Your dryer not heating up might be because of a broken heating part, a busted thermal fuse, or faulty temperature control.
First, look at the power, thermal fuse, and heating parts. If those look okay, try resetting the temperature control or cleaning the lint trap and air pipe. While you can fix some things yourself, tricky problems like gas leaks or a broken heating bit may need an expert. Fixing the issue quickly and taking care of your dryer can stop future breakdowns.
Keep reading to learn more about the common reasons and fixes for a dryer that’s not getting hot.
Key Takeaways
- A broken heating part, like a busted coil, strip, or clay-like bit, can stop the dryer from getting hot.
- A blown safety device, a faulty heat control, or a temperature gauge problem can also cause a dryer not to heat.
- Looking at the power source, checking the safety device, and testing the heating part can help find the issue.
- Cleaning the lint trap and air duct, putting in a new safety device, and resetting the heat control are some fixes you can try at home for a cold dryer.
- For gas dryer troubles or tricky mechanical snags, it’s best to ring up an expert to avoid making things worse.
Common Causes of a Dryer Not Heating Up
When your dryer doesn’t get hot, it might be because of a broken heating part, a busted heat fuse, or a thermostat that’s not working right. These are often why dryers stop heating up. Looking at and fixing these troubles can help you get your dryer working again quickly.
Faulty Heating Element
A broken heating part is often why a dryer won’t get hot. This part makes the heat that dries your clothes. Over time, it can get damaged or wear out, so it doesn’t heat up well.
The problem could be a broken coil, strip, or clay-like piece, or a break in the part’s circuit. Also, issues with the heat safety switch or heat control can stop the heating part from working correctly.
To check if the heating part is broken, you need to test it with a special tool. If it’s not working, you’ll have to put in a new heating part to get your dryer working properly again.
Broken Thermal Fuse
Another usual reason your dryer isn’t warming up is a broken thermal fuse. This safety part stops power to the heating bit if it gets too hot, preventing overheating and possible fire dangers.
If the thermal fuse has blown, your dryer won’t get the electricity it needs to make heat. Look at the thermal cut-off fuse and swap it if needed. The high-limit thermostat or temperature sensor might also be faulty, causing the dryer heat problem.
Check these parts to fix the dryer temperature issue. Fixing a broken thermal fuse is key to solving the dryer trouble and getting your laundry machine working again.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Besides a broken thermal fuse, a non-working thermostat can also be a common reason why a dryer won’t heat up. The thermostat controls the temperature inside the dryer, and if it’s not working right, it can stop the heating part from turning on or keeping the right heat level.
Look at the thermostat to see if it’s working or change it if it’s broken. If your dryer uses gas, the problem could also come from issues with the gas valve, burner parts, or gas pipe. Check and fix these bits too.
In the end, a faulty control board can mess up how the thermostat and heating parts talk to each other, causing a heating problem. If other parts seem okay, look at the control board.
Diagnosing the Problem
To figure out why your dryer isn’t getting hot, start by looking at the power. Then, check the thermal fuse to see if it’s not working. Lastly, test the heating part to see if it’s broken and needs to be changed. Use these steps to find the problem with your clothes dryer.
Check the Power Supply
Start by looking at the power supply. Make sure the dryer is plugged in properly and the fuse box hasn’t shut off.
To check the power:
- Make sure the cord is firmly attached to the dryer and the wall plug.
- Use a tool to test the wall plug and check it’s giving out the right power.
- If the fuse box has shut off, turn it back on and watch that it doesn’t shut off again.
If the power is okay, you might need to look at other things that could be wrong, like a broken heating part or an issue with the dryer’s controls.
Inspect the Thermal Fuse
When a dryer isn’t getting hot, a broken heat safety switch might be the problem. This switch stops power to the heating part if the dryer gets too hot. To find out if this is the issue, you need to find and look at the heat safety switch.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unplug the dryer and find the heat safety switch, usually close to the heating part. |
| 2 | Use a tool to test if the switch is working. If it’s not working, it needs to be changed. |
| 3 | If the switch is okay, look for things blocking the dryer or other problems that might make it too hot. |
Putting in a new heat safety switch is an easy fix that can make your clothes dryer work again.
Test the Heating Element
Next, you’ll want to check the heating part to see if it’s why the dryer isn’t getting hot. Use a tool that measures electricity to look at the heating part’s connections. If the measurement is right, the part is working. If it’s not right, you might need a new part.
To check the heating part:
- Unplug the dryer and open it up using tools like screwdrivers.
- Set your measuring tool to check resistance and test the heating part. A good part will have a measurement that matches what the maker says it should be.
- If the part isn’t good, you’ll need to put in a new one to make your dryer hot again.
DIY Fixes for a Non-Heating Dryer
When your dryer isn’t getting warm, you can try some fixes at home. First, clean the lint catcher and air pipe to get rid of any blockages. Then, look at the heat safety switch and reset the temperature control if needed. These easy steps might get your dryer working again without spending lots of money on repairs.
Cleaning the Lint Screen and Vent
Cleaning the lint screen and vent often is very important for keeping your dryer’s heating working well. If you don’t do this, air can’t flow properly, which can make your dryer heat poorly. To keep your dryer working its best, do these things:
- Clean the lint screen after each use. Gently brush off any lint to make sure air can flow well.
