Dryer Not Getting Hot: 7 Common Problems (Answered)

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Dealing with a dryer that’s not heating up can be quite frustrating, especially when you need to get your laundry done. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll be providing you with a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

From checking the power supply to inspecting the thermostat, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons why dryers heat up but don’t dry clothes and provide you with practical solutions to get your dryer up and running again.

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

Dryer Not Getting Hot: 7 Common Problems (Answered)

Common reasons why Dyer not heating is faulty power supply, thermostat, heating element, thermal fuse, gas supply (for gas dryers), gas valve coils (for gas dryers), or igniter (for gas dryers).

By troubleshooting these components, it is possible to identify and fix the issue without calling a professional or purchasing a new dryer.

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

The first thing to do is to check the power supply. Ensure that the dryer is plugged in and that the outlet is working correctly.

If the outlet is not working, check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped.

If it has, reset the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, contact an electrician.

Step 2: Check the Thermostat

If the power supply is not the issue, the next step is to check the thermostat. A faulty thermostat can cause the dryer not to heat up. Locate the thermostat and check to see if it is working correctly.

The thermostat is usually found near the heating element. To test the thermostat, you will need a multimeter.

Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the thermostat terminals. If the multimeter does not show any reading, the thermostat needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Check the Heating Element

The heating element is responsible for producing heat in the dryer. If it is faulty, the dryer will not heat up. The heating element is usually located at the back of the dryer.

To check if it is working correctly, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. Locate the heating element and check it for any signs of damage, such as breaks or burns.

If the heating element appears to be damaged, it needs to be replaced.

Step 4: Check the Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts off power to the dryer when it overheats. If the thermal fuse is faulty, the dryer will not heat up.

The thermal fuse is usually located on the blower housing or near the heating element.

To check the thermal fuse, unplug the dryer and use a multimeter to check for continuity.

If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

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Step 5: Check the Gas Supply (For Gas Dryers)

If you have a gas dryer, the issue may be with the gas supply. Check to see if the gas supply is turned on and that the gas valve is fully open. If the gas supply is working correctly, the issue may be with the gas valve coils.

The gas valve coils are responsible for opening the gas valves to allow the gas to flow into the burner. If the gas valve coils are faulty, the dryer will not heat up. The gas valve coils are located near the gas valve.

To test the gas valve coils, unplug the dryer and use a multimeter to check for continuity.

If the gas valve coils do not have continuity, they need to be replaced.

Step 6: Check the Igniter (For Gas Dryers)

The igniter is responsible for igniting the gas in the burner.

If the igniter is faulty, the gas will not ignite, and the dryer will not heat up. The igniter is located near the burner assembly.

To check the igniter, unplug the dryer and use a multimeter to check for continuity.

If the igniter does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

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Final Thoughts

A dryer not heating up or drying properly? There are several possible causes for your dryer not drying properly. A lack of power, a problem with the size or wetness of the load, a problem with the heating element, or a blown thermal fuse are all possible causes of your dryer not heating properly.

If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps above and your dryer is not heating up, a part malfunction could be to blame.

Occasionally, one of the dryer’s two heating elements will fail while the other remains operational, leaving clothes only partially dried.

Another common dryer problem is faulty moisture sensors.

These sensors measure the moisture level in the dryer, extending the drying cycle if the clothes are still wet.

If these sensors are faulty, they will not accurately measure moisture levels, and drying times may be prolonged.

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