I have a Kenmore Dryer that is not drying the clothes like it should. The filter is cleaned as well as the exhaust vent/duct. However it is taking longer and longer to dry the clothes. Tonight there was a noticeable decrease in the temperature of the clothes while drying ( I stopped the cycle to check on it.) I put a thermometer in the exhaust stream and it only got up to around 99F. I tried the other settings and they were even cooler. So my thought is that it is the heating element. That would seem to be the simplest answer. However, I was wondering if I could somehow rule out the timer that turns the heating element on and off as being the problem.
Just wondering. To anyone generous enough to freely offer constructive advice, I thank you. I am also looking up this problem on the web just incase it is not the heating element. In addition, I'm looking for info on changing the piece out. So I'm not just begging for help, I'm also searching.
FYI - The dryer is Electric and 14 years old. I bought if from Sears and the salesman assured me I could get 20 years of usage out of it easily. But I'm not complaining. I have gotten my money's worth from it. If I can cheaply fix it, that is great, if not....well, that is life.
BM