Dryer Not Heating? Top Causes and Solutions

A dryer that tumbles but doesn't heat is one of the most common appliance problems. The good news? Many causes are simple to fix. Let's troubleshoot together.

Safety First!

Before any troubleshooting:

• Unplug electric dryer OR turn off gas supply
• Never work on a dryer while it's connected to power
• If you smell gas, evacuate and call gas company immediately

Common Causes (Electric Dryers)

1. Clogged Lint Filter or Vent

Why It Matters: Blocked airflow triggers thermal fuse, shutting off heat.

Check:

• Lint filter (clean after EVERY load)
• Vent hose behind dryer
• External vent opening outside

How to Clean:

• Remove lint from filter
• Vacuum vent hose with brush attachment
• Check outside vent for blockages
• Consider professional vent cleaning annually

Warning Signs:

• Clothes take multiple cycles to dry
• Dryer exterior very hot
• Burning smell
• Lint around dryer

2. Blown Thermal Fuse

What It Does: Safety device that cuts power to heating element if dryer overheats.

Common Cause: Clogged vent (see above)

Testing:

• Requires multimeter to test continuity
• Located on blower housing or heat source
• No continuity = blown fuse

Replacement:

• $5-$20 part
• Moderate DIY difficulty
• Must fix underlying cause (usually clogged vent)

3. Faulty Heating Element

Symptoms:

• No heat at all
• Intermittent heating

Testing:

• Requires multimeter
• Located in heating element housing
• Check for continuity and proper resistance

Replacement:

• $20-$50 part
• Moderate DIY difficulty
• Professional recommended for safety

4. Defective Thermostat

Types:

• Cycling thermostat: Regulates temperature
• High-limit thermostat: Prevents overheating

Testing:

• Multimeter required
• Should show continuity when cool
• May need professional diagnosis

5. Broken Timer or Control Board

Symptoms:

• Dryer runs but doesn't heat
• Won't advance through cycles properly

Diagnosis: Usually requires professional

Common Causes (Gas Dryers)

1. Gas Valve Solenoids

Function: Open gas valve to allow gas flow to burner.

Failure Signs:

• Dryer runs but no heat
• Igniter glows but no flame

Testing & Replacement:

• Professional recommended
• Gas work requires expertise

2. Igniter Problems

Function: Ignites gas to create heat.

Signs of Failure:

• No heat
• Igniter doesn't glow
• Glows but doesn't ignite gas

Replacement:

• $20-$40 part
• Professional installation recommended

3. Flame Sensor

Function: Detects flame and keeps gas valve open.

Failure:

• Gas ignites briefly then shuts off
• No sustained heat

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Clean Everything

• Lint filter
• Vent hose
• External vent
• Inside dryer drum

Step 2: Check Circuit Breaker

• Electric dryers use 240V (two breakers)
• If only one trips, dryer tumbles but won't heat
• Reset both breakers

Step 3: Test Outlet (Electric)

• Requires multimeter
• Should read 240V
• If only 120V, circuit problem exists

Step 4: Inspect Vent Hose

• Should be metal, not plastic
• Maximum 25 feet length
• Minimize bends
• No kinks or crushing

When to Call a Professional

Immediate Professional Help:

• Gas smell (evacuate first!)
• Burning smell
• Sparks or smoke
• Electrical issues

Professional Recommended:

• Thermal fuse replacement (if you're not handy)
• Heating element replacement
• Any gas dryer repairs
• Control board issues
• Don't have proper tools (multimeter)

Preventive Maintenance

After Every Load:

• Clean lint filter

Monthly:

• Vacuum around and behind dryer
• Check vent hose for lint buildup

Annually:

• Professional vent cleaning
• Inspect all hoses and connections
• Check for wear on electrical cord

Every 2-3 Years:

• Professional maintenance inspection

Cost Comparison

DIY Fixes:

• Cleaning: $0
• Thermal fuse: $5-$20
• Heating element: $20-$50

Professional Repairs:

• Diagnostic: $69 (waived if repaired)
• Thermal fuse replacement: $120-$200
• Heating element: $150-$300
• Gas valve solenoids: $180-$350

New Dryer: $400-$1,200+

Fire Safety Warning

Did you know? Dryers cause 15,000+ house fires annually, mostly from lint buildup.

Prevent fires:

• Clean lint filter after every load
• Annual professional vent cleaning
• Never leave dryer running when away
• Replace plastic vent hoses with metal
• Don't dry items with rubber, foam, or plastic

The Bottom Line

If your dryer isn't heating, start with the simplest fix: clean the lint filter and vent system. This solves the problem 40% of the time and prevents future issues.

For electrical or gas component failures, professional repair is safest and most cost-effective.

Need Expert Help? Quick Tweak specializes in dryer repair for all makes and models. Same-day service available in San Antonio.

Call 210-381-8588 or schedule online today!