Dryer Does Not Produce Enough Heat to Dry Clothes

Whether you own a state of the art Samsung or you’re still nursing along an older Whirlpoolyou purchased on Craigslist years ago, dryers haven’t changed much through the years. One difference, however, is that newer models don’t seem to last as long as their predecessors. The reason why people need a dryer has not changed much through the years either. The basic function of a dryer is to dry your clothes. The efficiency you expect is dependent on the type of functionality you desire from a dryer.

For example, a gas-operated dryer consumes less energy than an electric dryer. Why would that be? One reason is that an electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet to operate while a gas dryer only needs a 120-volt outlet, and this is in spite of the fact that the gas dryer requires two energy sources. A gas dryer dries quicker than an electric dryer resulting in less energy consumption. Consumers should realize greater savings with a gas dryer, dependent, of course, on the current price of natural gas and electricity in your area.

This article will discuss how to repair a dryer that will not heat.

Safety AlertBefore beginning any work on this or any other electrical appliance, remember to disconnect it from its power source.

Symptoms of a Dryer Not Functioning Properly

Noisy
Won’t start
No heat
Won’t tumble
Timer won’t advance
Clothes take to long to dry
Dryer won’t shut off
Dryer shuts off for no apparent reason
Dryer is too hot – clothes are scorched

This brief article will focus on a gas dryer that will not heat properly. In other words, your clothes are taking longer to dry than they used to or your dryer produces nothing but cold air.

Your Whirlpool (#WGD5100VQ0) has not been heating as it used to and the dryer is turning itself off prior to running through an entire cycle.

After some basic troubleshooting, you determine that the gas valve coil should be replaced. And believe it or not, this will be an easy repair and you will save the cost of a visit from a professional appliance repair person.

Questions to Ask

Sounds obvious and simple, but is your dryer plugged in?
Have you checked the circuit breakers?
Have you checked your dryer setting? Is it set to a parameter that is supposed to produce heat? Or is it set to air dry only?

Once you’ve checked to see if some of the more basic elements are working, you can proceed to see why your dryer does not heat up properly or if it is only heating intermittently.

How to Diagnose a Dryer Not Heating

Turn the dryer on. After a few seconds, you should hear two clicking sounds. The first sound is the primary coil turning on and the second click you hear is the flame igniting.
Verify that airflow is good through the dryer venting system. The best way to determine this is to reach up through the vent and ensure the vent flay is opened while the dryer is operating. It’s not, then the vent is clogged with dust and lint. The vent must be cleared of all debris before proceeding with this troubleshooting. A clogged vent is a fire hazard.
If the dryer is heating, this should tell you that the ignitor flame sensor fuses are good and that all thermostats are working.
Once you’ve decided that the fuses and thermostats are working, you should suspect that the gas coils need replacing.
Gas coils are inexpensive and a relatively easy part to replace.

How To Replace the Gas Coils

The top and front panel must be removed to access the gas coils.

Remove the lint trap.
Remove the two Philips screws that hold the top in place.
Grasp each side of the top and pull it toward you while lifting it from its brackets. Set the top aside.
Disconnect the door switch which is located on the right corner at the top of the dryer.
Remove the two screws that hold the front panel to the dryer frame. Lift the panel up to release it from the frame and set it aside.
With the panel removed you now have access to the drum pulley. Reach in and release the tension on the pulley and remove the belt. But before you remove the belt, determine if you can remove the drum without any help.
If the drum is too heavy, use the belt to assist you to lift the drum from the dryer cabinet.
You now have access to the gas coils which are located on the front right side.
Remove the gas coil protective cover and remove the gas coils from their harness.

How to Replace the New Gas Coils

The gas coil has a similar top and bottom. The difference is the top has a tiny bump and the bottom is smooth.

Plug the new gas coil in their harness.
Replace the protective cover.
Place the drum back in position.
When you replace the belt, ensure that it does not twist.
Reach under the drum to the idler pulley and squeeze it toward the motor pulley and attach the belt around that pulley. Release the idler pulley back in position.
Manually rotate the drum and inspect the belt to make sure it’s not twisted.

Now replace the front panel, door switch, top, and lint trap in reverse order of how they were removed.

Check Your Work

Located to the rear of your dryer is an opening that you are able to look inside to determine if you have fixed your problem. On the lower left of the rear panel, you will notice a protruding cover. Use a putty knife to remove it. Looking inside you should see the burner assembly. Turn on the dryer and ask yourself the three following questions:

Are the ignitors beginning to glow?
After a few seconds, did you hear the gas valve click open?
And now that the gas valve is opened, can you see a flame?

If you’re the type of do-it-yourself-er that enjoys the challenge and reward that comes with repairing appliances on your own, but simply do not have the time, then it is probably time to call the professionals. If this repair or any other appliance repair is more than what you want to negotiate, then it is time to call in the professionals. Bear in mind that not all appliance companies are the same. We’ve included a few questions for you to ask in your search for a viable appliance repair company.

Questions to ask a professional appliance repair company

In general, most appliance repair firms charge for parts, labor, and a service fee. Bear in mind that if you do have to resort to calling a professional, a local company will usually have better availability then if you were to select a national chain to perform the repair.

If you do call an appliance repair professional, remember to ask the following questions: