Does your trusty dryer suddenly seem not-so-trusty? Strange noises, endless drying cycles, and scorched clothes could indicate a failing blower wheel. This humble part circulates hot air to dry your laundry. But after years of hard work, it wears out. Spotting a worn dryer blower wheel early prevents breakdowns, dangers like overheating, and ruined loads.
This article explores the top five signs of blower woes. Learn what noises signal trouble, what slow drying means, visible damage to check, overheating clues, and how age contributes.
With these tips, you can diagnose blower issues before catastrophe strikes and clothes emerge still sopping wet. Timely blower maintenance brings back fast, safe drying.
Understanding the Dryer Blower Wheel
The blower wheel is an important part of your dryer. It helps move hot air through the dryer to dry your clothes. Let’s look at what the blower wheel does and the different types.
What Does the Blower Wheel Do?
The blower wheel is a fan inside your dryer. When your dryer starts, the blower wheel spins very fast. This makes the air in the dryer move around quickly. The fast-moving air helps heat up the dryer. It also pulls the hot air through the wet clothes to dry them.
You can think of the blower wheel as a fan. It spins around to move the hot air in your dryer. No blower wheel means no airflow. And no airflow means wet clothes that will not dry!
Types of Blower Wheels
There are two main types of blower wheels:
- Gas dryer blower wheel – Gas dryer wheels are made of plastic. They have curved blades that catch the air. When the wheel spins, the curved blades push the air through the dryer.
- Electric dryer blower wheel – Electric dryer wheels are metal. They often have straight blades. The spinning metal wheel pulls the hot air through the dryer vents.
| Type | Material | Blades |
| Gas Dryer | Plastic | Curved |
| Electric Dryer | Metal | Straight |
Both types of blower wheels work the same. They just look a bit different. You need the right blower wheel for your dryer’s power source.
How Long Does a Blower Wheel Last?
The average blower wheel lasts 10-13 years. But lots of lint can make it wear out faster. And if something gets stuck in the wheel, it can break blades off. Check your blower wheel if clothes are taking too long to dry or your dryer is making noise. If the dryer is older than 10 years, the wheel is probably worn down.
Sign #1: Unusual Noises
Strange sounds coming from your dryer could mean the blower wheel needs help. Here are some of the odd noises to listen for:
Squealing or High-Pitched Noises
Does your dryer make a loud squealing or screeching sound? This could be a sign the blower wheel is wearing out. When the wheel gets old, it can wobble on the shaft. This creates friction and a squealing noise.
You may notice the noise when the dryer first starts or when it is running. Either way, a squealing blower wheel needs to be replaced.
Rattling Sounds
A blower wheel that rattles or shakes can also signal a problem. Rattling happens when the wheel is shaking side to side on the shaft. This is often because the center hole of the wheel has become larger over time.
Loud Vibrations or Rumbling
A loud rumbling that makes the whole dryer shake could mean an unbalanced wheel. If lint builds up on one side of the wheel, it can become unbalanced. This causes loud vibrations.
What Do the Noises Mean?
All these odd sounds mean the same thing – the blower wheel is unstable and moving in ways it should not. Maybe it is unbalanced or worn out. No matter the cause, these noises mean your blower wheel needs to be replaced soon.
Sign #2: Decreased Drying Performance
If your clothes are taking forever to dry, the blower wheel could be the problem. Here’s what to look for:
Clothes Taking Longer to Dry
Do your clothes need an extra cycle or two to fully dry? Are they still damp when the dryer shuts off? This is a clue the blower wheel is not spinning fast enough.
A worn-out blower wheel moves less air through the dryer. Less hot air reaching your clothes means longer drying times.
Damp Spots After a Full Cycle
Finding damp patches or soggy socks after a full dry? An inefficient blower wheel often leaves damp spots. The airflow is uneven when the blower wheel is off balance. Some spots get less air and stay wet.
Weak Airflow from the Vent
Place your hand over the outside dryer vent. Do you feel strong, warm airflow? Or just a light trickle? Weak airflow means the blower wheel is not spinning fast enough. Lint buildup and wear slow the wheel down over time.
What Does This Mean?
Longer drying times and damp clothes after a full cycle all point to blower wheel trouble. A worn-out or slow blower wheel cannot keep air circulating to dry your clothes. It’s time to check or replace your dryer’s blower wheel.
Sign #3: Visible Damage to the Blower Wheel
Taking a quick peek inside your dryer can show if the blower wheel is damaged. Look for:
Cracks or Chips in the Wheel
The blower wheel spins very fast during each load. Over time, this can cause cracks or chips in plastic wheels. Check your blower wheel for any cracks or missing pieces. This visible damage means it’s time for a new wheel.
Bent or Damaged Blades
Lint or other items can get stuck in the blower wheel as it spins. This can bend the blades out of shape. Bent blades will not move air properly. Carefully inspect each blade for damage.
Lint Buildup on the Wheel
The lint on the blower wheel makes it imbalanced. This will make the dryer vibrate loudly. Look for a heavy lint coating on one side of the wheel. Even if the blades look fine, heavy lint buildup requires cleaning or replacement.
What Do You Do if There’s Damage?
Cracks, dents, and lots of lint are sure signs your blower wheel needs help. A damaged blower wheel will only get worse over time. Replacing it early can save you bigger headaches down the road.
Sign #4: Dryer Overheating
An overheating dryer is dangerous. In many cases, a faulty blower wheel is to blame. Here’s what you need to know:
How Does a Bad Blower Wheel Cause Overheating?
The blower wheel keeps air moving through the dryer. This airflow helps regulate temperature. When the wheel stops spinning right, hot air can’t escape.
Trapped hot air causes the dryer temperature to spike. The motor works harder, but airflow is weak, making it overheat.
Signs Your Dryer is Overheating
How do you know if your dryer is too hot? Here are some clues:
- Hot air coming from the vent
- Clothes are hot or scorched
- Burning smell from the dryer
- The outside of the dryer feels very hot
Dangers of an Overheated Dryer
An overheating dryer is a fire hazard. It can also ruin clothes and break down over time. Prevent problems by watching for overheating warning signs.
Don’t Ignore Overheating
If your dryer is overheating, have it checked right away. Replacing a broken blower wheel can often fix the problem before serious damage occurs.
Sign #5: Age of the Dryer
How old is your trusty dryer? Age can contribute to blower wheel wear.
Typical Dryer Lifespan
Most dryers last 10-13 years with proper care. Of course, some last longer and others have shorter lives.
But once your dryer hits the 10-year mark, watch for signs of aging. The blower wheel takes a lot of wear over the years as it spins.
How Age Affects the Blower Wheel
An older blower wheel is more likely to:
- Make noise from wobbling
- Have cracked or bent blades
- Spin more slowly as the motor weakens
Even with no other issues, the wheel loses efficiency with age. After 10+ years, it’s smart to replace it as maintenance.
Don’t Wait for a Breakdown
Once you pass the 10-year mark, be proactive. Inspect the blower wheel for wear. Replace it if needed before drying problems start.
Conclusion
The blower wheel is the unsung hero of your dryer. It works hard to keep air moving and your clothes drying fast. But after years of use, it can wear down.
Watch for signs like odd noises, longer drying times, visible damage, overheating, and old age. These all indicate your blower wheel needs some TLC. Replacing a worn blower wheel restores proper airflow and drying power.
Don’t take this humble part for granted. Check on your dryer’s blower wheel before problems arise. Keeping it in top shape gives your clothes soft, fluffy, fast-dried results for years to come!
With some basic maintenance, your dryer and blower wheel can keep going strong. With this knowledge, you can catch issues early and keep your drying machine happy.