Have you ever tossed a load of wet laundry into the dryer, only to find that at the end of the cycle, you still have … a load of wet laundry? Even the most reliable clothes dryer can stop heating properly, and there are a handful of possible reasons why. It’s a headache, sure, but not a disaster. We spoke to an expert to determine some possible culprits behind your dryer not getting hot and how to fix them.
With a bit of troubleshooting, you very well could get your dryer back to heating properly and drying your laundry as usual. From clogged vents to broken heating elements, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons laundry dryers stop functioning properly, how to DIY solutions, and when to call a repair professional.
Lindsay Jones, integrated brand manager at Maytag
Clogged Vent or Lint Screen
Airflow is key for a properly functioning clothes dryer, so caring for and cleaning lint screen and vents is an important part of routine dryer maintenance. “If the air vents or lint screen are clogged in a dryer, it can place stress on the heating system and restrict airflow,” Lindsay Jones, integrated brand manager for Maytag, explains. “This often results in a dryer that turns but does not heat or takes a significant amount of time to dry.”
Removing excess lint from the vent and traps with a vacuum might be all it takes to get your dryer heating normally. To prevent lint from accumulating and hindering the heating system, lint screens should be cleaned after every use. Vents should also be cleaned with a vacuum every one to two years.
Large Load Sizes
Lint isn’t the only thing that can impede proper airflow in the dryer. Overfilling the machine is another common practice that can prevent the dryer from running efficiently. “A proper amount of space is required during a dryer cycle for hot air to circulate throughout the unit and allow the clothes to tumble,” says Jones. “A dryer should be filled ¾ of the way.”
Soaking Wet Clothes
Your clothes dryer is designed to quickly dry damp clothing after a spin cycle. If you load soaking wet clothes into the machine, the excess moisture can make it difficult for one cycle to dry the clothing.
“This is often perceived as a faulty heat element or mechanical issue,” says Jones. Sopping wet items should never be placed into the dryer; wring them out well or make use of your washer’s spin cycle.
Lack of Power
According to Jones, electric dryers require a 240-volt supply to operate. “If your dryer is using an outlet that provides less than this, power will not be delivered to the unit,” she says. If you suspect this may be your dryer’s issue, your best course of action is to call a qualified electrician. They can determine if you need a new plug or circuit breaker.
Gas dryers can have power issues, as well. While the drum will still turn without gas power, the dryer will not heat up. Ensure that the valve in the gas line is open, or call the gas company to check on the supply.
Malfunctioning Heating Element
Sometimes, an older dryer is just not able to produce heat anymore. Jones explains that electric dryers require a heating element to heat the drum, whereas gas dryers utilize a burner. If either of these systems become damaged, the dryer will no longer be able to perform the heating function.
According to Jones, “A professional is required in this instance to disassemble the machine to examine and replace the heating element if damaged.”
Blown Thermal Fuse
You might have an important safety feature to blame for your cold clothes dryer. To prevent dangerous dryer fires, manufacturers are required to install a thermal fuse in every machine. “This is a one-time device that will shut off the dryer if the temperatures get too high. If the thermal fuse is activated, it must be replaced by a professional before using the dryer again,” Jones explains.
If you’ve gone through the checklist and your dryer still isn’t heating properly, it’s probably time to call a repair professional. A skilled technician can diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action.
