Running 2–3 cycles per load?
Usually a clogged vent — fixed today.
About 70% of the time slow drying is a clogged exhaust duct — not just slow, but a genuine fire hazard (NFPA logs ~2,900 dryer fires a year). We read airflow on the analyzer in about 5 minutes, clean the duct, and verify the before/after numbers. Vent cleaning is included free with every repair. If we don't fix it, you don't pay.
Same-day service
The airflow analyzer gives the exact reading in 5 minutes (normal is 0.6 inH₂O+) — we confirm before quoting.
Clogged exhaust duct (~70%)
The flexible hose or rigid duct to the outside is packed with lint — airflow drops to ~30% of normal. We auger-clean it and verify airflow. A real fire-safety issue, not just slow drying.
Clogged lint-trap housing / internal ducts (~15%)
The trap looks clean but the housing behind it holds a thick lint layer. We open it up and vacuum it out.
Failed moisture sensor (~10%)
The dryer doesn't detect that clothes are dry and runs past the endpoint — common on Samsung and LG.
Heating element at half power (~3%)
One of two heating coils has failed — it heats, but weakly. The analyzer reads amperage directly.
Power supply issue (~2%)
Dryers run on 240V (two legs). If one leg is weak it spins and heats at half the wattage. We test with a multimeter.
Quick Diagnosis: What's happening?
Check the symptoms you're seeing to find the likely cause and repair cost
What's the likely fix?
Check what you see on the left — we'll estimate the cause, the cost and how urgent it is.
Estimate only — the analyzer confirms the exact cause on-site.
Probable cause: belt, rollers, or thermal fuse. Repair: $100–$180, 30–45 minutes.
Probable cause: heating element + clogged vent, or moisture sensor. Repair: $120–$220, 30–60 minutes.
Multiple symptoms + burning smell — possible clogged vent (fire risk) or control board failure. Call immediately.
Slow-drying repairs
“LG dryer taking 3 cycles to dry one load. Tech found the vent 90% blocked with lint — he said it was a fire hazard, not just an efficiency issue. Cleaned it out. One cycle now. Never thought to check the vent.”
“Whirlpool Cabrio drying poorly for months. Tech found the flex vent kinked behind the wall AND a lint buildup around the exhaust port. Called it a serious fire risk. $200 to fix it — possibly saved the house.”
“Frigidaire dryer took forever. Moisture sensor coated with fabric softener residue — common on Frigidaire Gallery models. Cleaned the sensors and checked the vent. One cycle again. $120.”
★★★★★ 5.0 average · 29 verified reviews
What you get in one visit
Analyzer diagnostic
We plug in the analyzer — in 5 minutes you see amperage on the element, air temp and vent airflow on the screen. The same data we read.
Free vent inspection
A clogged vent is a fire hazard — NFPA logs ~2,900 dryer fires a year in the US. We check and clean the duct with every repair.
Can't fix it — no charge
Approve the repair and the $89 diagnostic is included. 90-day guarantee on all work, plus a 30-day follow-up call.
Why we fix your dryer right the first time
The average tech guesses: "not heating — swap the element." Didn't help. "Then the thermal fuse." Still nothing — you pay three times. Our analyzer reads amperage, air temp and vent airflow in 5 minutes. One part, one visit.
Dmitry — dryer & vent specialist
Dryer airflow & vent specialist · Orange
"Takes too long to dry" is the most underestimated problem — people live with it for years thinking "that's just how my dryer is." In reality it's usually a clogged vent, and it's dangerous.
What I show you on-site: the airflow analyzer. Normal is 0.6 inH₂O or higher; at 0.3 the duct is half-blocked; at 0.1 it's barely breathing and clothes take 2 hours instead of 40 minutes.
Free vent cleaning comes with every dryer repair — if you called specifically about slow drying, the cleaning is included in the service call. You pay for one visit.
No price-list games, no surprises
You approve a fixed price before any work — then it doesn't move.
