It’s one of the most common appliance frustrations: your dryer tumbles your clothes perfectly, but they come out just as wet as they went in. When your dryer stops heating, it's usually due to one of a handful of common issues. Here are the top five culprits.
The Most Common Causes
- Clogged Venting: This is the #1 cause of heating problems. If the lint screen, dryer hose, or exterior vent is clogged, hot air gets trapped. The dryer overheats, and a safety thermostat shuts off the heating element to prevent a fire.
- Blown Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is another safety device that blows when the dryer overheats. It's a one-time fuse, and if it blows, it must be replaced. A clogged vent is the most common reason a thermal fuse blows.
- Faulty Heating Element: In an electric dryer, the heating element is a metal coil that glows red hot to create heat. Over time, this coil can burn out or break, and it will need to be replaced.
- Bad Thermostat: Your dryer has several thermostats to regulate the temperature. If one of these fails, it may not signal the heating element to turn on.
- Gas Supply Issue (for Gas Dryers): If you have a gas dryer, the problem could be with the gas valve solenoids or the igniter. These parts control the flow of gas and ignite it to create heat.
Safety First! Always unplug your dryer before attempting any inspection or repair. Cleaning the vent is a safe DIY task, but replacing electrical components requires expertise.