer will use two. Reset the fuse or fuses by flipping the switch or replace if necessary.
Another consideration relating to fuse problems is that an electric dryer may still run if one fuse is not working, but it will not heat. Check the fuse box if your clothing is still wet after a drying cycle is complete. For a gas dryer that will start but not heat, check the gas shutoff valve on the back of the dryer to ensure it is open.
Dryers can become unbalanced just as washers can. If your dryer is shaking or making what appears to be overly loud noises, check to make sure it is sitting evenly on the floor. Adjust the legs by turning the leveling ring clockwise to lower, and counterclockwise to raise, until the dryer no longer wobbles.
Pay close attention to dryer noises. Investigate any foreign-sounding noises immediately, as these may indicate a more serious problem. Open the dryer and make sure no loose objects, such as coins or keys, are tumbling with your clothes. Unplug the dryer and check the cabinet screws on the back dryer panel. These can loosen over time and cause a squeaking noise. Remove the lint trap and check the opening for objects that may have fallen through. Check the belt for wear as a worn belt can cause a thumping noise. Remove the screws on the back panel and locate the black rubber belt surrounding the dryer drum. Replace it if it shows any signs of wear.
Warning
If you cannot diagnose the problem or if repair techniques do not work, stop using the dryer and call in a professional. Even if the dryer will still run, you may cause further damage, and require expensive repairs, by continuing to use it.
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