How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element: A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing a dryer heating element is a common repair that can save you significant money compared to hiring a professional or purchasing a new appliance. This guide provides detailed instructions to help you perform this task safely and effectively.

You’ll learn about the symptoms of a failing heating element, the tools and parts required, and a step-by-step replacement process.

Understanding Your Dryer's Heating System

The electric dryer's heating system consists of control components, wiring and the element that heats air to dry your clothes.

• The heating element, typically a coiled run of wire or a ceramic block with resistance heating coil wires, converts electrical energy into thermal energy.
• Air is drawn into the dryer, heated by the element, and then circulated through the drum to evaporate moisture from your laundry.
• A thermostat or control board regulates the temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring efficient drying.
• Safety thermostats and fuses help prevent extreme overheating and fires.

Common Symptoms of a Failed Heating Element

Identifying a failed heating element is crucial for timely repair. Several clear indicators suggest your heating element requires replacement:

• No Heat Production: The most obvious symptom is when your dryer runs but produces no heat, leaving clothes damp.
• Insufficient Heat: Clothes take an unusually long time to dry, or they remain slightly damp even after a full cycle. This indicates the element may be working partially or intermittently.
• Tripping Circuit Breakers: A shorted heating element can draw excessive current, causing your home's circuit breaker to trip.
• Burning Smell: While less common, a burning smell can indicate that the element is arcing or has come into contact with lint. Immediately discontinue use if you detect a burning odor.

Safety First: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Before attempting any repair on an electrical appliance, safety must be your absolute top priority. Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in serious injury, electric shock, or fire.

• Always Disconnect Power: The most critical step is to unplug the dryer from its electrical outlet or turn off the corresponding circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. Verify that the power is off before touching any internal components.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and safety glasses to shield your eyes from debris.
• Work in a Well-Lit Area: Ensure adequate lighting to clearly see all components and connections.
• Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Refer to your dryer's service manual, as specific models may have unique disassembly procedures. If service information isn’t available for your dryer model, schedule professional repair service.
• Handle Components Carefully: Electrical components can be fragile. Avoid unnecessary force.

Diagnose the Heating Failure Before Replacing Parts

Save yourself the trouble of replacing unnecessary parts by accurately diagnosing the heating failure before you buy a new heating element. Problems with fuses, thermostats, thermistors (temperature sensors), the timer or the electronic control board can prevent dryer from heating too.

Here’s a detailed DIY video that shows how to diagnose a heating failure in a common electric dryer with a control timer:

If you have a different type of dryer, you can use similar diagnostic steps to determine what’s causing the heating failure in your model.

If you’re unable to find the cause of the heating failure, you’re likely better off having a professional appliance repair technician examine and repair the dryer rather than trying to fix it yourself.

If you’re certain that the heating element is bad (or you want to replace the dryer element even if it may not be defective), follow the steps below to replace that part in a common type of electric dryer.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Having the correct tools and replacement parts before you begin heating element replacement will streamline the repair process.

Essential Tools

You will need a basic set of household tools for this repair:

• Screwdrivers: Both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers are typically required. Some models may use Torx-bit screwdrivers.
• Nut Drivers or Socket Set: Various sizes may be needed to remove panels and secure components. Common sizes include 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, and 3/8 inch.
• Needle-Nose Pliers: Useful for disconnecting electrical terminals and handling small parts.
• Wire Strippers/Cutters (Optional): Only if you need to repair damaged wires.
• Multimeter (Recommended): To test for continuity and verify the heating element's failure, as well as to troubleshoot common issues such as bad thermistors or blown thermal fuses.
• Work Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.

Replacement Parts

Heating Element

Obtaining the correct replacement heating element is crucial.

Heating elements are not universal. You must purchase one specifically designed for your dryer's make, model number, and serial number. This model information is typically found on a sticker inside the dryer door, on the back panel, or near the lint trap.

Other Dryer Replacement Parts Sometimes Needed

• Thermal Fuse: You may need to replace the thermal fuse at the same time as the heating element if that fuse blew due to a shorted heating element. Check the thermal fuse using a multi-meter and order the replacement fuse if it has blown.
• High-Limit Thermostat: Similar to the thermal fuse, the high-limit thermostat is a safety component that can fail at the same time as the heating element. Test the high-limit thermostat using a multimeter and order the part if the thermostat is electrically open.
• Other Related Components: Inspect the thermistor (temperature sensor) and operating thermostat for signs of damage or unusual readings with a multimeter. Replace any damaged or defective parts. If your dryer uses an electronic control board, check for burnt spots on the circuit board and replace if necessary.

Pro tip: Always purchase OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or high-quality aftermarket equivalents approved by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your Dryer Heating Element

This section provides a detailed, step-by-step process for replacing your dryer's heating element.

While specific dryer models may vary slightly, these steps outline the general procedure to replace the element in the most common type of electric dryer. For some dryer models, you’ll need to remove the front panel to access and replace the heating element.

