Our dryer experts have simple tips to help you troubleshoot why your dryer isn’t heating.
They are dryers because they dry clothes quickly. These dryers are supposed to dry your clothes. If your dryer isn’t drying your clothes properly after you have dried them, it’s not doing its job.
Don’t panic if your dryer isn’t heating up. Not all dryer problems need to be addressed by a technician.
Why your dryer is not heating up
- Dryer vent blocked
- Incorrect or insufficient electric or gas supply to dryer
- Filter clogged with lint
- Uneven loads
- Too wet clothes in the washer
1. Dryer vent is blocked
This is the leading cause of dryers not heating. Start a high-heat timed drying to check for clogged vents. To verify that the exhaust vent is open, take a look outside. Venting that isn’t allowing enough airflow may need to be replaced or cleaned. A dryer that is too hot or cold should be checked by a certified technician.
2. Incorrect or insufficient electric or gas supply to dryer
Is the dryer supplied with electricity or gas? The dryers get their electricity from a 120-volt supply and a 240-volt circuit. The dryer will not heat up if only one of the lines is active. Gas appliances won’t heat up if the gas is not turned on. These issues should be addressed by a professional.
3. Filter clogged with lint
Dirty or plugged lint screens can reduce airflow and make it difficult for clothes to dry. You can remove as much lint from the screen as possible and then soak it in hot water with dish soap. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the screen if necessary.
4. Uneven loads
What kind of load are drying? You might have mixed small and large items. To ensure proper performance, it is important to wash and dry similar items together. This is especially important for autodry cycles. Towels and sheets can be piled together and cause dryers to heat at lower levels and even turn off when they are finished drying. Drying lighter or smaller clothes will result in dryness, while heavier, more humid items will remain damp.
5. Too wet clothes in the washer
It could not be the dryer that is the problem. It will make it harder for the dryer’s job to do its job if your washing machine doesn’t drain completely or doesn’t spin enough water.
The bottom line is that it’s a smart idea to prevent these issues from escalating into a major repair. Every year, have your dryer checked for preventive maintenance. It is important to ensure that your dryer is in top shape. Dryers are the leading cause of house fires.
Technicians will clean up excess lint and check for venting. They also make sure that the electric components, drum rollers and motor, as well as the electric heating element, or gas burner assembly, are working properly.