Using a dysfunctional dryer is quite frustrating and annoying. Especially when the dryer is not performing its basic function, heating. If your dryer is not providing heat properly, then there can be numerous causes behind its malfunction. It can be a faulty timer, tripped circuit, blocked vent, malfunctioning thermal fuse, etc.

No matter what, discovering these problems is the key to troubleshooting and solving them effectively. In this article, we will explore the 10 most common reasons that cause heating problems in spinners. Moreover, we will also offer actionable tips on how to diagnose and fix these issues. 

10 Common Causes of Dryer Heating Problems

This article aims at providing their users with knowledge about problems, troubleshooting, and fixing the dryer. By exploring these issues and solutions, users can save their time and money efficiently. Let’s discover the 10 common causes of dryer heating problems: 

1. Lack of Gas for Heating

The most common problem that causes the gas dryer not to heat properly is the lack of gas. The dryer needs a sufficient amount of gas to provide the heat for drying. If there is no gas, the dryer will fail to heat the clothes. 

As a result, your clothes will remain wet even after drying. Hence, keep the flow of gas in the dryer fluent. To ensure this, check for the issues of gas supply, blockage, valve issue, leakage, etc. 

2. Short Circuit in Wiring

Whether it is a gas dryer or an electric dryer, a short circuit in wiring can interrupt its heat supply. In the case of an electric dryer, smooth functioning wiring ensures the electricity for heating. If there is a short circuit, then the circuit breaker in the dryer might get tripped. 

A circuit breaker is a component of an electric dryer. It stops the flow of the current upon short circuits or overloading of the current.  While in the case of a gas dryer, the electric components help in ignition. If there is any malfunctioning in the wire, there will be no gas igniting. 

3. Clogged Lint Filter

A lint filter is a component of a gas dryer that filters clothes’ lint or fiber from the air. Its primary function is to keep the flow of heat smooth. It should be cleaned after regular intervals. If not it can indirectly prevent the dryer from heating. 

For instance, a clogged lint screen prevents airflow from the dryer. When air is restricted from leaving the dryer, it will result in overheating. This will activate the safety mechanisms in the dryer to shut off the heating. 

4. Defective Timer of Dryer

Dryers have either mechanical or automatic timers for managing drying cycles. A defect in a mechanical timer or a software crash in the automatic timer will result in the malfunctioning of the dryer. These defective timers do not let the dryer move to the next or turn off the drying cycle. This will lead to running heat inside the dryer. Hence, overheating will result in activating the thermostat, which prevents the dryer from further heating. 

5. Blocked Venting System

A gas dryer requires a sufficient amount of fresh air to keep a smooth inflow inside. If the vents in the dryer are blocked, it will not provide enough heat. Moreover, if the air is blocked from going out, it will keep the clothes moist. 

Hence, the clothes will remain damp even when there is enough heat for drying. As a result, the user thinks that the dryer is not heating even when it is providing heat properly. Hence, a blocked venting system can cause dryer malfunction. 

6. Tripped Thermal Fuse

Another reason that commonly results in dryers not heating is a tripped thermal fuse. As mentioned earlier, a thermal fuse is a safety feature in a dryer that activates when there is overheating in the dryer. This helps in protecting the dryer from catching fire. 

However, sometimes the thermal fuse itself gets tripped. This means that it prevents the dryer from heating even when there is no overheating. In other words, there is malfunctioning in the dryer except for the blown thermal fuse. 

7. Malfunctioning Heating Element of Spinner

A heating element is a crucial electrical part of an electric dryer. It consists of a few coils and wires that convert electricity into heat. Therefore, for a dryer to produce enough, its heating element should be functioning effectively. 

If the heating element is malfunctioning, it will produce less heat or no heat at all. The reason behind the malfunctioning of the heating element could be the natural depreciation of time. However, it may be because of the blockage of lint traps due to debris. 

8. A Faulty Thermostat

A thermostat is the temperature-regulating device of the dryer. It turns off or on the heating element based on high or low temperature. A faulty thermostat can cause overheating, underheating, or no heat at all. 

Moreover, a faulty thermostat also disrupts the drying procedure of the dryer. For example, uneven heating could cause under-drying or extended drying of clothes. Further, a defective thermostat can cause malfunctioning in the heating element due to irregular heating. 

9. Defective Ignition System

A flame sensor of the ignition system of the dryer is an essential element. Its responsibility is to detect the flame in the burner. Moreover, it ensures that the gas burner is igniting smoothly while the dryer is in operation. 

If the flame sensor is defective, it will not ignite the gas. Hence, there will be no heat. It can also cause other problems. For example, short cycling is due to irregular heating of the burner. Further, it can cause safety issues. 

10. Malfunctioning Motor

The motor inside the dryer is responsible for providing airflow. If the motor is faulty, it won’t provide sufficient airflow. This will lead to poor heat distribution. Moreover, a defective motor can indirectly prevent the heating of the dryer. As it runs the thermostat and thermistor, malfunctioning can disrupt their functioning. As a result, the dryer will be overheated, resulting in shutting mechanisms.

10 Solutions for Dealing with Dryer Heating Issues

Facing the heating problems of the dryer can be frustrating. Here are 10 effective solutions for troubleshooting and fixing dryer heating issues. By following them, the user can restore the heating of the dryer.

