Whirlpool AZW129 – not drying as quickly as it used to. Worth replacing?

[aris]

I have a 20 year old Whirlpool AZW129 vented tumble dryer. Not given me any issues at all – I think I changed the heating element once., and maybe opened it up to clean out fluff and add some lubrication because it was squeaking.

My wife seems to think it isn’t drying as quickly as it used to. What could cause that? My thought is that the element has lost its mojo? Does that happen?

Other thought – with energy prices going as they have – is it worth replacing with a newer model? Are they more efficient? My thought is that a tumble dryer is a very simple device – and there isn’t really much one can do to make it more efficient. I suspect it would take a long long time to get a payback from a £250 machine.

What are the experts’ thoughts?

[electrofix]

check venting as air flow can make a difference when drying

these element normally fail totally so they just stop heating but there is always the odd one that get hot and goes open circuit

these dryer are very reliable, modern ones are no where near as simple or reliable

Dave

[aris]

Thanks

As I suspected, along with my 20 year old washing machine, my 20 year old tumble dryer will be better made than anything I can buy now. I’ll check the vents and stick with what I have.

[Author]

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