Condenser dryer help!

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We have a Tricity Bendix condenser dryer, new in 2000. Performance up to now has been OK, it wasn't used in the fine weather and now the required drying times seem to have increased greatly! I have cleaned out as much fluff as possible (off plates, filters etc.) without taking the machine apart. Will it be of any benefit to go the next step and take the back off! I am not familiar with the workings of this type of machine and would be glad of any advice, Thanks.

Viking House

Is the air that comes out hot?

byte

Have you cleaned the condenser unit? This usually sits at the bottom below the porthole behind a big flap.

Other than that, I'm not sure. I think there is only 1 heating element in dryers?

Maybe the High/Low switch is set to Low, or is faulty causing the dryer to run at the low setting?

Are the clothes hot during mid-cycle?

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Clothes are getting hot OK, have cleaned the plates, and I’m selecting the higher heat setting. A load that you would expect to dry in 50-60 mins is not fully dry and needs another 30-40mins.

I'm probably just the victim of planned obsolescence!

byte

Hmm, I've a Whirlpool Condenser dryer, and it takes 2 hours for most 5kg loads, which is a very long time IMO.

I think personally that vented dryers would be quicker, though I'm stuck with the condenser!

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Will probably change it for a vented dryer now, we had to get a condenser when we were in a rented house and have been stuck with it since! Better book a core bit from the rental shop for next weekend!

I strip mine down and clean the air pathways every three years or so, and afterwards it dries twice as fast.:D