Dryer taking longer to dry load!

[Esep]

I have an 8 yr old Kenmore electric dryer and it seems it is taking longer to dry a load of clothe. A load that would take 30 minutes to dry, is now taking an 1hr. The heater comes on but does not stay on very long. Don't feel that it's blowing much air through the vent. How long should the heater stay on? And should I feel a bunch of air blowing through? I don't feel much air is blowing. Where could I start troubleshooting. Thanks for any help!

esep

[woodchuck]

With the door open you can feel the air being pulled through the filter, but it probably won't feel real strong.

The exhaust vent could be stopped up somewhere, cutting down on the amount of air the blower can move. You can disconnect the hose at the back to feel for blocks and the flow of air.

If you have a two part heater element one part could be bad.(just a thought.)

The heater does cut on and off, controled by a thermal switch to keep it from overheating the clothes and causing a fire.

[kirk2525]

Most Commonly This Problem Starts With A Blocked Dryer Vent, Or Kinked Dryer Hose... The Reason The Element Doesn't Stay On Very Long Is That Your Overheating The Thermals In The Blower Housing Therefore Shutting Down The Heat Element... Make Sure The Dryer Vent Is Nice And Clear... K