One of the most frustrating things when doing chores is to return to your dryer and find your clothes still wet. There are several reasons why a dryer does not heat up, some of which you can quickly fix yourself, while other, more complex problems will require you to call our dryer experts to schedule a service call.
In this guide, we’ll touch on the most common reasons why your dryer is not heating up and what you can do to solve the problem.
Top 11 Reasons the Dryer is not heating up
The lint screen is dirty.
A clogged lint screen is one of the most common causes of your dryer not heating up. If the lint trap can’t allow air to flow anymore, it will put more strain on the heating system. This can lead to the heating element overheating and shutting off.
How to solve it:
Clean the lint screen and use a vacuum with an attachment to clean the lint trap. Next, remove the vent hose from the back of the dryer and remove any lint or other debris that may have accumulated.
The house vent is crushed or obstructed.
Airflow is one of the most crucial elements for your dryer to work properly. Any obstructions can lead to either the heating element overheating or reduced efficiency.
How to solve it:
Check the hose and vent to remove any kinks or obstructions. You may have to check the whole length of the hose to ensure there is no obstruction anywhere.
The load size is too large.
Overfilling your dryer can cause issues with the drying time, so while this will not prevent the dryer from heating up, it can significantly impact the efficiency of your dryer.
How to solve it:
Ensure to only fill your dryer to a maximum of 3/4 so they have enough space to tumble.
Soaking-wet clothes
If you place soaking wet clothes into your dryer, it may seem your dryer is not heating correctly. But it could be that the excess moisture prevents the clothes from drying.
How to solve it:
Run a spin cycle in your washer to remove excess water.
Problem with power
A dryer requires a 240V supply to work, so if the outlet you have plugged it into provides less than 240V, it will not deliver power to the unit.
How to solve it:
Check with a qualified electrician to ensure the outlet carries the proper voltage.
There is no gas flow.
If your gas dryer is not heating up, it may not receive gas to heat. A closed valve could cause this, and even though your dryer’s drum might still turn, it will not heat.
How to solve it:
Check your supply line and see if the valve is open.
The dryer is in an “eco” or cool setting.
Generally, dryers have different heat settings, including air only.
How to solve it:
Ensure that your dryer is not in the cool/air-only setting.
A faulty thermal fuse
Every dryer has to have a thermal fuse to prevent fires. If the temperature inside the dryer rises too high, the fuse will blow and turn off the dryer.
How to solve it:
As this fuse is one-use only, it must be replaced before you can use the dryer again. Because you have to disassemble the machine to check or replace the fuse, please call our customer service to schedule a service call..
A broken heating element
Whether you use an electric or gas dryer, they both have heating systems to heat the air in the drum. It is an electric heating element in the former, while it is a burner for the latter. Any damage to these heating systems will prevent your dryer from heating.
How to solve it:
Because you have to disassemble the machine to check or replace the heating system, please call our customer service to schedule a service call.
A broken thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperatures inside the dryer. If the thermostat malfunctions, it will not allow the dryer to heat up.
How to solve it:
The thermostat will have to be replaced. Because you must disassemble the machine to check or replace the thermostat, please request a quote from professionals.
A defective timer motor
The timer motor regulates how long the dryer will run, depending on your chosen setting. If the motor is not working, it will not allow the dryer to run its cycle correctly.
How to solve it:
The timer motor will have to be replaced. Because you have to disassemble the machine to check or replace the timer motor, please call us for a virtual diagnostic to schedule a service call.
What should I do if my dryer is still not heating?
If you need help figuring out the root of the problem of your dryer not heating, call Man With a Wrench at 1-888-416-3963, book a virtual diagnostic or fill out our convenient online form to find out how we can help you professionally and efficiently.
What can I do to keep my dryer working correctly?
You can follow some easy maintenance tips to help your dryer keep its performance levels.
One of the easiest things to do is clear the lint screen after every use. On top of that, it is recommended to clean the screen every six months with soap, water, and a nylon brush or, if required, more often as needed.
The dryer vent hose that leads to the outside of your home should also be cleaned yearly or, if the performance of your dryer has decreased, more frequently.
Contact Man With A Wrench for Dryer Appliance Repair Today
If you experience problems with your dryer or any other appliance, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, Man with a Wrench is only one phone call or click away. Call us at 1-888-416-3963, book a virtual diagnostic or fill out our convenient online form to find out how we can help you professionally and efficiently.
All of our technicians are manufacturer trained and licensed on all major brands.
We understand that most of the repairs needed in your home can’t wait on a service team to squeeze you into their schedules. That’s why we offer same-day service, so you don’t have to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many different factors can cause a dryer to stop heating up. The heating element could be overheating due to a blocked vent or lint trap. Other reasons could be the thermostat, thermal fuse, or heating element itself.
If the thermostat or heating element is broken, the dryer’s drum will still turn, but the appliance will not heat up.