Dryer Not Drying Well in Brandon? Check These 5 Things Before You Call a Tech

A clothes dryer that runs but doesn’t dry clothes properly can be frustrating and even costly. Before you panic or spend money on a service call, take a step-by-step approach. As an experienced appliance repair technician, I often find the issue is one of a few common problems that you can check yourself.

Whether you live in Brandon, Lithia, Plant City, Valrico, or the greater Tampa area, this guide will help you troubleshoot why your dryer isn’t drying well. We’ll cover the symptoms, reasons, and fixes for the 5 most common issues. By the end, you’ll know if it makes sense to fix the problem or consider a replacement.

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1. Clean the Lint Filter and Trap Thoroughly

Start with the simplest fix: check your dryer’s lint filter. A blocked lint screen is one of the top causes of a dryer not drying efficiently. If the lint screen is clogged, it restricts airflow, leading to longer dry times and damp clothes. It’s recommended to clean the lint screen before every load – just pull off the lint with your fingers.

Over time, fabric softener sheets and detergent residue can coat the lint screen mesh. This invisible film makes the screen less permeable to air. An easy test is to run water over the lint screen – if water pools on it instead of flowing through, it’s time for a deep cleaning. Gently scrub the screen with a nylon brush, hot water and a bit of detergent. Let it dry completely before reinstalling.

Vacuum out the lint trap opening occasionally. A flexible crevice tool can help. Coins, dryer sheets, and even socks can end up blocking the lint chute. Keeping this area clean improves performance and reduces fire risk. You can also use Brandon Appliance Pros dryer deep cleaning service, we clean exhaust pipe along with all dryer parts, making it run smoothly again.

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2. Check the Dryer Vent and Airflow

If the lint filter is clean but your dryer still isn’t drying well, check the dryer vent system. In our local experience around Brandon and Valrico, a clogged dryer vent is the number one culprit.

Signs of a Blocked Vent:

• Loads take longer to dry
• Clothes are hot but still damp
• Dryer exterior feels unusually hot
• Burning smell during drying
• Excess lint around the dryer or vent hood
• Condensation collecting near exhaust pipe or/and inside the dryer

Why it happens: Over time, lint escapes the filter and builds up inside the vent duct, especially in long or flexible runs. In Florida, we’ve seen vents blocked by bird nests, wasp nests, or even socks. One Valrico home had a dryer vent almost completely clogged by nesting materials.

A blocked vent traps moisture and heat inside the dryer, forcing it to run longer, and can lead to heating element failure or even fire. In fact, lint buildup is a leading cause of the nearly 3,000 dryer fires that happen annually in U.S. homes.

What to Check:

• Pull dryer away from wall, inspect vent hose. Is it kinked or crushed? Do you see condensation?
• Disconnect the hose and feel the air. If strong airflow is coming from the dryer but not exiting the outside vent, the duct is blocked.
• Go outside and inspect the exterior vent hood. It should open freely with airflow. Clear any lint or debris there.

Dryer vent cleaning kits are available, or you can call a professional. In Brandon and Tampa, local techs usually charge under $150-$200 for full vent clean-out.

How often to clean: Once a year is standard, but in humid Florida homes with high usage, every 6–12 months is safer. This improves dryer performance and reduces fire risk.

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3. Make Sure the Dryer Is Getting Power

Sometimes a dryer runs (tumbles) but doesn’t produce heat due to a power issue.

For Electric Dryers:

Electric dryers need 240 volts. If one breaker in your panel trips, the motor may run but the heating element gets no power. Reset both breakers completely.

Check the cord at the back of the dryer. Loose, burnt, or damaged connections can stop heating. Also, be sure you’re using the correct 240V outlet.

For Gas Dryers:

Ensure the gas valve is open. If the dryer was moved or recently installed, it might be closed. If you smell gas, shut off the appliance and call a technician immediately.

Also, confirm that the drum is spinning. If not, you may have a belt or motor issue instead of a heating issue.

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4. Test the Heating Element or Burner Assembly

If the vent is clear and the power is good but still no heat, your heating element (electric) or burner assembly (gas) may be bad.

Symptoms:

• Clothes are cold and wet after full cycles
• No warmth inside the drum
• You hear the gas igniter click but no flame

Electric dryer elements can fail with age or if they overheat due to airflow issues. Gas dryers may have faulty igniters, gas valve coils, or flame sensors.

Average lifespan for a heating element is 10–15 years. Replacements typically cost $100–$360 including labor, sometimes more depending on brand and model. Original manufacturer parts are HIGHLY recommended.

DIY? If you’re handy and know how to test continuity, replacing an element or igniter is doable. Otherwise, a professional repair makes more sense.

After replacement, it’s smart to have the dryer deep cleaned internally. Lint buildup around the element can cause overheating and shorten part life.

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5. Avoid Overloading & Check Settings

Load Size:

Overloaded drums = poor airflow. Your clothes tumble in a giant wet ball that can’t dry evenly. Fill the dryer only 2/3 full and let items tumble freely. Especially important for towels, bedding, or jeans.

Settings:

Modern dryers offer cycles like:

• Auto-sense (moisture sensors)
• Timed dry
• Fluff (no heat)
• Low heat or delicate

Double-check you aren’t using a non-heat cycle accidentally. And if you rely on moisture-sensor cycles, clean the sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol to remove dryer sheet residue.

If your dryer shuts off too early, a dirty or faulty sensor could be the cause.

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When to Repair vs. Replace

Repair if:

• The unit is under 14 years old
• You know the part that failed
• Repair costs under 50-60% of a new dryer

Replace if:

• Dryer is 14+ years old with multiple problems
• Control board is bad (expensive)
• Drum is cracked, motor failing, or repairs exceed $400

New dryers start around $500–$800 for decent models. Energy-efficient dryers or heat pump models may offer better savings long term, especially in high-usage households or rentals.

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Final Tips for Brandon and Tampa Bay Homes

• Clean your lint filter every load
• Clean the vent at least once a year (more if high humidity or high use)
• Don’t overload the dryer
• Use proper heat settings and make sure moisture sensors are clean
• Have the inside of the dryer deep cleaned every few years

Brandon, Lithia, Plant City, Valrico, and other Tampa suburbs have a humid climate and many homes with long vent runs (especially in newer construction or condos). That means extra lint buildup is more likely. If you notice long drying times or overheating, don’t ignore it — it’s not just annoying, it’s a fire risk.

With a little awareness and maintenance, your dryer can stay efficient and safe for many years.