How To Fix Dryer Not Heating? Fixing In 9 Steps

The dryer is an essential addition to the washing machine. With its help, you can dry the necessary things in hours, even in the coldest or most humid weather. This device is a must for any home. But like other household appliances, the dryer can break down. And unfortunately, there are many reasons why the dryer is not heating up. Finding the causes of failure and ways to fix them is essential. So that you can avoid many negative consequences associated with a breakdown in the dryer.

Our article will tell you about the most common causes of dryer failure and how to fix dryer that is not heating. We will also show you how you can fix these failures without the help of a specialist. We will give you essential and effective life hacks. Read our article to the end so that your things always stay dry.

Why Is It Important To Repair The Dryer On Time?

Depending on the type of damage, a broken dryer can have many negative consequences. They can be both long-term and short-term. Let’s look at the reasons why it is important to fix the dryer on time and not to postpone the problem:

• Safety. A broken dryer can be a fire hazard.
• Efficiency. A properly functioning dryer will save energy and dry clothes more quickly.
• Cost savings. Fixing the dryer promptly can prevent further damage and save on repair costs.
• Longevity. Maintaining the dryer can extend its lifespan.
• Convenience. A functioning dryer allows you to do laundry on time.
• Clothes. Timely repair prevents damage to clothing.

It is vital to consider all the above factors. Timely intervention and repair will help you avoid negative consequences. Now, let’s consider why your dryer is not working and how to fix the dryer not heating.

Reason #1: Clothes Are Too Wet

A dryer can effectively dry your clothes. But a certain level of moisture can ruin the performance of a home device and can lead to the dryer having no heat. That is why you need to check the humidity of your clothes before using the dryer. Make sure your clothes are not too damp before using the dryer. Excessive moisture can create conditions where clothes don’t dry effectively. To fix the problem, you can:

1. Wring out clothes by hand;
2. Use the spin cycle on your washing machine.

Reason #2: Emergency Switch

One of the popular reasons dryer heat is not working can be the operation of an automatic emergency switch. The fact is that the dryer usually has two switches. One of them is to turn off the power of the device. While another switch is for turning off the heating element.

To solve this problem, you must check if the emergency switches have tripped. If so, you must replace the blown fuses and return the power levers to their normal position. This dryer repair method is simple and does not need much time.

Reason #3: Lack Of Gas

Another fairly obvious problem with the dryer stopping heating is the lack of gas. This problem is easily solved in three simple steps:

1. Make sure you pay your gas bills;
2. Make sure your dryer is connected to the gas supply;
3. Ensure the gas switch is on for supplying gas;
4. If you use a gas bottle/tank, ensure it has gas.

Reason #4: Lint Trap 

Lint traps can also be a common problem for dryers with no heat. This is most often since lint particles can enter the dryer, and this can cause clogging. This eventually leads to the malfunctioning of the dryer. Here is how you can fix this problem:

1. Clean the filter. You can use water and soapy water for this;
2. Wait until the filter is completely dry;
3. After that, you can return the trap back to the dryer and start the home appliance.

Reason #5: Non-working Timer

Like a washing machine, oven, or microwave, the dryer also has a timer to keep track of the time. One of the problems is the breakdown of the timer in the dryer. In this case, your dryer is not getting hot. But there are also dryer models with a timer not associated with the drying cycle. This means the timer may not stop even after the dryer gets too hot. Thus, you must check if your dryer will stop due to a running out timer.

To fix the dryer not heating problem, you can do the following:

1. Turn off your dryer completely;
2. Locate the small timer motor, and perform a continuity test;
3. If it fails the continuity test, replace the timer or the motor.

Reason #6: Faulty Thermal Fuse

The use of a dryer may result in potential fire hazards. This is because the dryer works based on gas. The dryer has a special thermal fuse to protect your home from fire. With the help of a fuse, you can avoid unwanted ignition. But once it fires, your dryer does not heat. To solve the problem, you need the following:

1. Turn off your home device completely;
2. Find your fuse. Most often, it is at the back of the dryer. Sometimes, you must remove the dryer drum and loosen the belt;
3. Use a multimeter to check the fuse for continuity;
4. Replace your thermal fuse with a new one.

Reason #7: Broken Heating Element

Another reason why the dryer stopped heating is a problem with the heating element. It is designed so that the temperature inside the dryer rises and your clothes can dry. But this key dryer element can break down over time. This leads to a problem in the operation of the dryer. To fix the dryer heat not working, you must do the following:

1. Unplug your device from power. Additionally, turn off the gas supply to the dryer;
2. Check your heating element using a multimeter. If your heating element is defective, you will need to replace it;
3. Before you remove the heating element, take a photo of the component. It is important for you to remember in which direction and what wires are connected;
4. Then replace your element.

Reason #8: Dryer Flame Sensor

Many gas dryers can also have no heat due to a problem with the flame sensor. This component is vital to control the flame level in your dryer. If the sensor is faulty, your dryer will not work, and the fire will not start. But solving the problem is quite easy. To do this, you need to take the following steps:

1. Find the flame sensor in your dryer. Most often, it is a black box attached to the igniter’s outside. It is most often located under the drum of the device;
2. Using a multimeter, check the resistance of the component again;
3. You can then replace the flame sensor if it is defective.

Reason #9: Faulty Thermostat Or Thermistor

They are another problem in our “How to fix dryer not heating” guide. To solve the problem, you need to:

1. Locate the thermostat wires and use a multimeter to check for continuity;
2. Next to the thermostat, you can see the thermistor;
3. Again use the multimeter to check it;
4. With the help of multimeter tests, you can determine which components are not working;
5. Take pictures of the items before dismantling your dryer. This way, you won’t get confused when changing parts.

How To Make Your Dryer Work Without Interruption?

But you should know not only why the dryer is not heating up. You must also know how to make your dryer work without interruption. For this, follow these tips:

1. Clean the lint screen after each use to prevent clogs and improve airflow;
2. Clean the vent system regularly to remove lint buildup and prevent clogs;
3. Make sure the dryer is level and stable to prevent it from vibrating excessively;
4. Check the dryer’s door seal to ensure it is tight and secure to prevent hot air from escaping;
5. Keep the area around the dryer clean and clear of debris to prevent fire hazards;
6. Don’t overload the dryer. Overloading can cause the dryer to work inefficiently. And it can also lead to mechanical issues;
7. Don’t use fabric softeners or dryer sheets that can leave a residue on the lint screen and clog the vent system;
8. Use a dryer-friendly detergent to prevent buildup and clogs in the vent system;
9. Schedule regular maintenance for your dryer to keep it running smoothly;
10. If you notice any issues with your dryer, address them promptly to prevent further problems.

Bottom Line

Now you know how to fix a dryer that is not heating. Fixing your dryer can be a fairly simple process. But always consider safety. Proceed with caution and only repair problems that you can correctly diagnose.

FAQ