At a Glance:
How to Fix a Dryer Not Heating
4 Warning Signs That You Need a New Dryer
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Dryer
There's a reason they're called dryers. They are meant to dry your clothes. Nothing is more annoying than discovering damp clothing after the dryer has been set to the hottest cycle. So, is your dryer not heating up regardless of the cycle you use?
As a result, you may be thinking if you should replace the dryer. Before you panic and begin looking for a service technician or determining if a new dryer is within your budget, there may be a simple cure. A tripped circuit breaker, a clogged vent, and a lack of gas flow are some of the most typical causes of an electric or gas dryer, not heating. Although you may be able to resolve some of these difficulties on your own, it's critical to understand which concerns necessitate the services of a professional or the purchase of a new laundry appliance entirely.
But, whether it's a quick remedy or a longer-term solution, it's important to figure out why your dryer is not heating up as quickly as possible. The sooner you figure out why your dryer is spinning without heat, the faster you'll be able to return to having fresh and warm loads of clothes. Take a look below to learn about the 10 most common reasons your dryer isn't heating, as well as how to fix it, when to call a repair service, and when it is just time to replace it.
Dryer Machine Lifespan
The average life of a dryer is 7–12 years, although some brands can manufacture washing machines with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance. So, while you are on the hunt for your new washing machine, you won't have to wonder "how long will my dryer last" anymore. Take a look at this breakdown of dryer life expectancies to know how long your future laundry appliance will last.
10 years: Crosley, Midea
10+ years: LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Fisher & Paykel, Bosch
20+ years: Samsung, Miele, Speed Queen, Asko
Why Is My Dryer Not Heating?
There are only two options when a dryer quits providing enough heat or none at all. Of course, the best-case scenario is if the reason is so trivial that even someone who is not technically adept can do the repair. So, here are two possible easy-to-fix explanations for why your dryer isn't heating up.
Problems You Can Fix Yourself
Before you get out your toolkit, let's go through the basics of troubleshooting.
- Is the dryer properly plugged in?
- Is the door firmly closed?
- Is the gas valve on or off for gas dryers?
If you've done everything and it's still not working, consider one of these 10 common reasons why your dryer is not heating.
- Check the Lint Trap and Lint Screen
A clogged heating element might be caused by a filthy lint trap or lint screen. If this is the case, you can remove and clean it. A vacuum cleaner is a simple method to achieve this. You may also roll the lint off the screen and scrape away residue buildup with a brush and hot water with liquid detergent.
- Check the Circuit Breaker
Electric dryers require 240 volts of electricity, which is supplied by two 120V lines. One of the two breakers may have tripped. If this is the case, the dryer will operate but will not provide adequate heat. In this instance, all you need to do is reset the breaker.
Problems that Require a Professional
When your Samsung dryer is not heating, it is possible that certain parts of the dryer have failed due to wear and strain. In that instance, the problem has grown more difficult to resolve and should be left to a professional to diagnose and resolve. If you need to hire a technician because your gas dryer is not heating, try one of the Californian repair businesses we've partnered with here at Idler's Home.
- Thermal Fuse
Dryers are equipped with a thermal fuse that trips if the temperature rises too high. Older dryer generations continue to operate, but the heating components no longer get power and so no longer create heat. Newer models, on the other hand, turn off.
Consult the manual to find out where it is. You should be able to see it near the exhaust vent. It is not difficult to replace the fuse. Still, there might be an underlying explanation for the tripping. As a result, you'd rather have an expert come over to evaluate the source of the tripping in order to rule out future fire threats.
- Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat regulates the temperature in the dryer drum. It works by opening when it becomes too hot to prevent the heating element from heating up more. If this occurs, the dryer must first cool down before it can resume regular operation.
The cycling thermostat is commonly found in the internal airflow ducting near the blower housing.
- Heating Element
The heating element (located in the dryer’s cabinet) can occasionally fail, but repairing one is far less expensive than replacing your entire dryer. If all of the fuses and thermostats are still operational, the heating element is the only possible culprit. However, if there is no current from the heating element or you see visible damage, it's time to replace it.
- Heating Coil
When the heating circuit heats the coils of a gas dryer, the gas burner valve opens. Some dryers may start while still cooling if the coil is faulty. When heated, the machines stop working.
- Timer
Mechanical dryers lack an electronic main control board. Instead, a timer is set on the control console. It is made up of a small motor attached to gears that spin cams to switch electrical connections on and off. This timer regulates the dryer motor and the heating circuit.
Depending on the model, a faulty timer causes certain devices to overheat while others emit no heat.
- Gas Controlled Valve
The gas valve is an essential component of the gas burner system. It opens when the igniter and flame sensor circuit heat the coils, allowing gas to enter the burner.
If this valve fails, the igniter may glow. However, because no gas is being delivered to the burner, no flame is formed when the igniter extinguishes itself. A dryer may occasionally operate at first. It might fail later in the drying cycle, resulting in insufficient heat being created to dry items.
- Igniter
Nowadays, most gas dryers have an igniter (or glow bar) close to the gas valve burner tube. Some are situated in the coil, while others are flat, depending on the brand. In any case, its principal function is to glow until the radiant sensor opens the valve, igniting the gas and producing flame and heat.
