Symptoms
- Drying takes longer specifically in colder months
- Dryer located in a garage, basement, or unheated laundry room
- Performance returns to normal in warmer months
- Clothes feel less warm than usual right when the cycle ends
Likely causes
- CommonCold ambient air requiring more energy to heat for dryingThe dryer has to raise the temperature of colder incoming air more than it would in a warm room, extending cycle time.
- CommonDryer located in an unheated or unconditioned spaceGarages and unfinished basements can get cold enough to meaningfully slow drying performance.
- PossibleCold intake water affecting steam cycle featuresOn models with a steam feature, cold water takes longer to heat into steam.
- PossibleVent duct passing through cold, unconditioned spaceA vent run through a cold attic or crawlspace can cause condensation and reduce airflow efficiency.
- Less commonGeneral airflow restriction compounding the cold-weather slowdownA partially clogged vent makes the normal winter slowdown much worse than it should be.
What to do
- Confirm the vent and lint filter are fully clean, since a partial clog will make winter slowdown much worse.
- Check the room temperature where the dryer is located; consider adding a space heater safely away from the dryer to warm the general area if it's a workshop-style space (never used to directly heat the dryer itself).
- If your vent duct runs through a cold, unconditioned attic or crawlspace, check for condensation buildup or ice inside.
- Expect and accept moderately longer dry times as normal seasonal behavior if the space is unheated and the vent is clear.
- Avoid drastically overloading the dryer in winter months when it's already working harder.
- Insulate an exposed exterior vent run if condensation or ice buildup is visible.
- If dry times are dramatically longer, well beyond a normal seasonal change, treat it as a possible airflow or heating element issue rather than just the weather.
Tools and parts
- Vent brush
When to call a pro
If dry times are far worse than a normal seasonal change even with a clean vent, have a technician check the heating element.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.