Introduction
When your dryer stops heating up, it can be a frustrating experience. Not only will the clothes take longer to dry, but you may also end up with damp or soggy clothing. In this article, we explore why won’t my dryer heat up, and provide helpful tips and tricks to help you troubleshoot and repair the problem.
Troubleshooting Common Causes of a Dryer Not Heating Up
The first step in solving your dryer heating issue is to troubleshoot potential causes of the problem. Here are some common causes that can be quickly checked and fixed.
Checking for Proper Voltage
If your dryer isn’t receiving enough power, it may not heat up properly. If your dryer is plugged into an outlet, make sure it’s a dedicated outlet (not shared with other appliances). Check the outlet for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. You can also test the outlet with a multimeter to make sure it’s providing the correct voltage.
Inspecting the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating. If the thermal fuse has blown, the dryer won’t heat up. To check the thermal fuse, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. The thermal fuse should be located near the blower wheel. Test the fuse with a multimeter; if it’s open, replace it.
Cleaning the Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can prevent the dryer from heating up properly. Lint and debris can accumulate in the vent over time, blocking airflow and preventing the dryer from working properly. To clean the dryer vent, disconnect the vent hose from the wall and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any lint and debris. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of the vent hose.
How to Diagnose and Repair a Non-Heating Dryer
Once you’ve checked for the common causes of a non-heating dryer, it’s time to diagnose and repair the problem. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and repair the issue.
Testing the Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for heating up the air in the dryer. To test the heating element, unplug the dryer and remove the access panel. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating element. If there is no continuity, the heating element needs to be replaced.
Checking the Thermostat and Cycling Thermostat
The thermostat and cycling thermostat regulate the temperature of the dryer. To check these components, unplug the dryer and remove the access panel. Test the continuity of the thermostat and cycling thermostat with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, the components need to be replaced.
Replacing the Heating Element
If the heating element is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Unplug the dryer and remove the access panel. Disconnect the wires from the old heating element and install the new one. Make sure the wires are connected securely and the new heating element is in the same position as the old one.
What to Do When Your Dryer Won’t Heat Up
If your dryer still won’t heat up after troubleshooting and repairing the common causes, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue.
Check the Circuit Breaker
If the circuit breaker has tripped, the dryer won’t have power and won’t heat up. Check the circuit breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. If the circuit breaker trips again, you may have an issue with the wiring or the electrical system in your home.
Unplug the Unit and Plug it Back In
Sometimes, resetting the unit can fix the issue. Unplug the dryer from the wall and plug it back in. This will reset the internal components and may solve the issue.
Make Sure the Dryer is Level
If the dryer isn’t level, it won’t heat up properly. Place a level on top of the dryer and adjust the legs until the bubble is in the middle. This will ensure the dryer is level and will help improve its performance.
9 Reasons Why Your Dryer Isn’t Heating Up
There are many potential causes of a dryer not heating up. Here are nine common issues that can cause your dryer to stop heating up.
Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker
If the circuit breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown, the dryer won’t have power and won’t heat up. Check the circuit breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. Replace any blown fuses.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the temperature of the dryer. If the thermostat is faulty, the dryer won’t heat up. Test the thermostat with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
Clogged Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can restrict airflow, causing the dryer to not heat up. Clean the dryer vent to remove any lint and debris and improve airflow.
Loose or Disconnected Wiring
Loose or disconnected wiring can prevent the dryer from receiving power. Check the wiring and make sure all connections are secure.
Malfunctioning Heating Element
If the heating element is faulty, the dryer won’t heat up. Test the heating element with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
Malfunctioning Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat regulates the temperature of the dryer. If the cycling thermostat is faulty, the dryer won’t heat up. Test the cycling thermostat with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
Defective Gas Valve Coils
If you have a gas dryer, defective gas valve coils can prevent the dryer from heating up. Test the gas valve coils with a multimeter and replace them if necessary.
Worn Drum Seals
Worn drum seals can reduce the efficiency of the dryer, causing it to not heat up properly. Inspect the drum seals and replace them if they are worn.
Overloaded Drum
An overloaded drum can prevent the dryer from heating up properly. Reduce the load size and spread the clothes out evenly in the drum.
How to Fix a Dryer That’s Not Heating Up: Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you fix a dryer that’s not heating up.
Clean the Lint Screen
Lint can build up on the lint screen and block airflow, preventing the dryer from heating up. Clean the lint screen regularly to improve airflow and performance.
Vacuum Out the Entire Dryer
Lint and debris can accumulate inside the dryer, restricting airflow and reducing efficiency. Vacuum out the entire dryer, including the lint trap, to remove any lint and debris and improve airflow.
Check the Exhaust Duct
If the exhaust duct is blocked or damaged, the dryer won’t heat up properly. Inspect the exhaust duct for any blockages or damage and repair or replace it if necessary.
Test the Fuse
If the fuse has blown, the dryer won’t have power and won’t heat up. Test the fuse with a multimeter and replace it if it is open.
Test the Thermostat
If the thermostat is faulty, the dryer won’t heat up. Test the thermostat with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
Replace the Heating Element
If the heating element is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Unplug the dryer and remove the access panel. Disconnect the wires from the old heating element and install the new one.
Conclusion
Having your dryer stop heating up can be inconvenient and frustrating. In this article, we explored why won’t my dryer heat up and provided useful tips and tricks to help you troubleshoot and repair the issue. We also discussed nine common causes of a non-heating dryer and how to fix them. If your dryer still won’t heat up after troubleshooting and repairing the issue, you should contact a professional for further assistance.
