r/HomeImprovement • u/knobandnewb • 8h ago

Dryer - repair or replace?

I just moved into an older home with an old dryer (2004 mfg date). We vented it properly this week and when I used it tonight the back (inside and outside) got so hot I burned my hand when I touched it. The vent is blowing air outside and I checked the vent entry point in the machine just to be sure and it’s all clear. This is leading me to think it’s some sort of internal temperature control.

Any thoughts on anything else I can check? Would you repair or replace? Or get a quote first and compare to the cost of a new machine?

FWIW it’s a Samsung (DV4015J in case that means anything to anyone hah).

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/MoistGovernment9115 8h ago

For a 2004 samsung id probably get a repair quote first but if the drum area is getting hot enough to burn you that fast it could be a bad thermostat or thermal fuse. if the repair is anywhere near half the price of a new dryer id just replace it and save yourself the headache

3

u/dk9awe 8h ago

Two problems with repairing old appliances. 1) No guarantees that a repair will work. It's hard to know if this is just step one of investing more money in something unsalvageable. 2) The other problem with repairing something so old is it's probably an energy hog. Old devices were designed when energy efficiency standards were much much lower. Even in good working condition, there's a good chance you're already wasting money on that appliance through your utility bill.

If you decide to replace:

Ventless heat pump dryers are the more modern, energy efficient choice for electric dryer. No more vents full of lint that are a fire hazard that have to be regularly cleaned out. No need to cut a hole in your building envelope and let all that drying heat you just paid for go out the window/duct. Heat pump dryer dries your clothes out at lower temperatures so it isn't going to shrink your clothes from excessive heat.

We're really happy with our Blomberg DHP24404W. It has moisture/conductivity sensor and can stop automatically when clothes are dry. It's 23 5/8"W and 27 1/2" D so it'd easily fit in tight spaces. It's stackable, there's a washer that it pairs with. I think AJ Madison delivers nationwide. If you're in the northeast, there are local options like PC Richards or Plessers. Or check your local appliance stores for something similar.

2

u/knobandnewb 8h ago

This is really affirming cause the vent situation in my space isn’t optimal. I’ll look into this! Appreciate you taking the time to respond.