- Look at the vent and pipes for anything blocking them or building up inside. Use a special brush or vacuum to clean them thoroughly.
- Check the outside vent flap to make sure it opens and closes easily. If it’s stuck or broken, it can stop air from coming in, making your dryer struggle to heat up.
Doing these simple tasks regularly can help stop expensive breakdowns and keep your dryer working well.
Replacing the Thermal Fuse
If your dryer isn’t heating up, you might need to swap out the thermal fuse. This is a safety part that stops power to the heating bit if the dryer gets too hot. It’s not too hard to do yourself. First, unplug the dryer and take off the back cover.
Find the thermal fuse, which is often near the fan wheel or motor. Use a tool to test if it’s working – if it’s not, put in a new one just like it. Put the dryer back together, plug it in, and check if it heats up now.
If it’s still not working, look at the door switch, wheels, and air pipes. For gas dryers, check the starter too. With some time and the right new part, you can fix a dryer that won’t heat up.
Resetting the Thermostat
Another possible reason for a dryer not heating is a broken thermostat, which you can try to fix yourself. The thermostat controls the dryer’s heat, and if it’s not working right, it can stop the dryer from getting hot.
To reset the thermostat, follow these steps:
- Unplug the dryer and find the thermostat, usually near the heating part or fan.
- Push the reset button on the thermostat, which might need a small tool or paper clip.
- Plug the dryer back in and check if it works now. If the thermostat still doesn’t work, you might need to get a new one or ask for help from an expert.
When to Call a Professional
If your dryer isn’t warming up because of gas pipe troubles or electrical part breakdowns, it’s wise to get a professional. Tricky mechanical problems like a broken heating bit or heat safety switch often need a skilled person’s help.
Don’t risk making things worse – let a trained repairman figure out and mend your cold dryer.
Gas Dryer Issues
When it comes to gas dryer problems, it’s wise to ring up an expert if you spot any hints of gas leaks, like a strong gas smell or whistling noises near the machine. Gas leaks can be very risky, as they might cause electrical issues, carbon monoxide danger, or even set off the dryer’s burning system.
Also, call a pro if:
- Your dryer isn’t warming up well, as this could mean a broken gas valve or trouble with the heat output.
- The lint catcher isn’t working right, as this can affect how well and safely the dryer runs.
- You think there might be other issues with the gas parts or the dryer’s warming system.
Electrical Component Failures
Electrical part breakdowns in your dryer can be hard to figure out, so it’s best to ring up an expert if you think there might be issues with the machine’s wires or power system.
Problems with the sealed heater, motor type, or other electrical bits can stop your dryer from warming up. A strong motor, steel drum, and rust-proof parts are meant to last, but they can still fail.
If your dryer won’t turn on or shows other signs of electrical trouble, don’t try to fix it yourself. Tinkering with the power system could be risky. Instead, call a skilled appliance repair person who can safely find and mend the problem, getting your dryer working properly again.
Complex Mechanical Problems
Dealing with tricky dryer problems often needs a skilled expert, as trying to fix things yourself might cause more harm or hurt you. Tough issues can include:
- A broken moisture detector or worn drum wheel that needs careful taking apart and replacing with special tools.
- Blocked air paths or a worn belt that needs a good cleaning with a vacuum and maybe a new belt for the best working.
- Damaged enamel tops, strong door hinges, or odd sounds that point to bigger problems are best fixed by a trained person.
Trying to solve these hard mechanical issues on your own could cancel your warranty and be unsafe. It’s best to ask a pro for the right check and fix.
Preventive Maintenance for Dryer Heating Issues
Taking care of your dryer helps stop heating troubles. Clean the lint trap often and check the air pipes for blockages. Also, book regular checkups with experts to find any possible issues before they get bad.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Checking and cleaning your dryer often can help stop heating problems later. Not doing this important upkeep can cause lint and dirt to pile up, which can block air and make your dryer heat poorly or not heat at all.
To keep your dryer working well, make sure to:
- Clean the lint trap after each use to allow good airflow.
- Look at the dryer vent for any blocks or harm that could limit air movement.
- Oil moving parts as suggested to lessen rubbing, shaking, and wear.
Proper Loading Techniques
Besides good cleaning and checking, how you put clothes in your dryer can affect how well it heats and how long it lasts. For big dryers, don’t put too much in – leave space for clothes to move freely.
With very large dryers, choose the right amount of clothes to make sure air flows well. Small and stacked dryers need smaller, balanced loads to heat well. Don’t stuff the drum as this can block air and make the heating part work too hard, which might make it break sooner.
When taking clothes out, look for any items left behind that could block the lint catcher or air vents. Getting the load size right is key to keeping your dryer heating properly.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance
Booking expert upkeep is vital to stop future dryer heating troubles. Regular checkups and fixes by a skilled worker can spot and tackle issues before they get worse, making sure your dryer heats well and doesn’t break down.
Don’t wait for problems – getting ahead with upkeep is the best way to keep your dryer working great.
Make booking expert upkeep a top task to:
- Look at heating parts, heat controls, and other bits for wear.
- Clean the lint trap, air paths, and other spots to make airflow and power use better.
- Check your dryer’s power use and suggest Energy Star models or power-saving settings to lower running costs and fire danger.
Regular expert upkeep helps your machine last longer, work better, and avoid costly breakdowns.
