Your dryer may not be heating because of airflow restrictions, a blown thermal fuse, or failed internal components such as heating elements, igniters, or thermostats. Both gas and electric dryers rely on proper ventilation and functioning heating parts to generate hot air that removes moisture from clothes. When lint buildup blocks airflow or key components fail, even a running dryer will leave laundry damp. By inspecting the venting, testing parts like the fuse or igniter, and replacing faulty components, you can restore your dryer’s performance, improve energy efficiency, and prevent future breakdowns.
Why is My Dryer Not Heating?
An average load of clothing will take about 60 minutes to thoroughly dry in both gas and electric dryers. But to do this, the air that is drawn in through the front or rear of the appliance by the blower wheel needs to be heated properly. The hotter the air, the more effective it will be at removing moisture from the clothing as the items are tumbled by the rotating drum. If the dryer begins running after the start button is pressed, and the drum is turning as expected, but the clothing remains damp after the drying cycle ends, it’s most likely due to the air not being heated as it should before being drawn through the rotating drum.
Both gas and electric dryers require adequate air flow to get the job done. This is why the dryer should always be located in an open, well-ventilated area with the rear of the appliance kept several inches from the wall. But the location of the dryer is not the only thing that can impede air flow; an obstruction in the venting can do this as well.
Cleaning Your Dryer Venting is Crucial for Optimal Dryer Performance
Small particles of loose fabric from clothing and linens will form lint which collects in the dryer’s lint filter after each drying cycle. Over time, the lint can build up in the dryer’s venting and create an obstruction. This reduces air flow, making the drying process less efficient, and can also cause the dryer’s thermal fuse to “blow” due to overheating. If the thermal fuse blows, the dryer won’t heat up at all until the fuse is replaced. To ensure good air flow, you should detach the venting from the rear of the appliance and use a vent brush to clean out the lint and any other debris at least once a year. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to periodically clean out the filter housing, and, of course, you should always clean out the dryer’s lint filter every time you use the appliance.
Top 5 Reasons Your Gas Dryer Won’t Heat
So, your dryer is in a well-ventilated area and you’ve cleaned out the venting, but the appliance still won’t dry your clothes? Now we’re talking about a component failure. Here are the top five parts that are most likely to fail on a gas dryer:
Top 5 Reasons Your Electric Dryer Won’t Heat
An electric dryer uses a different method to heat the air than a gas model does, so it has some unique parts that can fail or reasons why the air isn’t being heated. Here are the top five parts/reasons you should be aware of:
Video Walkthrough: 5 Reasons Your Clothes Are Still Damp After Drying
Keep Your Dryer Heating As It Should With Trusted Dryer Replacement Parts
Whether you need a new thermal fuse, igniter, heating element, or gas valve solenoid to keep your dryer heating as it should, Repair Clinic makes it easy to find the exact part that fits your dryer model, including those manufactured by Whirlpool, Electrolux, Kenmore, GE, Maytag, LG, and Samsung. To get started, enter the full model number of the dryer in the Repair Clinic website search bar for a complete list of replacement parts compatible with your appliance. You can then use the “Part Category” filter (“Fuse, Thermal Fuse & Breaker”) and the “Part Title” filter (“Thermoprotector”) to identify the specific part you need. In addition to millions of replacement parts, Repair Clinic also has thousands of “how-to” videos, diagrams, and articles to help you do the repair quickly and successfully.