Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick-and-dirty. Your dryer's not heating? Nine times out of ten it's one of two things: a completely clogged vent line, which is dangerous, or a blown thermal fuse, which is a cheap part often triggered by that clogged vent. Before you panic, unplug the dryer, pull it out, and check that vent hose. If it's clean, you're probably looking at a bad part inside. A DIY fix for a fuse or element will run you maybe $10-120 in parts. If you call a professional, you're looking at $150-350 depending on what's busted. But for God's sake, check the vent first.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Unplug the dryer! Safety first. Then check your circuit breaker by flipping it fully off and on.
Step 2
Clean the lint trap thoroughly. Scrape off any dryer sheet residue.
Step 3
Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer. Look for clogs in the hose and the dryer's exhaust port.
Step 4
Perform a test run. Plug the dryer in and run it for 1 minute with the vent hose disconnected. If it gets hot, your problem is a clog in the vent line going outside.
Step 5
If it still doesn't heat, unplug it again. Open the dryer cabinet to access the components.
Step 6
Use a multimeter set to continuity to test the thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat. If the multimeter doesn't beep when testing a part, it's bad.
Step 7
For electric dryers, test the heating element for continuity. If it's broken, it won't beep. Also test from each terminal to the metal casing; if it beeps, it's grounded and bad.
Step 8
For gas dryers, test the igniter and gas valve coils for the correct resistance (ohms) reading specified for your model.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Cleaning the Dryer Vent | $0 - $30 | $125 - $225 | 1-2 hours |
Replacing a Thermal Fuse | $10 - $25 | $150 - $250 | 1 hour |
Replacing a Heating Element (Electric) | $40 - $120 | $200 - $350 | 1-2 hours |
Replacing an Igniter (Gas) | $25 - $60 | $180 - $300 | 1-1.5 hours |
When to Call a Professional Dryer Vent
- If you smell gas. Stop immediately, turn off the gas, and call a qualified technician.
- If you've used a multimeter to test the fuse, thermostats, and heating element/igniter and they all seem to be good. The issue is likely more complex, like the control board or a wiring issue.
- If you are not confident or comfortable working around electricity or gas lines. Your safety is worth more than the service fee.
- If your dryer is a stacked unit, as they are significantly more difficult to disassemble and work on.
Prevention Tips
- Clean the lint trap before or after every single load. No exceptions.
- Professionally or thoroughly clean the entire dryer vent line, from the dryer to the exterior of your home, at least once a year.
- Avoid crushing the flexible vent hose behind the dryer; leave several inches of space for airflow.
- Do not overload the dryer. Clothes need room to tumble freely in the hot air.
- Periodically check the outdoor vent cap to make sure the flap isn't stuck shut or clogged with lint or debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
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