- Radiant Flame Sensor
A heat sensor is located near the burner assembly, next to the igniter. The radiant flame sensor analyzes the heat signals from the igniter, which opens the gas valve. It also regulates the burner flame. If this sensor malfunctions, the gas control valve will not open, and the igniter will not light.
4 Warning Signs That You Need a New Dryer
All good things, including your appliances, must come to an end. Even though it feels like you just bought your dryer yesterday, it might be beyond its prime in the blink of an eye. When your Whirlpool dryer is not heating for the umpteenth time, here are some indicators that you need to replace it.
1. Your Clothes Aren't Drying Properly
Do you notice any moist or damp spots when you take your clothing out of the dryer? Your dryer might just be blocked. Clear all lint screens and find the vent outside your home before calling a repairman or purchasing a new machine. While the dryer is running, you should see a strong airflow flowing from the vent. Look for any bends in the air duct behind your dryer that may be preventing air from leaving.
If you have to run many cycles to properly dry a single load, your dryer is beyond its prime, and it may be time to replace your model.
2. Excessive Noise
Do you frequently hear loud noises like rattling, slamming, or high-pitched squealing? If your dryer is making peculiar noises, it is most certainly in need of repair or replacement. In many situations, this is caused by a faulty blower wheel – the blades may get twisted over time. Replace the wheel and test the dryer to determine whether it is still loud. If the noise persists when you operate it, consider purchasing a new dryer.
3. It's Too Old
Clothes dryers generally last between 10 and 13 years. If you've had your dryer for over a decade, you'll probably be looking for a replacement soon. Older dryers should be replaced since they might potentially cost you more money. Newer, certified models consume less energy, allowing you to save money. No matter how good your dryer is, it will ultimately wear out.
4. You See Exposed Wiring
A wiring problem should if the above problems haven't convinced you to replace your dryer. Remove the rear panel of your dryer and unplug it. Is there any broken or peeling plastic coating on the wires inside? Do you see any exposed wires or a smoke odor? If this is the case, it is time to act. A bare wire might cause a home fire. A maintenance specialist can rewire your entire dryer, but getting a new one is generally faster.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Dryer
Most people know that they should clean the lint filter after each use of their dryer, but there are several other vital things they should do regularly to help guarantee your house is safe, and your dryer is in good working order. These dryer maintenance suggestions can help you save money on electricity bills, save time and energy, prevent home fires, and extend the overall life of your dryer.
Tip #1: Do Not Overwork the Dryer
Drying times vary for each dryer, but 35 minutes is usually sufficient. The unit and your clothes are put under less strain. Newer versions contain an auto-dry feature, which is a moisture sensor that only uses as much air as is required for the job.
Tip #2: Check the Outside Ventilation for Debris
It is critical to keep the exterior vent cap on the outside of the house clean of dust and lint generated by the unit. It can create a fire and cause the thermostats and motor to fail due to the reduced airflow.
It is dangerous if the dryer is not properly vented because lint might accumulate and cause the appliance to emit carbon monoxide. Make sure the hose has no crimped parts that might accumulate additional lint.
Tip #3: Keep the Dryer Filter Clean
You must keep the filter clean in order for the garments to receive the appropriate airflow. After each load is dry, remove the lint collection. You should also use a light and a crevice tool from a vacuum cleaner to remove any trapped lint that was not collected by the filter.
Tip #4: Do Not Overload Your Dryer
Large loads require more time to dry and consume more energy. If your clothing does not get entirely dry, it will most likely smell musty.
Tip #5: Ensure That the Drum is Cleaned
To eliminate any residue left by the dryer sheet, wipe out the interior of the dryer drum with a microfiber cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. Allow it to dry completely.
Did you find the problem but now require professional assistance? Not a problem! Idler's Home has collaborated with certified appliance repair technicians to determine the cause of your LG dryer not heating. And if your old dryer has finally given up, we are more than happy to assist you in exploring our dryer inventory and finding the best model for your California home from various manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Electrolux, and more.
FAQs
Do you still have some unanswered questions? We have answers — take a look at some of our frequently asked questions by customers.
Q: What to expect for dryer installation?
What better way to explain what to expect when you are expecting a dryer installation than our video:
Q: How do I know what size dryer to buy?
Measure your laundry room, adding three inches on each side for heat clearance and pipes/wiring in the back. The majority of full-size dryers are less than 30 inches broad, 25 to 35 inches deep, and 35 to 45 inches tall. If you can easily accommodate those margins, you'll be OK. And for our visual learners, here is one of our videos to assist you in measuring for your new dryer.
Q: Is it worth repairing a dryer?
If the dryer is less than four years old and costs less than $400, the repairs are worth making. On the other hand, replacing your dryer would be more cost-effective if your model is on the older side, or the costs to repair would be more than getting a new dryer.
Why Trust Idler's Home?
At Idler's Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler's is dedicated to helping you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop Dryers at Idler's
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop dryers online at Idler's. Our friendly team is always happy to help you answer questions like, "why your dryer is not heating?" — whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
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