A dryer that won’t heat up is frustrating, especially when you’re stuck with damp clothes and no time to spare. If your dryer is running but the heat is missing in action, you don’t necessarily need a new appliance—just some smart troubleshooting.
Before calling in a professional, let’s go through some common reasons why your dryer isn’t heating and what you can do about it.
1. Check the Power Source
This may sound obvious, but dryers require a strong power supply to generate heat. If you have an electric dryer, it needs 240 volts, which comes from two circuit breakers. If one trips, the dryer may run but won’t heat. Try resetting both breakers in your electrical panel.
For gas dryers, make sure the gas valve is open. If the supply is off or interrupted, there won’t be any heat, no matter how long you run the cycle. Also, confirm that the dryer is properly plugged in—sometimes, power cords loosen over time, affecting performance.
2. Test the Heating Element or Gas Igniter
If your electric dryer isn’t heating, a burned-out heating element could be the culprit. This component is responsible for generating the heat necessary to dry clothes. To check it, you’ll need a multimeter to test for continuity. If the heating element fails the test, it needs to be replaced.
For gas dryers, the igniter plays a similar role. When it fails, the gas won’t ignite, leaving you with a cold drum. A visual inspection can often tell you if the igniter is glowing or not. If it’s broken, it won’t light the gas, meaning no heat.
3. Inspect the Thermal Fuse
Dryers have a built-in safety feature called a thermal fuse, which prevents overheating. If it blows, the dryer won’t heat at all. The fuse is usually located near the exhaust vent inside the dryer. Like the heating element, it can be tested with a multimeter for continuity.
If the thermal fuse is blown, it means the dryer was overheating, likely due to poor airflow. Replacing it is necessary, but you’ll also want to address the root cause—most often, a clogged vent.
4. Clear Out the Lint Trap and Ventilation System
Dryers need proper airflow to heat efficiently. If the vent is clogged with lint, hot air gets trapped, leading to overheating, longer drying times, and, in some cases, a complete shutdown of the heating system.
Start by cleaning the lint trap—something you should be doing after every load. But don’t stop there. Detach the vent hose at the back of the dryer and check for lint buildup. If it’s clogged, use a vacuum or a dryer vent cleaning kit to remove debris. Also, check the exterior vent flap. If it’s stuck shut, air can’t escape, and the dryer may shut off its heating element as a safety precaution.
5. Check the Thermostat and Temperature Sensors
Dryers have several thermostats and sensors to regulate temperature. If one of these fails, the dryer might not heat properly or may shut off prematurely. A faulty high-limit thermostat, for example, can mistakenly sense the dryer is overheating and cut off the heat source.
If you’ve ruled out other issues and your dryer still isn’t heating, testing the thermostat with a multimeter is a good next step. These parts aren’t too expensive to replace, but diagnosing the exact faulty component can be tricky without professional tools.
6. Examine the Timer or Control Board
Modern dryers have electronic control boards that manage all functions, including heating. If the control board malfunctions, it might not send the right signals to the heating system. Similarly, older dryers with mechanical timers can wear out, preventing the heating cycle from starting.
If your dryer has no visible signs of damage but still isn’t heating, a faulty timer or control board could be the issue. Unfortunately, diagnosing and replacing these components often requires professional expertise.
When to Call for Professional Dryer Repair
If you’ve gone through the above steps and your dryer still isn’t heating, it’s time to call a professional. Some repairs, like replacing a heating element or thermal fuse, are manageable for DIYers, but electrical and gas-related issues can be tricky—and sometimes dangerous—to fix without experience.
A professional technician can quickly diagnose the issue and get your dryer working again. At TC Appliance Repair, we specialize in dryer repair in Austin and can handle everything from heating issues to motor failures. If your dryer is giving you trouble, give us a call, and we’ll get it back in top shape.
Keeping the Heat On
A dryer that isn’t heating is inconvenient, but in many cases, the fix is simple. Start with the basics—power supply, airflow, and lint buildup—before diving into components like the heating element or thermostat. If you’re comfortable using a multimeter, you can troubleshoot further.
But when in doubt, professional repair is the safest and most efficient option. Call 777-737-8214 or contact us today to book your appointment.
