Dryer Not Heating? Top 10 DIY Ways To Get It Heating Fast Again

Having a dryer that suddenly stops heating is incredibly frustrating. You toss your wet clothes into the dryer, start a cycle, and then find your clothes are still damp when the cycle ends. But before you call for an expensive repair service, there are several do-it-yourself troubleshooting steps you can try to get your dryer heating up fast again.

With a few simple electrical tests and component checks, you can often get your dryer working again and avoid the hassle and cost of a service appointment.

Ensure Dryer is Plugged In and Power is On

The first thing to check when a dryer won't heat up is the power supply. Start by inspecting the electrical outlet it's plugged into - is the outlet controlled by a wall switch that may have been turned off? Try resetting the switch. Also check for any tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in the electrical panel that may have cut power to the outlet.

Next, inspect the power cord itself. Make sure it's not damaged or frayed, and that it's inserted fully into the outlet. Wiggle the dryer plug while watching for any flickering or intermittent lights on the dryer's control panel - this could indicate a faulty cord.

Check That Dryer Vent is Not Blocked

Over time, lint and debris can accumulate inside the dryer vent and restrict airflow. This not only increases drying times, but can prevent the dryer from heating fully. Lint accumulation in the vent ductwork leading outside is also a fire hazard.

To check for a blockage, first disconnect the vent from the back of the dryer. Inspect it for any built-up lint and clean out any debris. Also use a lint trap brush to clean away any accumulated lint in the short vent duct inside the dryer housing. A yearly professional vent cleaning is also recommended to clear any hard-to-reach buildup.

Verify Gas Valve is Turned On (Gas Models)

For gas dryers, start by checking that the main gas supply shutoff valve is in the open position and supplying gas to the rest of the home. Next, check the dedicated gas valve located behind the lower panel on the dryer - make sure it's in the open position as well.

If the gas valves appear to be on, check for obstructions in the gas line, especially if other gas appliances in the home are also not working. Use a multimeter to test the gas valve solenoid coils for continuity, and inspect the pilot light assembly and igniter. Relight the pilot if needed. For no gas supply issues, contact your gas company.

Examine Dryer Thermal Fuse

Many dryers have a thermal fuse that shuts off power to the heating element circuit if the dryer overheats. This serves as a safety precaution to help prevent fires. The thermal fuse is normally located along the exhaust duct or on the blower housing.

Use a multimeter to check for continuity across the thermal fuse. If there is no continuity, that means the fuse has blown and the circuit is open. The blown fuse will prevent the heating element from receiving power. The fuse is not resettable and needs to be replaced if faulty.

Inspect Heating Element for Damage

Electric dryers use a heating element, often coiled out of wire or ribbon, to generate the warm air needed to dry clothing. Over time, this element can burn out or break. Visually check the heating element for any cracks, breaks, or gaps in the coils.

Use a multimeter to check for continuity across the heating element terminals. If there is no continuity, then the element is defective and needs replacement. A broken heating element will fail to heat the incoming air.

Assess Thermostats and Cycling Thermostat

The thermostats in a dryer regulate the temperature of the heating element so the air is heated to the proper level. Two common thermostats are the operating thermostat and the high-limit thermostat.

The operating thermostat cycles power on and off to maintain the desired temperature. The high-limit thermostat shuts off power if the dryer overheats. Test both thermostats for continuity and make sure they are functioning - if faulty, replace them.

Evaluate Timer and Motor

The timer controls the overall operation of the dryer, including the drying time and heating cycles. The motor turns the drum and blower fan. Defects with either component can prevent proper heating:

• Faulty timer - Fails to send voltage to heating element
• Bad motor - Doesn't turn drum or fan for airflow

Check the timer contacts and motor windings for proper operation using a multimeter. Replace either part if faulty.

Ensure Exhaust Duct is Not Restricted

The flexible metal duct that vents hot air to the outside can also accumulate lint over time. This will restrict airflow and potentially trigger the high-limit thermostat to trip.

Disconnect the exterior vent duct and inspect it for obstructions. Clean out any built-up lint. Also check the exterior vent flap to make sure it is opening properly when the dryer runs.

Check Dryer Settings and Controls

Before digging into extensive troubleshooting, double check the dryer settings. Is it accidentally set to an air or fluff cycle rather than a normal drying cycle? Make sure the heat setting is on high rather than low or medium.

Also, enter a timed high heat drying cycle and operate the dryer in manual mode to isolate any control issues. If an error code is displayed, look it up in your owner's manual and follow troubleshooting steps.

When to Call a Professional

While many dryer heating issues can be addressed with easy DIY repairs, there are times when it's best to call in a professional:

• If you've tried all of these troubleshooting tips without success
• For diagnosis of more complex electrical or gas supply issues
• If the heating components are buried deep within the unit
• To access the interior drum and rear housing
• If the dryer vent duct is very long or hard to reach

Professional technicians have specialized tools and expertise to efficiently diagnose problems and safely access internal components. They can also identify potential hazards like gas leaks that DIY repairs could miss.

Before you get frustrated by a dryer that's not heating and call for expensive repairs, try some quick troubleshooting using the tips above. In many cases, the problem is due to routine maintenance issues like vent blockages, clogged lint traps, and blown fuses. Tackle these simple fixes first.

But if the dryer still fails to heat up after you've tried all the DIY steps, go ahead and bring in a professional service technician. With their advanced diagnostic tools and technical skills, they can promptly identify and fix the problem so you can once again have a fully functioning dryer.