A dryer that tumbles but never gets warm — or takes two or three cycles to dry a load — is more than an inconvenience. Many heating problems are connected to airflow, and restricted airflow is also a fire risk. This guide covers what to check, what not to ignore, and when to bring in a technician.
Airflow comes first
Dryers depend on moving hot, moist air out of the drum and through the vent to the outside. When lint builds up in the screen, the vent hose, or the exterior vent, the dryer overheats and its safety devices shut off the heat. Clean the lint screen before every load, and check that the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs.
Crushed foil hoses behind the dryer are a common problem when the machine is pushed back too far. A long vent run with several bends also slows airflow significantly.
Thermal fuses and thermostats
Most dryers use a thermal fuse that blows when the unit overheats. Once it blows, the dryer may not heat — or may not run at all — until the fuse is replaced. Replacing the fuse without fixing the airflow problem that caused it usually means it blows again. That is why a good diagnosis looks at the whole system, not only the part that failed.
Electric dryers: heating elements
Electric dryers use a heating element that can break or burn out over time. Electric dryers also need both legs of a 240-volt circuit to heat; if one breaker in the pair trips, the drum may tumble with no heat. Check your breaker panel before assuming the element has failed.
Gas dryers: igniters and valves
Gas dryers use an igniter and gas valve coils to light the burner. A weak igniter may glow without lighting the gas, or the valve may fail to open. Because gas is involved, this is not a repair to improvise. If you ever smell gas, stop using the dryer, leave the area, and contact your gas utility.
Warning signs to act on
- A burning smell or scorch marks on clothing.
- The outside of the dryer is unusually hot to the touch.
- Clothes come out damp after a full cycle, repeatedly.
- The dryer stops mid-cycle or will not start.
Next steps
If cleaning the lint path does not restore normal drying, schedule dryer repair. And if your washer is leaving clothes soaked, the dryer may not be the only problem — see why a washer won't drain or spin.
Still not working?
Call (850) 755-9600 or send the brand, model, and what the appliance is doing.