Dryer will not heat up
Common reasons your dryer will not heat up
The most common reasons your dryer won't heat up are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a defective electronic control board.
71% of the time it's the
Heating Element4% of the time it's the
Thermal Cut-off Fuse3% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board22% 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 your dryer fails to heat up, it might be due to an open heating element. In this context, "open" indicates that the heating element is damaged, resulting in a lack of electrical current flow needed to generate heat. Even without visible physical damage, an interior break in the element's continuity can lead to heating issues. When facing heating problems with your dryer, consider scheduling a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician for repair.
Thermal Cut-off Fuse Replacement
If a thermal cut-off fuse fails, your dryer will lose its ability to generate heat. This fuse acts as a safety measure to prevent overheating, commonly triggered by a blocked exhaust vent system. Once the thermal cut-off fuse is triggered, it won't reset on its own. To resolve this issue, it's necessary to arrange for a Sears Home Services Technician to replace the blown fuse. The technician will investigate the root cause of the blown fuse and address any other underlying issues to ensure proper heating and operation of the dryer after the replacement.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
If your dryer fails to heat up, a malfunctioning control board might be to blame. This board is responsible for monitoring the temperature using a sensor and regulating the electrical current to the heating element or gas burner, ensuring the dryer reaches and maintains the desired drying temperature. When the dryer fails to heat up, it's possible that a relay on the electronic control board has malfunctioned. To address this issue, it's advisable to schedule a diagnostic and repair service with a Sears Home Services Technician to identify and rectify the heating failure.
What to expect when you experience a dryer will not heat up issue
How do I get a dryer won't heat up problem fixed?
Addressing most issues where the dryer fails to heat typically entails replacing components such as the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse, or electronic control board. Nonetheless, given the various potential causes, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to determine the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services advice for a dryer that won't heat up
When the dryer fails to heat up, numerous factors could be at play. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying issue. Our technicians possess extensive experience in diagnosing various dryer malfunctions.
What to consider with a dryer won't heat up diagnosis
Understanding and diagnosing contemporary appliances without adequate expertise and training can prove challenging. Attempting repairs without employing appropriate diagnostic methods often leads to guesswork-based part replacements. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, incorporating complex electronic components that pose testing challenges. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliance models are progressively more intricate.
A dryer that stays cold typically means a broken coil, faulty igniter, or malfunctioning thermostat. Multiple cycles only ramp up utility costs. Instead, let dryer repair near me fix the source. Restoring heat shortens laundry times significantly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Common dryer symptoms to look out for
- Dryer isn't heating
- Dryer no heat
- Dryer drum roller replacement
- Dryer stopped working
- Dryer gets hot but takes long time to dry
- Dryer burning smell
- Dryer leaking from bottom
- Dryer leaking water
- Dryer leaking
- Dryer makes noise when tumbling
- Dryer noisy
- Dryer not cooling down
- Dryer not drying clothes properly
- Dryer not heating
- Dryer vibrates
- Dryer not draining
- Dryer not drying
- Dryer no power
- Dryer no sound
- Dryer not spinning
- Dryer not starting
- Dryer not turning on
- Dryer not working
- Dryer display not working
- Dryer door not closing
- Dryer light not working
- Dryer won't start cycle
- Dryer won't turn off