Dollar signs were floating through my head thinking of the options: call a repairman or buy a new dryer. Face it. Both options suck and are expensive.
Jen and I did the first logical step. Called our dads to see if they could suggest a solution to the problem. Neither could offer much advice since they each have electric dryers and ours is gas/electric.
It could be the thermostat. Costly. It could be the pilot light is out (if it even has one.) It could be one of a few things.
I called Sears to see how much a visit from a repairman would be and if the dryer was still under warranty. Of course it is not. They basically had me by the balls at this point. The dollar signs once again fly through my head.
They wanted $75 just to look at it and diagnose the problem. $129.99 to look at it and cover labor to repair it (if repairable) but I would have to pay for the needed parts. $199.95 for a one year service agreement that would cover parts and labor up to $500.
Jen realized there is another option. Google. We each sat at our computers and started googling, trying several combinations of the name brand, the series, the model number and the phrase "won't heat."
She comes across Larry on JustAnswer.com. Larry gets paid to answer questions on JustAnswer and last year answered the exact question we were asking. He suggested the first thing to do is disconnect the thermal fuse and see if that is the problem.
So I did. I took the back of the dryer off, located the fuse, pulled the wires, reconnected them to each other and started up the dryer.
We have heat! Thanks Larry!
Now to locate a new thermal fuse. First stop was a run to Home Depot. Fail - they don't carry them in the store.
Back to the computer to Google it.
Searspartsdirect.com - Has the part. $15.27 + tax and shipping. A quick check on retailmenot.com shows a 10% discount for using the code 'retailmenot10.' So that knocks it down $1.53 to $13.74. Tax and shipping add $8. Meaning $21.74 total. And I have to wait 4 to 5 business days to get it.
Homedepot.com - Not in stock.
Amazon.com - Has a number of parts for sale ranging from $.01 + $6 shipping to $9.99 with free shipping. The problem is, while most of the sellers have very positive feedback, the shipping time says it will be about 10 business days. Way to long to wait without being to dry clothes.
I then started googling appliance shops in the area. I find one named Dave's Appliance Repair in Horsham - about a 20 minute drive. I called the next day, and yes... they have the part in stock.
So after work yesterday I drove to Horsham, paid $12 for a fuse, came home, installed it and held my breath....
No sparks... No fire... But heat! Glorious heat!
We were lucky it was a simple repair and only spent $12 to fix it. But I would have been pissed if I paid up to $199.99 to find out it was $12 part that took only 5 minutes to replace (and that included taking off and putting on the back.) Savings for the day - up to $187.99.
So that's my bit of advice for you today. When something breaks at home. Google it. See if you can find a solution before calling a repairman or buying a new one.
Once again, if you have any thoughts or suggestions for Dave's Deals For Guys and Dads, please let me know.
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