Dryer Tumbling But Not Heating? Here Are the Top 4 Causes

You toss a load of wet clothes into the dryer, set the timer, and walk away. When you come back, the clothes are still damp, but the drum was spinning the whole time. A dryer that tumbles but doesn’t heat is one of the most common appliance failures, and it can bring your laundry routine to a halt.

Here are the four most common culprits behind a dryer that’s not heating up.

1. Clogged Lint Screen or Dryer Vent

This is the first thing you should always check. Your dryer needs proper airflow to heat effectively.

• The Problem: A clogged lint screen or, more seriously, a vent hose packed with lint, restricts airflow. This traps heat and moisture, preventing your clothes from drying. It’s also a major fire hazard.
• The Fix: Clean the lint screen after every single load. At least once a year, disconnect the dryer vent hose from the back of the machine and the wall and clean it out thoroughly.

2. A Tripped Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device that blows to prevent the dryer from overheating.

• The Problem: If the dryer gets too hot (often due to a clogged vent), the thermal fuse will trip, cutting power to the heating element as a safety measure. The drum may still turn, but there will be no heat.
• The Fix: Replacing a thermal fuse is a job for a professional. More importantly, a technician needs to identify and fix the underlying overheating issue, or the new fuse will just blow again.

3. A Faulty Heating Element

The heating element is the component that generates the heat in an electric dryer.

• The Problem: Over time, the coil in a heating element can burn out or break. When this happens, the dryer will continue to function mechanically, but it will only blow cool air.
• The Fix: This requires disassembling part of the dryer to access and replace the heating element. It’s a complex repair that should be handled by an expert.

4. A Bad Gas Valve Solenoid or Igniter (Gas Dryers)

Gas dryers work differently. They use an igniter to light the gas from a valve.

• The Problem: If either the igniter is weak or the gas valve solenoids fail, the burner won’t light, and the dryer won’t produce heat.
• The Fix: Working with gas lines is extremely dangerous and should only ever be performed by a qualified technician.

Safety First: When to Call Appliance Surgeon

While cleaning your lint trap is a simple DIY task, most heating-related issues involve electrical components or gas lines. For your safety, these repairs should be left to the professionals. The certified technicians at Appliance Surgeon have the tools and expertise to safely diagnose and repair any dryer issue.

If your dryer isn’t heating, contact Appliance Surgeon for same-day service in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia.