Kenmore Elite dryer not heating

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite dryer not heating issue

How is the not heating problem fixed?

Correcting most not heating problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse or thermal fuse. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not heating

When the dryer is not heating it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

What to look out for with a dryer not heating diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

When you’re unable to fix a failure yourself, set up Kenmore Elite dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to fix the problem.

Why is my Kenmore Elite dryer not getting heat?

Some of the most common reasons why your Kenmore Elite dryer is not getting heat include:

• A clogged dryer vent.
• Problems with the electrical supply or gas supply going to the dryer.
• Clogged lint screen.
• Component failure.

Read on for more details about how to resolve these problems when your Kenmore Elite dryer is not getting hot.

Dryer vent is clogged

This is the most common cause of a dryer not heating. To check if your venting is clogged, start a timed dry on high heat. Go to the exhaust vent outside and use your hand to see if that the air is very warm and exiting at a decent flow. If there's little airflow, your venting likely needs to be cleaned or replaced. If the temperature's too low, there may be an operational issue with the dryer, which should be checked by a service technician. Schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the dryer.

Improper or no electric or gas supply to the dryer

Is there a proper electrical or gas supply to your Kenmore Elite dryer?

Electric Kenmore Elite dryers get their electricity from a 240-volt circuit supplied by two 120-volt lines. If only one of the lines is working, the dryer will run but not heat up. Check the house circuit breakers for your dryer and reset the breakers to restore the properly electrical power to the dryer.

For a Kenmore Elite gas dryer, the appliance won't heat if your gas is off. Make sure the gas supply cut-off valve for the dryer is fully open. If none of your gas appliances are getting gas, contact your gas supplier to get help in restoring the gas supply to your home.

Clogged lint screen

If your lint screen is plugged up or dirty, it will reduce airflow and prevent clothes from drying. Eventually, a clogged lint screen can trip the thermal fuse and the dryer won’t heat at all.

Clean the lint screen before starting each load in the dryer.

Monthly, you’ll need to wash the lint screen as shown in this video:

Signs You Need to Hire a Dryer Repair Expert

When your dryer isn't working, there are times when it's best to have a Sears Technician diagnose and fix the problem instead of attempting a DIY repair.

A faulty thermal fuse

You'll typically need to schedule a Sears Technician to examine and repair your dryer when it blows a thermal fuse. A clogged exhaust vent duct system usually causes the thermal fuse to blow. The dryer overheats and trips the thermal fuse when hot exhaust air can’t make it through the duct system to the outside of your home. Other problems such as faulty thermostats or temperature sensors can also cause the thermal fuse to blow. Having a service technician diagnose and repair the problem will ensure that the problem gets fixed properly and permanently.

A broken heating element

When the heating element breaks in your dryer, the appliance will stop heating and clothes won’t get dry. Sometimes, the heating element can short to the metal inside the cabinet and cause an electrocution hazard. It’s best to have a service technician examine and repair the dryer when the heating element breaks.

A broken thermostat

Thermostats inside the dryer control drying temperature and prevent the dryer from overheating. When a thermostat breaks, the dryer can overheat or not heat at all. Because a dryer typically has several thermostats, it’s best to have a service technician examine your dryer and fix the problem.

A defective timer motor

A dryer with a dial timer typically has a timer motor that moves the control dial through the cycle. If the dial doesn’t move and dryer keeps running without stopping, the timer motor may be defective. Other problems can prevent the control dial from advancing to the end of the cycle so it's important to have a service technician diagnose and repair a timer failure.

A complex electrical or gas issue

Some electrical failures are way too complicated for DIY'ers to diagnose and repair on their own. Finding and fixing electrical issues can be dangerous. Also, finding and repairing issues with the gas supply system in a gas dryer can be dangerous. Schedule a Sears Technician to diagnose and fix your dryer when you’re unable to determine why it won’t run or heat.

How Do You Troubleshoot Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating Issues?

Many appliance repair DIY'ers view videos on YouTube and fix their dryers themselves. Although advanced repairs on gas and electric dryers can be dangerous and risky, you may be able to troubleshoot some basic dryer failures on your own by watching our safe and easy-to-follow DIY repair videos.

Always unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply before attempting any DIY repair and troubleshooting procedure.

For a Kenmore Elite electric dryer that won’t heat, follow the troubleshooting tips in this video.

When you have a Kenmore Elite gas dryer that won’t heat, follow the troubleshooting steps in this video.

When you’re unable to find and fix the heating problem in your Kenmore Elite dryer, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.