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  1. Repair

Dryer no heat

Common reasons your dryer no heat

The most common reasons your dryer has no heat are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.

  • 71%

    71% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 4%

    4% of the time it's the
    Thermal Cut-off Fuse

  • 3%

    3% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common dryer repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.

    Heating Element Replacement

    A failed heating element could be the reason behind your dryer's lack of heat. When we say it's "open," it means that the heating element is faulty, disrupting the flow of current needed to generate heat. Sometimes, there might not be visible damage on the heating element for it to be considered electrically open. However, an internal break in the continuity of the element can still prevent it from heating up. If your dryer isn't producing heat, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician come to your home and rectify the issue.


    Thermal Cut-off Fuse Replacement

    A blown thermal cut-off fuse can stop your dryer from heating up. This fuse acts as a safety measure to prevent the dryer from overheating, which can occur due to blockages in the exhaust vent system. Once the thermal cut-off fuse is triggered, it cannot be reset. In such cases, it's necessary to have a Sears Home Services Technician come to your home and replace the blown thermal cut-off fuse. The technician will also investigate the root cause of the blown fuse and address any other issues to ensure that your dryer heats up and operates correctly after the fuse replacement.

    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    If a gas dryer isn't heating, a blown thermal fuse might be the issue. This safety device, located on the blower housing, activates when the dryer overheats. A defective thermal fuse may trip prematurely at a lower temperature than intended. If your gas dryer fails to heat up, you can arrange a repair appointment with Sears Home Services, and we'll dispatch a technician to your home. The technician will inspect the thermal fuse and replace it if necessary.

    What to expect when you experience a dryer no heat issue

    How to fix a no heat problem in my dryer

    Fixing most issues with no heat typically requires replacing the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse, or thermal fuse. However, since various factors could contribute to the problem, conducting a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving it. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services advice for repairing a dryer that won't heat

    If your dryer isn't generating heat, it could stem from various causes. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying issue. Our technicians are skilled in diagnosing a wide range of dryer malfunctions.

    What to expect with a dryer no heat diagnosis

    Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances can be tough without the right knowledge and training. Attempting to fix your dryer without proper diagnostic techniques often means replacing parts without certainty. Appliances, particularly those developed in the last decade, have advanced significantly, featuring electronic components that are challenging to assess. As a result, DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more complex.

    Troubleshooting a Clothes Dryer that Spins But has No Heat

    When your dryer spins but has no heat, check the gas supply if you have a gas dryer and the electrical supply if you have an electric model.

    For a gas dryer, see if the gas supply cut-off valve is open. If not, open that valve and you will likely restore heat to the dryer. Also, check the other gas appliances in your home to make sure that you have an adequate gas supply provided to the dryer.

    If you find no problems with the gas supply, then bad gas valve coils, a blown thermal fuse or other issues can be apparent when the dryer spins but has no heat. Have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix your gas dryer.

    For an electric dryer, check the house circuit breakers for the dryer because the dryer will spin if one circuit breaker is okay but the second circuit breaker for your electric dryer has tripped. Reset the circuit breakers and you may be able to restore heating to your electric dryer.

    If that doesn’t help, then a bad heating element, blown thermal cut-off fuse, bad high-limit thermostat, failed operating thermostat or a number of other issues can prevent the dryer from heating even though it spins. Schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the no heat problem.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    Common dryer symptoms to look out for