How to Adjust Dryer Time

Adjust timed dryers by setting the dial to your desired time.

Gas and electric clothes dryers operate pretty much the same way---by blowing hot air over your clothes as they tumble. Dryers come with three basic types for time control: automatic drying, timed drying and electronic sensor drying, featuring a digital display. Although you will usually find timer drying in the least expensive dryers, investing in an electronic sensor clothes dryer will save energy and money, according to Dan Vandervort, a home improvement expert and Home & Garden Television (HGTV) segment host. Electronic sensors shut off when your clothes have dried, which helps your clothing last longer.

Instructions

Timed Dryer Control

1. Load your wet laundry into the dryer.

2. Use the dial to set the amount of time you want the dryer to run. For example, if you set the time to 30 minutes, the dryer will stop operating at the end of 30 minutes whether the clothes are dry or not.

3. Set the dryer timer for the shortest amount of time possible to dry your clothes. This prevents the dryer from over-drying your clothes.

4. Remove your clothes when you hear the dryer's timer alarm sound.

Automatic Time Control

1. Place your wet laundry items into the dryer.

2. Set the time control of your dryer to the degree of dryness you desire, such as permanent press, delicate or regular. The dryer will dry until it meets the moisture and temperature level you selected, based on the temperature of the air used up. This makes automatic time control more accurate than the basic timer, and you do not need to worry about over-drying your clothes.

3. Wait for the dryer to become cooler during its cool-down cycle. The automatic cool-down cycle continues tumbling the clothes, but without the heat, to reduce wrinkling of certain clothing.

4. Remove your clothing when the automatic time control alarm sounds.

Electronic Sensor Control

1. Place your wet clothing into the dryer

2. Select "Timed Dry," or a similar setting, depending on your dryer model.

3. Select the fabric type and temperature, if your dryer has these features.

4. Close the door and start the dryer. The electronic temperature sensor known as a "thermistor" will measure how much moisture the clothing contains and shut off automatically when it senses dry clothing.

References

• Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association: Gas Dryers
• My Simon: Consuomer Reports - Clothes Dryers
• Don Vandervort's Home Tips.com: Clothes Dryer Buying Guide

Resources

• Consumer Reports.org: Clothes Dryers