Did you know that lint buildup in dryers is a leading cause of house fires? Clean your lint trap after every load to keep your dryer running safely and efficiently. Here are some fun facts about dryers.
Dryers Have Been in Use Since the 1800s
One surprising fact you may not be aware of is that dryers did not come into existence after electricity was introduced into homes. In fact, a version of the dryer has been in use since the early 19th century. It was invented by M. Pochon and utilized a hand crank. The hand crank would turn a metal drum over a flame, drying clothes much faster than would be the case with the other traditional option: the sun. The first commercial electric dryer available to homeowners was not sold until 1938, a full 138 years later.
Dryers Don’t Exist in Space
While an electric device as common as a dryer might seem commonplace enough to be included in space shuttles and space stations, this is not the case. Although laundry systems may be developed for space travel in the future, currently, astronauts simply discard clothing that becomes too foul-smelling to wear. That clothing is then incinerated in the atmosphere along with other garbage. This is necessary because space exists in a vacuum. Dryers on Earth need air and gravity to operate properly, both of which are obviously unavailable in outer space.
All Loads Use About the Same Amount of Electricity
Regarding energy consumption, there is one fact you should be aware of: the load size placed on your dryer makes barely any difference in the amount of energy used. As long as the loads are dried for about the same amount of time, they will use roughly the same amount of electricity. This holds true whether the dryer is packed full of clothes or if the load consists of just one pair of underwear.
Dryer Life Expectancy
Like any appliance, a dryer has a life expectancy. For most dryers used in homes, the life expectancy is 10 to 14 years. If your dryer is still working past that point, consider yourself lucky. You are a statistical outlier. Some dryers, however, may develop problems earlier based on various factors related to usage and wear and tear. Thankfully, the life expectancy of a washing machine is similar. They tend to last 10 to 15 years. This is why many people tend to replace them as a set.
We have a team of trained appliance repair experts who know how to troubleshoot and solve every common dryer issue. You’ll have your dryer up and running again in no time, and you won’t have to worry about the expense of replacing it until it reaches the end of its life cycle. If you have dryer issues that need to be addressed and live in or near Chattanooga, TN, contact our company, Signature Appliance.
