Is Your Dryer Not Heating? Learn How To Troubleshoot and Fix It Fast
Having a dryer that won't heat up properly can be incredibly frustrating. It means extra time spent waiting for clothes to finally dry, while also wasting energy as your dryer runs inefficiently. Fortunately, there are a number of common issues that can cause a dryer to stop heating, many of which you can troubleshoot and repair yourself without calling in a professional.
We'll provide tips on how to diagnose the problem, make simple fixes, and determine when it's time to replace parts or call in an appliance repair expert. Follow our guide and you'll get your dryer heating efficiently again quickly and affordably.
Symptoms of A Dryer Not Heating
How can you tell if your dryer isn't heating up adequately? Here are some of the most common signs:
- Clothes take longer than normal to dry, sometimes multiple cycles
- The air blowing in the dryer feels cool or room temperature
- Clothes come out damp or still wet at the end of a cycle
- The dryer seems to run normally, but lacks heat
If your dryer is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it likely points to an issue with heat generation that needs to be addressed.
Causes of A Non-Heating Dryer
There are a number of different technical problems that can result in a dryer failing to heat properly. Here are some of the most common culprits.
Clogged Lint Screen or Vent
If the lint screen or vent hose that connects your dryer to the outside of your house is clogged with debris, it can become obstructed. This blocks the airflow, preventing hot air from circulating efficiently in order to dry your clothes.
Make sure to clean the lint screen after each load. It's also a good idea to use a vent brush to remove accumulated lint and dirt from the vent hose on a periodic basis.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Like most other appliances, electric dryers require a significant amount of power to generate heat. A tripped circuit breaker that isn't allowing enough electricity to flow can keep a dryer from heating up.
Check your circuit breaker or fuse box and reset any tripped switches related to the dryer circuit. This should restore power to the heating element.
Blown Thermal Fuse
Your dryer has a thermal fuse designed to blow and cut off power if temperatures exceed a safe threshold. If this fuse blows, it will prevent the dryer from heating until it's replaced.
Replacing a thermal fuse is a relatively easy DIY fix. Just unplug the dryer, locate the fuse, remove the wires, and connect the new fuse. Make sure to investigate what might have caused overheating before operating the dryer again.
Faulty Heating Element
Electric dryers rely on coiled metal heating elements to convert the electrical current into heat. Over time, these can break or burn out. A visual inspection will often reveal damage like cracks or breaks.
You can use a multimeter to test a heating element for continuity. No continuity means it's broken and will need to be replaced. This is a moderately difficult repair best left to appliance pros in many cases.
Defective Thermostat
A thermostat regulates the temperature of the heated air produced by the dryer. If the thermostat malfunctions, it can fail to adequately heat the air. Testing the thermostat for continuity and replacing it if faulty should resolve this issue.
Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
In gas dryers, the flame sensor is responsible for detecting ignition and continuing the gas flow. If this sensor is dirty, damaged, or otherwise not functioning properly, it can cut off gas power erroneously and prevent heating.
The flame sensor is relatively easy to access and replace on most gas dryer models. This is often the solution when a gas dryer has flame ignition but still won't get hot.
Damaged Heating Element
The heating element in a dryer contains coiled wires that heat up to warm the air. Over many cycles, these wires can wear out or break from repeated expanding and contracting. A damaged heating element may require professional repair or full replacement.
Faulty Igniter
Gas dryers use an igniter to light the pilot light that initiates gas flow. If this igniter fails, it cannot activate the flame, preventing the dryer from heating. As with a damaged heating element, a faulty igniter often requires professional repair.
Clogged Vent
Just like a clogged lint screen, a vent stuffed full of lint and debris will obstruct airflow and prevent the dryer from heating efficiently. Use a vent brush or compressed air to thoroughly clean out the vent ductwork.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
An inaccurate thermostat can fail to properly regulate the temperature inside the dryer. Test the thermostat and replace it if faulty.
How to Troubleshoot a Non-Heating Dryer
Start your dryer troubleshooting by going through these steps:
- Make sure the dryer is plugged in and the breaker or fuse is set.
- Check and clean the lint screen thoroughly.
- Inspect the vent ductwork for obstructions.
- Test that the dryer is actually turning on when you press Start.
- Monitor a cycle to verify no heat is being produced.
- Remove the back panel to access internal components.
- Examine the heating element and thermostat for visible damage.
- Test each component for continuity.
- Determine which part needs replacing based on findings.
- Inspect igniter and sensors if it is a gas dryer.
- Replace any damaged or non-functional parts.
This systematic approach will help you zone in on the root cause. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, smells, or behaviors as well. Thoroughly research your dryer's specific make and model if needed.
Getting Your Dryer Heating Again
In many cases, a persistent dryer heating issue indicates that a repair or replacement of internal parts is needed. Some problems, like a damaged heating element or faulty igniter, may require calling in a trained appliance repair technician, especially for gas dryers where specialized knowledge is needed.
For simpler fixes like cleaning the lint or a fuse replacement, use caution and follow dryer manual instructions closely. Always unplug the dryer and turn off gas service if applicable before conducting any work. Improper repairs can lead to bigger problems and safety hazards.
Prevent issues in the future by staying diligent about cleaning the lint screen and vent hose. Avoid overloading the dryer, which can place strain on components. Have a professional inspect and maintain your dryer annually to identify and replace aging parts.
FAQs About Dryers Not Heating
Why does my dryer get hot then cold?
If your dryer gets hot at first but then blows cold air, the problem may be a failing thermostat no longer able to consistently regulate the temperature.
The costs vary by brand and model, but average $150-$300 in parts and labor for a technician to replace a malfunctioning heating element.
Following the tips in this guide will help you get to the bottom of why your dryer won't heat, and get it functioning optimally once again quickly and affordably. With some basic troubleshooting and an understanding of how dryers work, you can take care of many no heat issues yourself. Just always exercise caution when attempting DIY appliance repairs.