Condenser Tumble Dryer Problem.

Sensemaya

Hi

I have a condenser Crusader dryer around 10 years old. About 3 years ago I had the thermosat replaced.

Yesterday washing got caught in the rain so I decided to use it.

It will run for around 5 mins and then just cut out. Then if I leave it for about 5 mins it will start up again and then the same thing will happen.

What is the problem? Could it be the thermosat again?

Is it worth getting it fixed or replacing?

The dryer is in the garage so if I did need to replace it would it be a condenser again or can I get away with a vented one? My car stays in the garage.

What is the best make...I can't stretch to a Miele!

Thank you.

ariba10

If you equate the cost of repair against the cost of a new one (Which comes with a guarantee) I would probably go for a new one.

It is now more of a throwaway society than it ever has been.

Ebe_Scrooge

I'd start by checking / emptying the water reservoir - I think on most models it will cut out if that's full. Next clean all the filters, make sure there's no fluff built up that would restrict the airflow and cause overheating. Also, give the heat exchanger a really good clean - again, fluff can build up there and restrict the airflow. The instruction book will tell you how to access this if you're not sure. Basically, give everthing a really good clean. I find using the hoover with either the crevice tool or the "duster thingy attachment" works well to get all the little bits out.

If you do end up buying a new one, I'd strongly recommend a vented one, but you will need to vent it properly - it won't do your garage or your car much good to be in a damp atmosphere. Plus, the machine won't work very well - if you think about it, it'll be drawing damp air in and recycling it, it'll never get things dry. In general a vented dryer will be cheaper to buy and cheaper to run than a condensor, plus there's less bits to go wrong. It's a bit of a faff to vent it properly through an outside wall, but not too difficult and definitely worth it in the long run. I would have thought in a garage it's pretty easy to find an outside wall to vent through, probably easier than in a kitchen.

Sensemaya

Ebe

I have checked everything and cleaned it thoroughly. Thing is I cannot move it to the outside wall in the garage because of where the plug is and there is not enough room.

Can you recommend a decent condenser? I would like to get it repaired if possible.

Thanks.

Ebe_Scrooge

Hmm, sorry I can't really recommend a good model, not having had that much experience - I've always gone for a vented one myself. The only time I've used a condensor was when we lived in a rented house, that had a Miele already there - seemed OK, but as you've already said, not cheap.

If you're looking to get it repaired, try and see if you have a local independant "domestic appliance repair" type shop locally - they will often be able to give you an idea of the cost of repair vs a new machine.

RE moving your one in the garage - if you don't have the space then fair enough, but if it's only the socket that's stopping you, it's a very simple job to put a new socket on the wall where you want it. You are allowed to add a spur to a ring main yourself ( which is what you'd be doing, assuming the garage is wired correctly already and is not in itself a spur ). Not sure if this would help in your situation ?

Sensemaya

Ebe

I think I will go for a new condenser.

At least it's the summer now and I can save up.

Many thanks for your help.

daveyjp

After 10 years I'd look for a new one if only for the fact a new one will be much more efficient.

Garages are convenient to put dryers in, but they can be very cold and damp - bad conditions for electrical items designed to be keep in warm and dry areas and this may be why a sensor on your appears to have failed. It also sounds like you don't use it often - water left in the drier could also cause problems as it stagnates and mould starts growing.

Our Bosch is now 5 years old. Is used for 4-5 loads a week all year round and dries a load in about 45 minutes. No problems to date with it.

Sensemaya

Been doing some research on the Net and ringing round.

http://www.ciao.co.uk/product_comparison.php/IDs%5B%5D/7839328/IDs%5B%5D/7148542/Pid/1,5261448,5261449,5261459/PageId/2

The 104 has an Electric Heating Element.

Or what about the White Knight 77A?

Is Bosch worth the extra 100+ pounds?

Or Hotpoint TCM570P?

Help please...

daveyjp

Bosch has autosense - do the cheaper ones? This means you set how dry you want the clothes to be and it dries to that point. No guessing how long to have it on for.

An alternative: http://www.johnlewis.com/230508953/Product.aspx

Siemens and Bosch are the same company - the 5 year guarantee is worth the extra over the Bosch you highlighted on Ciao.