8 Common Causes of Dryer Not Heating

Do you constantly dry your clothes only to find they come out cool? Is your dryer running but not heating up?

Having a dryer that’s not heating is frustrating, especially when you need to get your clothes dried as soon as possible. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of a dryer not heating and give you some repair advice that you can try before calling in a professional.

Power Supply Issues

Sometimes, your dryer might not be heating up due to having no power. 

Check that the dryer is properly plugged in, the cord is not damaged, and the circuit breaker is functioning properly. 

You may also want to see if the outlet is working properly. You can do this by plugging another device (one you know works) into the outlet.

No Gas

Gas-powered dryers need gas to produce heat. If you have a gas-powered dryer, check that the gas hose is securely attached, that the gas is on, and there are no leaks. 

You can test for leaks by rubbing some dish soap around the connections. If bubbles form, there may be a leak. The natural gas used to power many appliances also gives off a rotten egg smell, so you can tell if there is a leak.

If you suspect a gas leak, you must shut off the gas immediately.

From there, you will need to replace the gas hose and potentially call a professional to check for any other leaks in the house.

Eco-Mode Is On

Some dryers have an ‘eco-mode’ that saves power by running the dryer at a very low heat to reduce the power it uses when drying. 

Many dryers also have a no-heat setting for delicate items and to prevent wrinkles. This can mean your clothes are barely getting dry. 

Try running your dryer on higher heat settings to see if the problem resolves.

If your dryer is still not producing heat, keep reading.

The Dryer Door Is Not Closing

Most dryers, as a safety feature, will not start if the door is not closed. 

Check that nothing is blocking the door and preventing it from closing.

If the door is closed, but the dryer does not start, there may be a problem with the latch, and you will need to call a professional to replace it.

Clogged Ventilation System

If your dryer’s ventilation system is clogged, it can cause the dryer not to generate heat. Over time, dust, lint, and other debris can accumulate inside the ventilation system, reducing the dryer’s ability to expel hot air. 

To fix this issue, you’ll need to clean the ventilation system. Start by emptying your dryer’s lint trap. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a lint brush to remove all the debris.

You can also clear out the dryer vent for a deeper clean. The vent is the long foil tube that goes from the back of the dryer to the outside. This vent takes the heat produced by the dryer and funnels it outside, where it can disperse. 

Over time, the dryer’s exhaust vent can become clogged with lint and pose a fire risk.

Pull the dryer away from the wall to clear out the vent, remove the clamps holding the vent in place, and clean the vent. You can do this with a vacuum, or there are dryer vent cleaning kits with special brushes designed for this job.

Be sure to clear the vent at the wall too.

Once everything is clear, reattach the vent, and run a short test cycle to see if your dryer produces heat.

Malfunctioning Thermal Fuse

A dryer has a thermal fuse designed to protect it from overheating. If the thermal fuse has blown, it can cause the dryer to stop heating. 

First, unplug the dryer, remove the dryer from the wall, and open the back with a screwdriver.

The thermal fuse is located near the exhaust outlet (where the dryer vent connects).

You can check if the thermal fuse is faulty by using a multimeter to test its continuity. If it’s blown, you’ll need to replace it. You can find replacement thermal fuses online or at a hardware store.

It is important to also remember that the thermal fuse is a safety measure. If it blew, something else has gone wrong inside the dryer, causing it to overheat.

You will need to investigate further or call a repair professional to find the cause of the overheating.

Broken Thermostat

Thermostats are responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dryer. If your dryer is not heating up properly, it could be due to a broken thermostat. 

To access the thermostat, use the instructions in the above step. The thermostat is also located near the exhaust outlet and looks like a large wingnut.

You can use a multimeter to test the thermostat’s continuity. If it’s faulty, you’ll need to get it replaced. Replacement thermostats are usually available online or at a hardware store.

Faulty Heating Element

A faulty heating element is often the most common cause of a dryer not heating. Heating elements generate heat inside the dryer, and they can wear out or break down over time. 

Checking the heating element is an extensive repair involving opening your dryer and moving the drum. If you are not comfortable with this, call a repair professional.

You can easily check if the heating element is faulty by using a multimeter to test its continuity. If it’s faulty, you’ll need to replace it. You can find replacement heating elements online or at a hardware store.

Summary

Having a dryer that’s not heating up is something that nobody wants to deal with. Still, we hope this troubleshooting guide has given you some useful information on how to fix the problem. Remember that if you’re not comfortable with making any repairs, it’s always best to call in a professional. 

Regular dryer maintenance can also prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of your equipment. Follow these tips, repair the issues, and get back to drying your clothes with ease!