Why / how do dryer heating elements wear out?

SC Maintenance

SC Maintenance

Joined
Jun 8, 2022
Messages
16,345
Location
Lowcountry South Carolina
Samsung dryer element failed again. I think this one was about 3 years. 4th one for this dryer installed - last 3 being Amazon knock off $25.00 ish. OEM original lasted maybe 5 years? I apparently can get an OEM one still for about $80 plus shipping. I don't mind changing it - less than an hour and I get to vacuum all the fire hazard junk in the dryer out so I have stuck with the cheap ones so far.

Anyone know why these fail? Do they just wear out? Should I change the thermostat or something?

IMG_5027.webp
 
Possibly oxidation along with fatigue. I've noticed that when stove elements start going out the weak place runs hotter than the rest of the element and that seems to start a runaway process. It doesn't last long after that.
 
SC Maintenance said:
Samsung dryer element failed again. I think this one was about 3 years. 4th one for this dryer installed - last 3 being Amazon knock off $25.00 ish. OEM original lasted maybe 5 years? I apparently can get an OEM one still for about $80 plus shipping. I don't mind changing it - less than an hour and I get to vacuum all the fire hazard junk in the dryer out so I have stuck with the cheap ones so far.

Anyone know why these fail? Do they just wear out? Should I change the thermostat or something?
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Often when a part becomes available as aftermarket, it's because they are prone to failure, or fail often enough to warrant aftermarket investment.
Certainly if there is any restriction to air flow that would aggravate any tendency.
I've owned a couple electric dryers in my days - never had one blow the element.
 
Insufficient air flow causes those to burn out. Is your dryer vent straight through exterior wall ? Many homes laundry room are located in interior rooms. Must vent through roof or long runs under floor. A 90 degree bend is equivalent to 20’ horizontal run. Dryers were designed to vent 5-6 feet. Mfg have designed specific models now for extended run of venting. You have to look at features.
My dryer vents straight out exterior wall. I still clean vent line yearly. You can buy dryer vent cleaning kit, consist of several flexible rods and brush. Attach electric drill and it spins brush through vent.
Apartments I clean dryer vents twice a year. They have long runs with bends.
 
I agree with the repeat heat/cool cycles finally gets them. Apparently they are only good for some number of cycles. With washers and dryers it is always something. My gas dryer eats the gas valve coils.
 
In my old Kenmore Elite, the first element lasted 15 years. The second and third elements lasted about 18 months each. Finally I said no more heating elements and I bought a Speed Queen. I clean out my dryer vent really well, clean all the lint out of the insides of the dryer on a yearly basis, and I bought original Kenmore parts each time, yet I could not tell you why the second and third ones kept breaking! If anyone figures it out let me know. The kenmore washer is still going, almost 20 years old!
 
In addition to cleaning your vent pipe clean under where your lint filter is. I bought a kit on Amazon which fits my stinger vacuum. It got lots of lint out including a tennis ball sized clump. Confirmed clean by my borescope.
 
I think it's when manufacturers started making their heat elements out of plastic that life expectancy dropped.. :ROFLMAO: 😂

Just out of curiosity OP, how often/how many hours a week do you estimate you run your dryer? We've had ours now for an amazing 9-10 years, I say 'amazing' because all our washers have lasted about 5-6 years. It's just my wife and me and our two feline troublemakers, and I do most of the laundry, so I'd say we run the dryer about 3-4 hours a week. What about you?
 
SC Maintenance said:
Wife and 2 daughters. It shuts off in the middle of the night (sometimes). :ROFLMAO:

Honestly, I am sure it does a couple loads (or one pair of jeans). :ROFLMAO:
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Yeah that's probably it then as far as longevity. If we ran ours as often as you I'm sure it would've already died a while ago. Ain't modern craftsmanship great? 😂 :ROFLMAO:
 
My guess after taking a look under the hood of my failed Samsung Washer ( replace with Speed Queen ) would be China and or Koren JUNK Parts that are designed to fail! My 2 cents...
 
SC Maintenance said:
Samsung dryer element failed again. I think this one was about 3 years. 4th one for this dryer installed - last 3 being Amazon knock off $25.00 ish. OEM original lasted maybe 5 years? I apparently can get an OEM one still for about $80 plus shipping. I don't mind changing it - less than an hour and I get to vacuum all the fire hazard junk in the dryer out so I have stuck with the cheap ones so far.

Anyone know why these fail? Do they just wear out? Should I change the thermostat or something?

View attachment 325232
Click to expand...
OP is your dryer stacked on your washer ?
 
Cheetah-kins said:
Yeah that's probably it then as far as longevity. If we ran ours as often as you I'm sure it would've already died a while ago. Ain't modern craftsmanship great? 😂 :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
Other than the heating element, the only other thing that went is the wheels holding the drum started squeaking. I replaced the belt at the same time. So I think its doing quite well given its use.
 
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