Dryer Repair

Dryer vent safety is the single most important maintenance issue we encounter in Bay Area homes — and it's the one homeowners most frequently overlook. San Jose tract homes built in the 1960s–1980s across Evergreen, Blossom Valley, and Santa Teresa typically have dryer vent runs of 15–25 feet with multiple elbows snaking through walls and ceilings. These long runs trap lint aggressively, and we've pulled compacted lint masses exceeding 3 pounds from Bay Area dryer vents. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that clogged dryer vents cause over 15,000 house fires annually — and our region's older housing stock puts us at elevated risk. Bay Area humidity patterns also affect dryer performance in ways our inland customers rarely expect. San Francisco, Daly City, and coastal San Mateo homes experience marine layer moisture that makes clothes slightly damper going into the dryer. If your dryer suddenly takes 90+ minutes for a load that used to finish in 45, check the vent first — but also consider that a failing moisture sensor can't distinguish between damp clothes and high ambient humidity. Dryer troubleshooting checklist: ✓ No heat at all → thermal fuse blown (check vent for blockage — that's what caused it). ✓ Takes two cycles to dry → restricted vent airflow or worn felt seal letting cold air in. ✓ Loud thumping → worn drum support rollers (common after 5-7 years on Samsung/LG). ✓ Squealing on startup → frayed or slipping drive belt. ✓ Dryer shuts off after a few minutes → overheating from blocked vent or failed cycling thermostat. ✓ Gas dryer igniter glows but no flame → faulty gas valve coils (a $15 part that's the most common gas dryer fix).