Recent 'slow drying' repairs in Orange
Amy's dryer taking 3 hours per load. Electric bill doubled.
Vent 90% blocked with lint — serious fire hazard.
Lisa ran 3 cycles — clothes still damp. Ready to buy a new dryer.
Heating element burned out. Thermal fuse intact.
Gas dryer running cold. Owner concerned about gas leak.
Cracked igniter — no spark. Gas supply and connections safe.
How often should I clean the exhaust duct?
At least once a year — every 6 months with 3+ people or pets (fur clogs ducts fast). Signs it's time: cycles get noticeably longer, the cabinet is hot to the touch, or the laundry room smells musty after a cycle.
Can I clean the vent duct myself?
A 1–2 ft flex hose, yes — a brush kit works. But a duct running through a wall or attic (10+ ft) needs a 30+ ft auger with a rotary brush and industrial vacuum, or you get maybe a third of the lint. We carry all of it.
Why is the dryer cabinet hot to the touch?
First sign of a blocked vent — air can't escape so heat builds inside. Next the thermal fuse blows and the dryer stops heating entirely. If it's already hot, call now rather than wait for stage two.
What does dryer repair actually cost?
Most dryer repairs run $120–$220 total (labor + part). The most common issues — belt, rollers, heating element — are $20–$140 for the part and $80 for labor. We quote the exact price before we start, after diagnostics.
Should I just buy a new dryer?
Depends on the machine. Here's how Dmitry looks at it:
Dryers are the most repair-friendly appliance out there. Parts are simple and cheap: belt $20, rollers $40, element $80, thermal fuse $15. They last for years — no sensitive electronics dying after three.
Real example: A Whirlpool 22 years old — replaced rollers twice at $40 each. Still runs. A Samsung 5 years old — control board failed, $400 repair. The old one was more reliable.
Exception: motor + board + element all at once on a 15+ year-old machine — we'll do the math together. If the repair exceeds $400 and the dryer is over 12 years old, sometimes a new one makes more sense.
Average repair: $150. New dryer: $700–$1,500 plus wait time. Full breakdown: repair vs. replace →
What if you can't fix it?
If we don't fix it, you don't pay. You only pay $89 for the diagnostic (service call + analyzer). More about our guarantee →
How fast can you get here?
We're based in Orange. Usually 2–3 hours from your call. 9 out of 10 dryer repairs are done same-day: belts, rollers, heating elements — we carry them in the van.
Is a dryer actually a fire risk?
Yes, if the vent is clogged. Wet lint builds up → overheating → ignition. According to NFPA, roughly 2,900 dryer fires happen in the US every year.
We clean the vent duct free with every repair. If it's been a while — call us, we'll check it. Usually $80–$150 if it's just a cleaning with no repair.
Taking too long to dry — is that a breakdown?
70% of the time — yes, it's a clogged vent or flex hose. The element heats, but humid air can't escape. We check airflow with the analyzer.
The other 30%: moisture sensor or heating element running below capacity. The analyzer shows which one in under 5 minutes.
How are you different from a handyman?
A handyman does a bit of everything. Appliance repair is its own licensed specialty in California.
We have a diagnostic analyzer for pinpoint accuracy, a van stocked with parts, and direct supplier relationships with Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and Maytag. A handyman will Google it — we see these failures every day.
How much is the diagnostic fee?
$89 — waived when you go ahead with the repair. If we don't fix it, you don't pay. You only pay the diagnostic fee if you decide not to proceed.
Have a Dryer Question? Ask Us
Describe what your dryer is doing and we'll reply the same day.
Other dryer problems
Similar symptoms? Check if there's more than one thing going on.
We Cover All of Orange County
Same-day appliance repair across 40+ Orange County cities — from the coast to the canyons. If we don't fix it, you don't pay.
One call and you're back to 40 minutes a load
- Diagnostic analyzer: $89 (waived at repair)
- Professional duct cleaning (30-ft auger) — before/after airflow numbers
- If we don't fix it, you don't pay
- 90-day guarantee + 30-day follow-up call