A malfunctioning dryer is a household headache. The dreaded sight of damp clothes post-cycle is enough to dampen anyone’s spirits. If you have plenty to spend, you can spend bucks for new models of brands offering a variety of dryer options with warranties included. But if you are wise and not that spendthrift, try to figure out the reason behind your dryer not responding to your commands.
Thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to revive your dryer. So, let’s find out who the culprit is– whether it is clogged vents, tripped circuit breakers, no gas flow, or anything else.
Common Causes of Clothes Dryer Issues With Heating
Here are the common causes of clothes dryer issues, especially when it is not heating.
1. Clogged Vent or Ductwork
Hot air builds up inside the dryer in case of a clogged vent or ductwork due to restricted airflow. There is a problem with the proper removal of moisture, causing poor heating and longer drying periods. In extreme cases, it can even cause overheating and other probable fire hazards.
2. Faulty Heating Element
The heating element is an important part that generates the heat that is used to evaporate moisture from your garments. So, faulty heating elements are often the main reason for those irritating damp clothes. If it fails to function as designed, the dryer’s drum will spin, but the clothes will remain damp.
3. Broken Thermostat or Thermal Fuse
The thermostat regulates the dryer’s temperature. This is done by cycling the heating element on and off to maintain the desired heat level. Inadequate or excessive heating may be the result of a malfunctioning thermostat. As a safety measure, the thermal fuse turns off the heating element in the event that the dryer overheats. So, a broken thermostat or a tripped thermal fuse can both lead to miserable drying due to low or no heating.
4. Defective Igniter (for gas dryers)
The igniter is the spark plug of your gas dryer, and its function is to create heat. If it is not working, it cannot light the burner; thus, the dryer is unable to produce heat. This results in cold and damp clothes after the drying cycle.
5. Issues with the Circuit Breaker
Nothing can be worse than a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. There is no more electrical supply to the dryer, hence a loss of power to the heating element and other components. The dryer stood to function or heat properly.
6. Large Load
Space is needed around dryers so that hot air can flow throughout the appliance and the clothes can tumble through. An excessively heavy load could cause your dryer to malfunction. The drying process will take longer without enough airflow, which will put undue strain on the heating system.
Dryer Not Heating? Try Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some tips for handling the issues mentioned above that lead to dryer, not heating. Let’s learn how to fix it!
- Check the Dryer Vent: You need to first check the vent and ductwork for any lint buildup that your clothes shed. If you find lint collected, clean the vent and duct thoroughly to improve airflow and save drying time.
- Inspect the Heating Element: You can check for any issue in the continuity of the heating element by using a multimeter. If you find it damaged or not heating properly, replace it.
- Test the Thermostat and Thermal Fuse: You can also check the thermostat and thermal fuse with a multimeter and replace any such faulty components to bring back normal operation. In a gas dryer, locate the supply line and check the gas valve position. If perpendicular, turn it parallel to the gas pipe.
- Verify the Igniter: Inspect the igniter if you have gas dryers. If you find any damage there, replace it straight away as it might be the reason for the dryer not heating properly.
- Examine the Circuit Breaker: If you find an issue with the circuit breaker or your fuse is blown, replace it to put back power to the dryer.
- Reduce the Load: Ensure clothes dry by filling the dryer drum to ¾ full and ensuring proper space for tumble in front-load dryers.
Safety Precautions for Better Dryer Maintenance
Lastly, you must have some safety precautions up your sleeve to prevent your washing machine from any sort of issues during maintenance.
- Unplug the Dryer: The dryer should always be unplugged from the power source before any repairs or maintenance are handled. This essential safety measure lowers the chance of harm and avoids electric shock.
- Use Proper Tools: Arrange all the tools required for the task, including pliers, screwdrivers, multimeters, and a spare part in case it is needed. To prevent mishaps and dryer damage, make sure your tools are in satisfactory condition.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your dryer trouble-free by routinely checking the vent and cleaning the lint filter after every usage. Professional dryer vent cleaning is another option to keep your system operating at its best and prevent fires.
- Avoid DIY Repairs if Unsure: It is advisable to contact a professional if you’re uneasy or don’t have experience with dryer repairs. Inadequate fixes can worsen the issue, breach warranties, and pose a safety risk.
Dryer Issues Persist? Reach Out to Professionals for a Solution
If you have tried all you can do to troubleshoot your clothes dryer issues but are still unsuccessful, try something else. But What? Call out for dryer repair services. EasyFix service company has a team of skilled professionals who can help you with that ‘dryer not heating’ issue.
They perform diagnostics and repairs and are trusted by many with more than 11+ years of experience assessing and addressing broken dryers. Contact EasyFix today to call and schedule service online.
Common Questions About Dryer Not Heating
1.What is the cost of a dryer repair?
The cost of dryer repair depends on several factors. For example, type of dryer, specific issue, and customer’s location. Contact us for a personalized quote.
2. Can I do dryer maintenance at home?
Yes, you can do basic dryer maintenance tasks at home, such as making sure the drum rolls smoothly, cleaning the lint filter, and inspecting and cleaning the vent. It is best to seek professional advice for complicated problems or fixes.
3.What are clothes dryer issues other than the dryer not heating?
Other clothes dryer issues include excessive noise, failure to start, incomplete drying, uneven drying, drum not spinning, and error codes.
