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Dryer not heating
Common reasons your dryer not heating
The most common reasons your dryer is not heating are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.
71% of the time it's the Heating Element
4% of the time it's the Thermal Cut-off Fuse
3% of the time it's the Thermal Fuse
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
If your dryer isn't heating, it's possible that an open heating element is to blame. "Open" in this context indicates that the heating element is damaged, causing a disruption in the flow of current needed to generate heat. Even if there's no visible damage on the heating element, it could still be electrically open due to an internal break in its continuity, preventing it from heating. When you encounter heating issues with your dryer, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician come to your home to address and repair the problem.
Thermal Cut-off Fuse Replacement
If your dryer isn't heating, a failed thermal cut-off fuse might be the culprit. This fuse serves as a safety mechanism to prevent the dryer from overheating, often caused by a clogged exhaust vent system. Once the thermal cut-off fuse is triggered, it cannot be reset. In this case, you'll need to schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to replace the blown thermal cut-off fuse. The technician will investigate the cause of the blown fuse and address any additional issues to ensure the dryer operates properly and heats effectively after the fuse replacement.
Thermal Fuse Replacement
If your gas dryer isn't heating, a blown thermal fuse might be to blame. This safety device, located on the blower housing, is designed to trip when the dryer overheats. However, a faulty thermal fuse might trip at a lower temperature than intended. If your gas dryer fails to heat up, you can schedule a repair appointment with Sears Home Services. We'll dispatch an in-home technician to address the issue. The technician will inspect the thermal fuse and replace it if it's blown.
What to expect when you experience a dryer not heating issue
How is the dryer not heating problem fixed?
Addressing most issues with heating typically requires replacing components such as the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse, or thermal fuse. However, given the various potential causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem effectively. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services offers solutions for a dryer that is not heating
If your dryer is not heating, there could be various reasons for it. To avoid replacing unnecessary parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing all sorts of dryer problems.
What to watch for with a dryer not heating diagnosis
Understanding and fixing issues with modern appliances can be tough without the right knowledge and training. Without using the correct diagnostic methods, trying to repair your dryer might mean just guessing and replacing parts. Appliances, particularly those made in the last decade, have become very advanced, with electronic components that are hard to check. DIY repairs on the newest appliance models are getting harder.
Dryer is Running but Not Heating Troubleshooting
When your gas clothes dryer is running but not heating, check the gas supply cut-off valve to make sure it is fully open. Open the cut-off valve if you find it shut. Restoring the gas supply to your dryer may fix the heating issue.
Another cause of a gas dryer running but not heating is weak gas valve coils. The dryer may initially heat when you first start it up but won’t continue to heat when the gas valve coils are weak. They can open the gas valve to ignite the burner when they’re cold but as they heat up, they’re unable to open the gas valve during the rest of the drying cycle. Have a service technician replace the gas valve coils if they’re weak.
Other causes of a gas dryer running but not heating include a failed flame sensor, blown thermal fuse, bad operating thermostat, faulty high-limit thermostat, blown thermal cut-off fuse, bad timer or faulty electronic control board. If you’re unable to find the cause of the problem and fix the gas dryer yourself, schedule a Sears Home Services technician to visit your home and fix the dryer.
If you have an electric dryer that is running but not heating, check the heating element and replace it if damaged. A bad operating thermostat, blown thermal cut-off fuse, faulty high-limit thermostat, bad timer or faulty electronic control boards are additional issues you may face with your electric dryer running but not heating. Schedule dryer repair service to have our technician fix your dryer if you’re unable to find and repair the cause of the heating problem yourself.
If the dryer drums around but clothes stay cold, a compromised heat coil or sensor is likely. Endless cycles inflate bills with minimal results. Rather than guess, seek dryer repair near me. Efficient heat returns for single-cycle drying every time.
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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.
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dryer Resources
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Find out why your dryer keeps stopping in the middle of the cycle and how to fix the problem.
Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.