Dryer not cooling down

Common reasons your dryer not cooling down

The most common reasons your dryer is not cooling down are an open heating element, broken drum belt or a defective electronic control board.

  • 55%

    55% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the
    Drum Belt

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 11%

    11% 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 the heating element in your dryer is open, it might hinder the cooling process at the end of a drying cycle, especially if it's shorting against metal within the dryer cabinet. This shorting can cause the heating to persist instead of shutting off as intended at the cycle's end. If your clothes feel overly hot at the end of a cycle, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect your dryer and replace the faulty heating element if necessary.

Drum Belt Replacement

A worn or damaged drum belt can hinder the cooling process at the end of a drying cycle in your dryer. This belt connects to the drive motor pulley, enabling it to rotate the dryer drum. Over time, the belt may stretch, causing the drum to spin slower than usual. Consequently, the strain on the drive motor increases, leading to a decrease in motor speed. As a result, the blower wheel spins at a slower rate, failing to circulate air effectively through the drum to cool the clothes. If your laundry remains excessively warm at the end of the drying cycle, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect your dryer and replace the worn drum belt if necessary.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If the relay on the electronic control board becomes stuck closed, it can hinder the cooling process of a dryer at the end of a drying cycle. This malfunction causes the continuous supply of current to the heater throughout the cycle, preventing the heating element from shutting off to allow clothes to cool down properly. If your clothes remain excessively hot at the cycle's end, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect your dryer and replace the defective electronic control board as needed.

What to expect when you experience a dryer not cooling down issue

How is a not cooling down problem fixed?

Resolving most issues with the dryer not cooling down typically requires replacing components such as the heating element, drum belt, or electronic control board. However, due to various potential causes, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for addressing the problem effectively. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services solutions for a dryer that is not cooling down

If your dryer is not cooling down, there could be several underlying reasons. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians possess extensive experience in diagnosing various dryer malfunctions.

What to watch for with a dryer not cooling down diagnosis

Identifying issues with modern appliances can be tough without the right knowledge and training. Simply swapping out parts without proper diagnosis might not solve your dryer problem. Appliances, especially newer ones, have gotten more complex in the last decade, with electronic components that are tricky to assess. DIY fixes on the latest models are getting harder.

If your dryer completes cycles but stays overly hot, the thermostat or vent may be blocking cool air. Overheated loads risk cloth damage or wrinkles. Instead, lean on dryer repair near me. Balanced cooling preserves garment quality and dryer safety.

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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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dryer not cooling down?
A clogged vent, faulty thermostat, or malfunctioning control board or timer can prevent your dryer from cooling down at the end of a cycle.
Could a clogged vent cause my dryer not to cool down?
Yes, if the vent is clogged, the dryer may overheat, preventing it from cooling down properly. Clean the vent to restore cooling.
How can I fix my dryer if it's not cooling down?
Check the vent, thermostat, and control board or timer for issues. Cleaning the vent or replacing faulty parts should help.
What should I do if my dryer still isn’t cooling down after cleaning the vent?
If the issue persists, the thermostat, control board or timer may need to be replaced.

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Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.

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