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.

How to replace a dryer heating element

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.

Why won't my dryer heat?

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.

How to replace a thermal fuse in an electric dryer

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.

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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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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

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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