Here’s a DIY repair video that illustrates all of the heating element replacement steps:

Step 1: Disconnect Power to the Dryer

This is the most critical safety step.

Unplug the Dryer: Pull the dryer away from the wall, firmly grasp the plug and remove it from the electrical outlet.

Step 2: Remove the Back Panel

Use a nut driver or screwdriver to remove all screws securing the large back panel. Carefully set the screws aside in a safe place.

Pull the back panel off of the dryer.

Pro tip: Document the location of screws and connections, perhaps by taking photos with your phone, to aid reassembly.

Step 3: Disconnect the Heating Element Wires

Locate the heating element near the bottom of the dryer.

Mark the location of wires connected to the heating element and high-limit thermostat (or take a digital photograph), so you know how to correctly reconnect them later.

Disconnect the wires, using slot screwdriver to pry the wires off the spades if necessary.

Step 4: Remove the Old Heating Element

Remove the mounting screws from the heating element using a 1/4-inch nut driver.

Pull the old element off.

Step 5: Install the New Heating Element

Remove the high-limit thermostat from the existing heating element and install it on the new one.

Position the new heating element on the heater box and line up the mounting screw holes. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them firmly.

Properly connect the wires to the new heating element, following the labels or digital photograph.

WARNING: For safety and to avoid damage to the new element, the wires must be properly connected. If you are unsure how to connect the wires, have a service technician complete this repair.

Step 6: Reassemble the Dryer

Position the back panel on the back of the dryer. Line up the mounting screw holes. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them firmly.

Plug the dryer into the wall outlet to restore electrical power.

Step 7: Test the Dryer

Follow these steps to test the dryer:

1. Run a Heated Drying Cycle: Select a heated drying cycle and start the dryer.
2. Check for Heat: After a few minutes, open the dryer door (carefully, as it will be hot) and feel for heat inside the drum. You should feel warm or hot air.
3. Listen for Unusual Noises: Pay attention to any new or strange noises.

Pro tip: If the dryer heats but then stops heating after a short period, it could indicate a faulty thermostat, defective thermistor, bad high-limit thermostat, or a number of other problems. Have a professional service technician diagnose and repair the dryer if it won’t heat properly after replacing the heating element.

Maintaining Your Dryer for Longevity

Proper maintenance extends your dryer's life and efficiency, preventing future heating element failures.

Regular Lint Trap Cleaning

• After Every Load: Clean the lint screen after every single load (or before starting each load) to ensure optimal airflow and prevent lint buildup, which is a fire hazard and can cause the dryer to overheat.
• Monthly: Wash the lint screen thoroughly under running tap water and use a soft-bristled brush to clean fabric softener residue from the screen holes as shown in this video.

Inspecting the Vent System

• Periodically: Inspect the entire dryer vent system (from the dryer to the outside) at least once a year.
• Clear Blockages: Remove any accumulated lint, debris, or bird nests. A clear vent ensures efficient air expulsion and prevents overheating.
• Use Rigid Ducting: Replace flexible plastic or foil ducts with rigid metal ducts for better airflow and fire safety.

Annual Professional Inspections and Maintenance

Schedule a Technician: Have a qualified Sears appliance technician inspect and maintain your dryer annually. The tech can identify potential issues before they become major problems, clean internal components, and verify electrical connections.

Pro tip: Bundle the dryer maintenance service with washing machine maintenance service to have the technician inspect and maintain both laundry appliances at the same time. Keeping your washer well-maintained will help your dryer run smoothly and efficiently.

When to Call a Professional for Repair

While many dryer repairs are manageable for a DIY enthusiast, certain situations warrant professional intervention.

Complex Electrical Issues

If you encounter persistent electrical problems like circuit breakers tripping repeatedly, or if you are uncomfortable dealing with high voltage, it is best to call a professional. Diagnosing complex shorts or faulty wiring requires specialized knowledge and tools.

Unfamiliar Components

If your clothes dryer model has components or a disassembly process that you find unfamiliar or confusing, do not proceed.

Some Kenmore, GE, Maytag and Whirlpool dryer models are particularly difficult to disassemble.

Attempting repairs without understanding the dryer or its internal systems can lead to further damage and/or safety hazards.

Safety Concerns

Any situation where you feel unsafe—such as detecting burning smells, seeing sparks, or feeling electrical shocks—demands immediate professional assistance.

Disconnect power and do not use the dryer until it has been inspected by an expert.

Generally, a clothes dryer is one of the easiest appliances to fix on your own, but every repair situation is unique.

Although we show you how to diagnose and repair a heating element failure in this article, we encourage you to always use extreme caution when attempting DIY appliance repairs.

Don’t risk your health and safety to save money on appliance repairs.

The bottom line: if you’re not completely confident in your ability to get your dryer working again on your own, schedule appliance repair service and we’ll do it for you.