No More Wet Loads! Fix a Dryer with No Heat Fast
Is your dryer taking forever to dry your clothes, leaving them damp and wet at the end of the cycle? Dealing with a dryer that's not heating properly can be incredibly frustrating. But don't worry - in most cases, loss of dryer heat can be fixed quickly if you know where to start.
With some basic troubleshooting and DIY repair skills, you can often get your dryer heating again in no time.
Why Your Dryer Isn't Heating
Blocked Airflow
For any dryer to heat up, proper airflow is crucial. Lint can build up in the lint trap, ventilation ducts, and other areas, preventing the right amount of air from circulating to produce heat. Make sure to clean the lint filter before each load, and inspect the vent ductwork for obstructions. Use a vent brush to remove built-up lint in the ducting leading outside.
A dryer needs good airflow to be able to ignite the gas or power the heating element. Check outside to make sure the outdoor vent exhaust hood is not blocked as well. Proper ventilation is key for generating heat.
Blown Thermal Fuse
Inside your dryer is a thermal fuse, which senses overheating conditions and cuts power to prevent fire. If the dryer overheats repeatedly due to poor ventilation, this fuse can blow. An easy way to test if the thermal fuse is blown is with a multimeter set to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, the fuse needs replacement.
When installing a new fuse, make sure it's the same amperage and type to avoid risks. Wear work gloves when handling the sharp metal housing around the fuse.
Defective Heating Element
Electric dryer heating elements generate high heat when energized, but over time they can burn out and fail. Turn the dryer on and use an infrared thermometer to check if the element is heating up. Little to no infrared heat indicates it's defective.
For replacement, first unplug power and disconnect wiring harnesses carefully. Remove mounting screws and the front panel to access the element. Swap in the new part, taking care not to damage the fragile wires.
Malfunctioning Thermostats
Dryers have two thermostats to regulate temperature - a high limit thermostat that prevents overheating, and a cycling thermostat that turns the heat on and off during operation. If either fails, heat can stop.
Use a multimeter on the thermostat terminals to see if they are properly opening and closing electrical contacts indicating function. If not, they will need replacement by unfastening mounting screws and unplugging wires.
How to Diagnose the Issue
Start your diagnosis byEnsuring your dryer is plugged in, the circuit breaker hasn't tripped, and the timer dial is set correctly. Then check if other functions like the drum rotation and blower are working.
Carefully inspect components involved in heating - the thermal fuse, thermostats, element, wiring, gas valve, etc. Use a multimeter to test each part for continuity or proper ohms reading. Isolate which component is faulty.
Get a visual on internal parts by removing the front panel. Take pictures as you disassemble so you can properly reassemble. Safety comes first - unplug power before any testing.
Quick Fixes to Restore Heat
Reset Circuit Breaker
If you find the circuit breaker for the dryer has tripped, simply flip it fully to the "Off" position, then back "On". This often resets a tripped breaker allowing power flow again.
Clean Lint Screen
Lint accumulation directly blocks airflow required for heating. Cleaning the lint screen thoroughly before each and every load stops buildup. Use a brush to dislodge stuck-on debris.
Check Vent Ducts
Inspect ductwork for obstructions, kinks, and lint clogs. Use a vent brush tool to clear out built-up lint restoring airflow. Proper venting is key for a dryer to heat efficiently.
Replace Thermal Fuse
If diagnosed as blown, replacing the thermal fuse is quick and easy by disconnecting old wires, removing fuse, installing new fuse, reconnecting wires. This often fixes loss of heat caused by overheating tripping the fuse.
Prevent No Heat Problems
To help avoid dryer heating problems in the future:
- Clean lint trap before and after each load
- Check vent ductwork annually for lint buildup
- Don't overload dryer drum with large loads
- Give dryer breathing room, don't block ventilation openings
- Replace old dryers that are breaking down frequently
We hope these troubleshooting tips help you diagnose and fix loss of dryer heat quickly and easily. With some basic maintenance and replacing worn parts as needed, you can often get heat restored in short order. Just be sure to always unplug the dryer and use caution when working with electrical connections and gas lines. With the right knowledge of how dryers work, you can save the cost of a service call and keep your loads drying fast.