Airflow restriction

Clean lint screen thoroughly — hold up to light to check for invisible fabric softener film
Disconnect vent hose and check for lint accumulation in the hose and wall duct
Run dryer briefly with vent disconnected — if AF clears, the blockage is in the vent run
Verify external vent flap opens freely and is not blocked by debris or bird nests
Pro Diagnostic Tip
AF is a performance warning, not a hard fault. Vent runs over 25 feet or with multiple 90-degree bends need annual professional cleaning. Bay Area dryer vent fires peak in fall when lint + heat combine.
Repair Difficulty
Easy — DIY FriendlyEstimated Repair Cost
$0–$125
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Gas leak detector ($130), thermal fuse tester ($95), belt tension gauge, and vent inspection camera ($180). Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Here's what a professional technician does to resolve this issue:
Clean lint screen and vent system
This repair requires gas leak detectors, thermal fuse testers, and high-voltage multimeters. Most homeowners find it safer and more cost-effective to have a licensed technician handle it.
Gas dryers carry carbon monoxide and explosion risk. Even electric dryers involve 240V circuits that can deliver a fatal shock. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Don't let error code AF disrupt your day. A professional diagnosis takes about 30 minutes — and it's free when you proceed with the repair.
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Hotpoint error code AF indicates: Airflow restriction. This is a medium-severity issue affecting your dryer.
Clean lint screen thoroughly — hold up to light to check for invisible fabric softener film Then, Disconnect vent hose and check for lint accumulation in the hose and wall duct Then, Run dryer briefly with vent disconnected — if AF clears, the blockage is in the vent run There are 1 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. If these steps don't resolve the error, contact a professional.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Clothes take multiple cycles to dry; Dryer exterior very hot; Excessive lint around dryer. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dryer's display panel for error code AF.
Repair costs for Hotpoint AF typically range from $0 to $125 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.