Why My Dryer is Not Heating up? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

At Advance Appliance, we frequently get calls with complaints like “my clothes dryer runs but no heat,” “dryer blowing cold air,” or “gas dryer not heating up.”
Laundry day can become hectic if your dryer lacks heat; your clothes stay damp, the cycles never stop, and occasionally, you even smell things burning. The good news? With the assistance of our qualified specialists or a fast do-it-yourself check, many of these issues can be identified and resolved.

Quick Checklist Before You Call for Repairs

Before diving into complex repairs, run through this quick list:

1. Check Power Supply: An electric dryer needs 240V to heat fully and work properly. Your dryer may run but not get hot if the breaker trips.
2. Check the settings: Verify that you haven’t mistakenly chosen the “air fluff” or “no heat” options.
3. Clear the lint trap: A blocked lint screen might hinder airflow and result in heating problems.
4. Check the vent: One of the main causes of overheating, protracted dry periods, and a dryer that doesn’t produce heat is a blocked dryer vent.
5. Strange Noise: Pay attention to odd noises. Clicking, buzzing, or rattling could indicate electrical or mechanical issues.

Common Causes of a Dryer Not Heating

Whether you own a Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, Samsung, or LG dryer, the root causes of a dryer’s heat not working are often similar.

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse

If your dryer is working but producing no heat, the first thing to check is your breaker box. The motor of an electric dryer may run without heat if one half of the breaker trips. The igniter may have been switched off by blown fuses in gas dryers.

2. Faulty Heating Element

Your dryer won’t heat up or might just warm up if the heating element is worn out. This frequently occurs in older models or with prolonged use.

• Signs: The dryer blows cold air after warming up a little.
• Fix: The best method to verify failure is to test with a multimeter. (See the section below on “How to Replace the Heating Element.”)

3. Burned-Out Thermal Fuse

One safety tool that keeps things from overheating is a thermal fuse. Your dryer won’t heat up until it is replaced if it blows.

• Tip: Always find out why the fuse blew — often, it’s a clogged vent.

4. Bad Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause your clothes dryer not to get hot or cause the dryer to overheat.

5. Gas Ignition Problems (Gas Dryers Only)

If you have a gas dryer not heating up, the problem could be a failed igniter, a faulty gas valve, or burned-out coils.

• Symptom: You hear the dryer click, but it never warms up.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Heating Element on a Dryer

Safety First: Always unplug the dryer or shut off the gas before repairs.

1. Remove the dryer’s back panel after unplugging it.
2. Find the metal coil assembly, which is the heating element.
3. Unplug the mounting screws and cables.
4. Reconnect everything after installing the new heater element.
5. Test, plug in, and reassemble.

If this feels overwhelming, our Calgary dryer repair experts can handle it quickly and safely.

Brand-Specific No-Heat Issues

We’ve repaired thousands of dryers across Edmonton and surrounding areas, and here are some brand-specific notes:

• Whirlpool dryer: Usually a defective thermal fuse or a burned-out heating element.
• GE Dryer: Examine the GE dryer for a malfunctioning cycling thermostat.
• Kenmore dryer: A common culprit is lint accumulation in the vents.
• Samsung dryer: Worn heating coils are a common cause.
• Inglis dryer: Problems with the control board are more frequent here.
• LG dryer: Occasionally, a moisture sensor issue occurs instead of a heating malfunction.

Other Dryer Problems Related to Heating

• Dryer not drying clothes but getting hot – Poor airflow due to lint or vent blockage.
• Dryer overheating – Thermostat failure or blocked vents.
• Dryer heats but does not spin – Belt or motor issue.
• Dryer stopped heating mid-cycle – Faulty cycling thermostat or element crack.
• Dryer no longer heating after moving – Loose wire or tripped breaker.
• Dryer not spinning but heating – Motor or belt problem.

When to Call Professionals?

If you’ve checked the basics and your dryer still has no heat, it’s time for a professional diagnosis. At Advance Appliance, we service all major brands and models. Our appliance repair technicians can quickly identify why your dryer is not heating up, replace faulty parts like clothes dryer thermostat or dryer fuse, and get your laundry routine back on track.

Dryer Heating FAQs

Why is my dryer not heating?
Common reasons include tripped breakers, blown thermal fuses, faulty heating elements, or clogged vents.

Why does my dryer run but not heat?
This often means the heating element, thermostat, or fuse has failed — or, in gas dryers, ignition problems.

How to fix a dryer not heating?
Check the power, clean the vent, and test the thermal fuse or heating element. For gas dryers, call a pro for ignition issues.

How hot does a dryer get?
Most dryers reach 125°F to 135°F on high heat. Overheating above 150°F may indicate a problem.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?
At least once a year — more often for large households or heavy laundry use.