Why would a dryer run but not heat?

If you're dealing with a dryer that's spinning but not getting hot, we can help. Asurion Experts are trained and experienced with all major appliances, so they're proven pros at solving precisely this kind of problem. Here are their tips on how to fix a dryer that's not getting hot.

Common causes of a dryer that's not heating

A blocked vent

One of the most common causes of a dryer that isn't hot enough is a blocked vent. You can see whether this is the issue by starting your machine on high heat. Then, find the outside exhaust vent, and feel whether the air is warm and has a steady flow.

If you don't feel much airflow, you may be dealing with a blocked dryer vent or blocked ductwork. For detailed instructions on how to clean them, check out Home Depot's guide to cleaning your dryer's ductwork.

Insufficient power

If your dryer won't get hot and just spins and you've wondered How can I fix it? the solution may be your power source. Whether your machine is gas or electric, dryer temperature may be affected by insufficient power. For an electric dryer, if one of the volt lines is damaged or malfunctioning, you may find the dryer is spinning but not heating. With gas, the dryer will run but won't get hot if the gas isn't on or isn't getting to the appliance. If insufficient power is the cause, contact a dryer repair professional. Dealing with high-voltage electricity or flammable gases without the proper training is dangerous.

Our experienced Asurion Experts can repair your appliance fast. And with an average 4.8-star customer rating on Google®, you can trust us to fix things right.

Schedule a repair

A dirty lint screen

Lint screens should be cleaned every time you run the dryer. If the screen gets dirty, your dryer will usually still run hot air, but your clothes may come out damp even after a full cycle. If your lint screen still appears to be dirty, even after you've removed the lint by hand, soak it in warm water and soap and use a toothbrush to scrub it clean. Dry the lint screen thoroughly before replacing it. Next, look into the slot where the filter goes to see if lint has spilled inside. If you find debris there, use a vacuum cleaner to suck it out.

A mixed load of laundry

If you toss all of your wet clothing into the dryer simultaneously, it may result in a dryer that doesn't get hot enough, particularly if you're using auto-dry. The dryer may sense that the lighter items like socks and underwear are already nearly dry and reduce the heat as a result, leaving heavier items such as towels and blankets still damp. Try putting similar items together when you dry, and see if this takes care of your issue.

Tripped thermal fuse

If your dryer is getting too hot, the thermal fuse trips to stop a fire. This is a safety feature installed in most, if not all, dryers. Once the thermal fuse has been tripped, you will find the dryer spinning but not heating.

Sometimes the dryer won't run at all once the thermal fuse has been tripped. You may be able to reset the fuse, but more commonly, it needs to be replaced. Before doing so, however, you need to find out why it was tripped. A tripped dryer fuse is a warning signal, which may indicate that your dryer may be a fire hazard. It's important that you have an appliance repair professional inspect it to understand and address the underlying cause of the problem—book a repair with an Asurion Expert.

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Few things are more frustrating than finding your clothes wet after the dryer runs. Is your dryer not heating up? Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer not heating are a tripped circuit breaker, clogged vent, and no gas flow. Other potential reasons include a faulty thermal fuse and broken heating element.

If you gather your tools and follow this guide, you may be able to solve basic dryer heating problems on your own. But if you can’t get your dryer going or you simply don’t have time, call your local Mr. Appliance® professionals or schedule appliance service online.

“Why Is My Dryer Not Heating?”: The Most Common Answers

• The dryer is not plugged in.
• The dryer door isn’t completely closed.
• The dryer is on an “eco” or cool setting.
• There’s a tripped circuit breaker.

Electric dryers need two 120v breakers: one to run the motor that turns the drum, and one to power the heating element. Those breakers may trip independently, depending on how the panel is wired. One tripped breaker would explain why the drum is turning while the dryer is stone cold. If any breakers are tripped in your electrical panel, reset them.

• There is no gas flow.

If you have a gas dryer, make sure you paid your gas bill on time and that the gas valve feeding the dryer is on. Make sure the appliance gas line is the right size (is it 3/4 inch?), and pursue gas line replacement if needed.

• The dryer vent, lint trap, and/or lint screen is suffocating the heating element.
• When the heating element is blocked, it overheats and shuts down the thermostat. To fix this, clean off the lint screen, and use a vacuum to clean out the lint trap. Then remove the vent hose from the back of the dryer and shake it out. You might be surprised by all the trinkets that accumulate in dryer vent hoses. Finally, assess whether it might be time for professional dryer vent cleaning to prevent fires.Maybe the problem isn’t your dryer at all.

Check your washing machine’s performance. Is the spin cycle wringing enough water out of your clothes? Sopping-wet fabric will take a long time to dry in any dryer.

“Why Is My Dryer Not Heating?”: The More Complex Answers

If none of the reasons above explains your dryer’s malfunction, your unit may have one of these issues:

• A faulty thermal fuse
• A broken heating element
• A broken thermostat
• A defective timer motor
• A complex electrical or gas issue

We recommend consulting an expert for these problems. (Keep reading for recommendations.)

If your dryer has other symptoms besides unregulated temperature, try our dryer troubleshooting tool to find out which component is likely failing. Some homeowners may try to test and replace these parts on their own, but professional dryer repair is recommended in order to positively diagnose the issue and eliminate safety concerns.

Dryer Not Heating Still, Even After Troubleshooting? Call the Experts

If you’ve reached the end of your troubleshooting capabilities and your dryer is still not drying, you’ll likely need diagnostic and repair help from experts. There are three potential paths:

How do I fix a dryer that is not heating?