1.  Fixing the Issue of No Gas

To fix the problem of lack of gas, you should check the following things to make sure that there is a smooth flow of gas:

1. Make sure that the supply of gas to the dryer is fluent.
2. Check if the gas valve is turned on. Sometimes the problem is nothing but a half-open gas valve. 
3. Suspect the gas line to the dryer. Keep the line free of damages and kinks. Also, if there is any leakage of gas from the gas line. 

2.  Inspection of Wiring

To ensure that there is no short circuit or tripping of the circuit breaker, inspect the wiring system of the dryer. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the wiring of the dryer: 

1. Turn off the power to the dryer.
2. Depending upon the type or model of the dryer, open its wiring panel. 
3. Do a visual inspection of the wiring. See if there is any broken connection, damaged wire, short circuit, or tripped circuit breaker. 
4. If visual inspection is not enough, do a continuity test with a multimeter. If the meter shows a reading of infinity, the circuit is damaged. 
5. Replace any broken wire, repair the damaged circuit, or reset the circuit breaker for smooth functioning. 

3.  Cleaning the Lint Filter

A blocked lint filter needs to be cleaned. For this purpose, you can follow the instructions written below: 

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. 
2. Locate and remove the lint screen. For this, you can see the instruction manual of the dryer to see where the lint screen is located and how to remove it.
3. Clean the lint filter with your fingers or a soft brush to remove debris. 
4. Some lint filters are washable. Check the manual to see if your dryer’s lint trap is washable. If it is, wash it with warm or soapy water. 
5. If you have washed the lint filter, let it dry. 
6. While the lint filter is removed, check the surrounding area around it. Use a flashlight. 
7. If you see any lint, remove it using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. 
8. Place the lint screen back into its location.
9. To avoid blockage, clean it regularly.

4.  Replacing the Timer of the Dryer

The following are the steps to replace the timer of the dryer:

Step 1: Switch off the electricity or turn off the gas to the dryer. 

Step 2: Access the faulty timer. For this, see the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Step 3: After locating the timer, perform the continuity test. This is done to see if the timer or the timer motor is defective. 

Step 4: Replace the timer or timer motor. Again to do this, use the manual guide of the dryer. 

Step 5: Do a test check to see if the new timer is performing accurately.

5.  Purifying the Ventilation System

For purification of the ventilation of the dryer, you can purchase a cleaning kit. If not, you can still clean it with a vacuum cleaner. Let’s see how it is done:

• First of all, disconnect the dryer from the electric or gas source. 
• Open the control panel of your dryer. Do the necessary unclipping or unwinding of screws. 
• Remove the ventilation hose from its location. You can use a screwdriver for this. 
• After removing it, clean it with a cleaning kit or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.
• Once it is purified from debris, attach it back into its place. 
• Reattach the control panel by fixing its screws. 

6.  Substituting the Thermal Fuse

A blown thermal fuse can the substituting by using these simple steps: 

• Locate the thermal fuse. You can use the dryer’s instruction guide. If not, try to locate it at the back or front of the dryer.
• To see if the thermal fuse is blown, do the continuity test with a multimeter.
• If the reading shows that the fuse is blown. Replace it. 

7.  Renewing the Heating Element

A faulty heating element can be renewed using this guide:

• Take all the safety precautions. For instance, wearing gloves, putting on glasses, and turning off power. 
• Access the heating element. For this, check where the control panel is located. It might be at the back or front of the dryer. 
• Once accessed, disconnect all the wires from the heating element.
• Take out the heating element by removing all the fasteners and bolts with a nut driver. 
• Install the new heating element using a manual.
• Reassemble all the bolts and wires in their place. 

8. Removing the Faulty Thermostat

To remove the faulty thermostat of the dryer, do this:

• Switch off the dryer.
• Find the thermostat; it is mostly located near the heating element of the dryer. Therefore, you should open the control panel.
• Remove the wires, nuts, and bolts surrounding the thermostat. 
• Pull out the old thermostat and install the new one.
• Reassemble all the screws and wires.

9. Exchanging the Flame Sensor

For exchanging the flame, check if it is faulty or not. You can do a continuity test with a multimeter to check the resistance. If the flame sensor is faulty follow these steps: 

• Turn off the power supply of the dryer.
• Open the control panel of the dryer
• Remove all the wires and screws around the flame sensor.
• Take out the damaged sensor
• Install the new sensor using manual instructions.

10. Checking the Defective Motor

A motor can be defective due to numerous reasons. You should check which part of the motor is defective. In this way, you will be able to decide if you want to replace the defective part of a motor or the whole motor. Here is a step-by-step guide to checking the motor:

1. To avoid electrical disturbances, turn off the power. 
2. First of all, check the belt of the drum in the motor. In most cases of dryer not heating, the belt is either damaged or worn out.
3. Inspect the blower fan of the motor. The fan could be broken or obstructed.
4. Physically, inspect the whole motor to see if there is any visual damage or burnout. 
5. If there are visual signs of damage inside the motor, use a multimeter to check electrical issues. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is stated that by carefully reading this guide now know the common causes of dryers not heating. Moreover, you have gained enough knowledge about how to troubleshoot and fix these problems. 

Try inspecting the dryer and checking it isn’t heating due to the above-mentioned reasons. If yes, then fix the dryer heating problem following the solutions listed above. If you are unable to find any issue with the dryer or not heating, call professional assistance.