Dryer Runs But Won't Heat
A dryer that tumbles but doesn't heat is almost always a thermal fuse, heating element, or — most often — a clogged vent that's tripped the safety high-limit. This is the most fixable major-appliance problem and a fire safety issue worth catching.
Tools
- ✓For continuity-testing the thermal fuse and heating element
- ✓Most dryer panels are held with 1/4 or 5/16-inch hex screws
- ✓Long flexible brush for cleaning the entire vent run
- ✓
Materials
- +$5–$15. The cheapest part — and the one that fails most often when a vent is clogged.
- +$30–$80. Only replace if test shows it's actually bad.
- +For resealing vent connections after cleaning
Steps
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1
Clean the entire vent run first
Disconnect the dryer from the wall vent. Use a long brush to clean the vent from inside the house to the outside hood. Check the hood flap — should open freely; remove any nest or lint pack at the exit. This often fixes the issue alone because the thermal fuse trips when airflow is restricted.
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2
Reset and test
Reconnect everything and test. If heat returns: you're done — schedule annual vent cleaning. If still no heat, the safety fuse may have already blown and needs replacing.
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3
Access the thermal fuse
Unplug the dryer. Remove the back panel (or front, depending on brand). The thermal fuse is a small white or black plastic part mounted on the blower housing or heating element duct.
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4
Test the thermal fuse
Set multimeter to continuity (or ohms). Touch probes to each terminal of the fuse. A good fuse reads near 0 ohms (beeps). No reading = blown. Replace.
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5
Test the heating element
Locate the heating element (long coiled wire in a metal housing). Disconnect the two wires. Test continuity across the terminals — should read 10–50 ohms. Reading "OL" or infinity = broken element, replace.
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6
For gas dryers — check the igniter and coils
A gas dryer that won't heat may have a bad igniter (glows orange briefly then goes out), bad gas valve coils, or bad flame sensor. Each is a cheap part and DIY replaceable. If unfamiliar with gas appliances, call a tech.
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7
After repair, schedule annual vent cleaning
Clean the vent every year, or every 6 months for a long run. A dryer that runs hot but takes 2+ cycles to dry is also telling you the vent is overdue.