Electric and gas dryers fail in distinct ways, but both share a small handful of common breakdowns — no heat, slow drying, weird noises, won't start. We service vented, ventless, and heat-pump models across every major brand. Gas dryer work is handled by gas-licensed technicians. We always check the vent run while we're there — restricted venting is one of the most common (and most preventable) reasons dryers underperform and fail prematurely.
How a dryer works
A dryer combines three subsystems: a heat source (electric heating element or gas burner with igniter), a tumbling drum driven by a motor and belt, and airflow that pushes moist air out through the vent. When a dryer fails, the symptom usually points at one of these three subsystems — heat issues, motor/drum issues, or airflow/vent issues.
What we typically fix
- 01
Not heating
Electric dryers most often lose heat to a failed heating element or a blown thermal fuse — both common in dryers with restricted venting (the fuse is a safety cutout that blows when airflow falls below safe). Gas dryers most often lose heat to a failed igniter — a small ceramic part that glows hot and ignites the gas. Both are routine repairs.
- 02
Won't tumble
The drum is turned by a belt running around the drum and over an idler pulley. The belt eventually wears out and snaps, sometimes from a frayed strand catching. Less commonly the motor itself fails. We check the belt first, then the idler, then the motor.
- 03
Takes too long to dry
Almost always restricted airflow — a clogged lint trap, a partially blocked vent run (the duct from dryer to outside wall), or a kinked transition hose. Less commonly a heating element producing less heat than spec. We check airflow paths first since restricted venting both causes slow drying AND damages the dryer over time.
- 04
Loud thumping or squealing
Loud rhythmic thumping usually means the drum support rollers or drum glides have worn out. A high-pitched squeal usually means the idler pulley or a worn drum bearing. Loose objects (coins, buttons, hardware) can also rattle inside the drum.
- 05
Won't start
Could be a failed door switch (dryer won't run with the door open as a safety), a blown thermal fuse, a failed start switch, or — on newer electronic models — a control board issue. We work through these from cheapest to most expensive.
Types of dryers we service
Different builds fail in different ways. Here's what we see most often across each type.
Vented electric
The most common dryer type in North American homes. Uses a heating element on a 240V circuit and vents moist air outdoors through a duct. Reliable when the vent is maintained; restricted vents are the most common cause of underperformance and early failure.
Vented gas
Uses a gas burner and igniter to heat air, with the same airflow + vent setup as electric. Heats faster and costs less to run, but requires a gas connection and licensed installation. Gas service work requires a licensed gas technician.
Ventless heat-pump
A newer design that recovers heat from exhaust air via a heat pump, with no external vent required. Slower than vented dryers but more efficient. Common in condos and renovations where vent runs are impractical. Different failure modes — primarily around the heat exchanger and condensate system.
Signs your dryer needs repair
- Cycle takes noticeably longer than it used to
- Clothes still damp at the end of a normal cycle
- Dryer exterior hot to the touch during operation
- Burning smell during a cycle
- Lint accumulating outside the lint trap area
- Loud thumping or squealing that gets worse over time
Try these before booking
Quick checks that resolve a meaningful share of dryer calls without a tech visit.
- 01
Clean the lint trap thoroughly
Pull out the lint screen and clean it after every load. If it has a fabric softener film, wash gently with warm soapy water and let it dry fully before reinserting. This is the single biggest impact on dryer performance.
- 02
Check the vent run
Pull the dryer out a few inches and inspect the flexible duct between dryer and wall — check for sharp kinks, crushed sections, or visible lint buildup. If you have access to the outside vent flap, check that it opens freely when the dryer runs.
- 03
Reset the breaker (electric) or check supply (gas)
Electric dryers run on a 240V circuit with two breakers — sometimes only one trips, which is enough to kill heat but not the drum. Check both. For gas dryers, ensure the gas supply valve to the dryer is fully open.
- 04
Confirm the door latches firmly
Many dryers won't start unless the door is fully closed. If you hear the latch click but the dryer doesn't respond, try closing it firmly (gently — the latch is plastic) and starting again.
Parts we can replace
Parts we commonly replace during a dryer repair.
- Heating element (electric)
- Gas igniter
- Thermal fuse
- Blower wheel
- Drum belt
- Idler pulley
- Drum rollers
- Drum glides
- Thermistor
- Door switch
- Vent thermostat
- Start switch
- Motor
- Control board
- Lint filter housing
- Exhaust duct
Before our visit
What to do
- Empty the drum and clean the lint trap
- Pull the dryer forward if you can — we'll need access to the back
- Take a photo of any error code on the display before turning it off
- Have the model number ready (door frame or behind the lint trap door)
Finding the model number
Model number is usually on a sticker inside the door frame, behind the lint trap door, or on the back of the appliance. Typically 8–12 characters starting with letters. A photo works — we just need to read it.
Safety
Dryer lint accumulation is a leading cause of household fires in Canada — restricted vents both damage your dryer and become a fire risk over years. We clear the immediate vent area on every visit. Gas dryer work is performed by gas-licensed technicians. If you smell gas at any time, do not use the dryer and call your gas utility's emergency line.
Why hire Mendwell for dryer repair
Same-Day Service
Fast turnaround across the GTA. We aim to get your appliance running the same day you call.
Emergency Repair
Fast response for urgent appliance breakdowns. We're here when you need us most.
Warranty on Parts & Labour
Every repair is backed by a warranty on parts and labour. We stand behind the work.
Customer Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is our priority. Personal service on every visit, every time.
Affordable Pricing
Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Free estimates before any work starts.
Licensed Technicians
Skilled, licensed technicians ready to handle every repair with care and expertise.
Common questions
Specific to dryer repair.
How long does a typical dryer repair take?
Do you work on gas dryers?
Does the repair include cleaning the vent?
Why does my dryer take longer than it used to?
Can I keep using the dryer after the thermal fuse blew?
Is it worth repairing my dryer or replacing it?
Why does my dryer smell burnt during use?
How long should a dryer last?
What if my dryer is making a thumping sound?
Worth knowing
How long dryers last
With normal use and basic vent maintenance, modern dryers last 10–13 years. Gas dryers tend toward the upper end of that range; electric dryers slightly lower. The single biggest factor in lifespan is vent maintenance — a restricted vent stresses the heating element, motor, and bearings simultaneously and shortens the life of all three.
What we don't service
We work on residential and small light-commercial dryers. We don't service heavy commercial laundromat machines, coin-operated units, or industrial laundry equipment.
Where we work
We dispatch dryer technicians across the GTA — often same-day. See all coverage areas →
Other things we repair
Washer
Front-load and top-load washer repair across every major and premium brand. Often same-day across the GTA.
Fridge
Built-in, counter-depth, French-door, and side-by-side refrigerator repair. Sealed-system work performed by certified technicians.
Freezer
Upright, chest, and integrated freezer repair. We handle defrost system, thermostat, and sealed-system faults.
Dishwasher
Panel-ready, integrated, and freestanding dishwasher repair with proper reinstallation under cabinetry.
Oven
Wall-oven, double-oven, and steam-oven repair. Calibration, igniter replacement, and control board service.
Stove
Slide-in, freestanding, dual-fuel, and pro-style range repair. Gas-line work coordinated with licensed installers.
Cooktop
Induction, radiant, and gas cooktop repair, including high-end integrated models found in custom kitchens.
Microwave
Over-the-range, built-in trim-kit, and drawer microwave repair, including combination convection units.
Range Hood
Wall, island, and insert range hood repair. Motor replacement, fan balancing, and LED lighting service.
Wine Cooler
Dual-zone and single-zone wine refrigerator repair for built-in and freestanding installations.
Ice Maker
Standalone and built-in ice maker repair, including clear-ice and nugget machines.