You load your dryer, hit start, and come back to find your clothes just as damp as when you put them in. Sound familiar?
A dryer not heating up is one of the most common household appliance issues, and it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're dealing with a mountain of laundry.
When your dryer runs but doesn’t produce heat, you’re left with more questions than answers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a dryer that’s not heating by covering four of the most common causes, and if it’s time for a replacement, we’ll also highlight some of the best dryers worth considering.
Check the Heating Element First
One of the most common causes of a dryer not heating up is a faulty heating element. This coil or metal frame is responsible for generating the heat your dryer needs to dry clothes. Over time, the element can burn out due to prolonged use, age, or restricted airflow caused by lint buildup.
Wondering how to tell if the dryer element is bad? Electric dryers have a heating element, while gas dryers utilize a burner. To check the heating element, unplug your dryer and remove the back panel (for most models). You’ll find the heating element inside a metal housing. Look for visible signs of damage, such as cracks or burns. If you have a multimeter, you can test it for continuity. A reading of zero or infinite resistance usually means it’s time for a replacement.
If this is beyond your comfort level, we recommend calling in a professional technician, especially since installing a new heating element requires safety precautions and precise handling.
➜ Learn More: 5 Best Electric Dryers [+3 Worst]
Is Your Dryer’s Thermal Fuse Blown?
Another common reason your dryer won't heat is a blown thermal fuse. This small component is designed to prevent fires by cutting off power if the dryer gets too hot. If your dryer spins but doesn't heat, a blown thermal fuse is a likely suspect.
The thermal fuse is a one-time-use part, so if it trips, it must be replaced. It’s often located on the blower housing or near the heating element. You can check it with a multimeter: no continuity means the fuse has blown. One of the main causes of a blown thermal fuse is restricted airflow, often from clogged dryer vents or a dirty lint trap.
So, while replacing the fuse may solve the issue short-term, be sure to clean your vent system to prevent future problems.
Faulty Thermostat? Here’s How to Tell
Your dryer uses thermostats to regulate temperature. If a thermostat becomes stuck or defective, you’ll find yourself with a dryer not heating up. This is a slightly less common issue, but it’s still worth checking if other components are working properly.
Dryers typically have more than one thermostat—a high-limit thermostat and a cycling thermostat. Like other components, these can be tested using a multimeter for continuity. A faulty thermostat will prevent your dryer from maintaining the correct temperature, making it seem like your dryer stopped heating even though it still spins.
If you're unsure how to test or replace these parts, consider hiring a technician to diagnose the issue accurately.
➜ Learn More: Stackable Washer and Dryer Dimensions: Read Before You Buy
Don’t Overlook the Power Supply
If your clothes dryer not heating properly or not at all, the problem could be electrical. Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply to function correctly. If only one leg of the circuit is working (120 volts), your dryer may still run but won’t produce heat.
Check your circuit breaker box to ensure the dryer breaker hasn’t tripped. You can also test the outlet with a voltage meter to ensure it's supplying the proper voltage. If this sounds unfamiliar or unsafe, call a qualified electrician. We’ve seen many cases where customers ask, “Why is my dryer not getting hot?” only to discover a half-tripped breaker was to blame.
Need a New Dryer? Consider These Top Picks from Slager
Keep reading for our top four dryer picks from Slager Appliances.
GE 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Electric Dryer
Shop GE 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Electric Dryer
Smart, efficient, and ready for anything—this GE front load dryer makes laundry day faster, easier, and a whole lot smarter.
With built-in Wi-Fi powered by SmartHQ, you can control cycles from anywhere and receive real-time updates straight to your device.
The Sensor Dry system helps protect your clothing by preventing over-drying, while the Quick Dry setting is perfect for families who need clean clothes in a hurry.
ENERGY STAR certification ensures efficiency, and features like Damp Alert and Wrinkle Care make everyday laundry tasks more manageable. This model blends power and precision to handle everything from delicate garments to heavy towels with ease.
Top Features
- SmartHQ Wi-Fi Connectivity for remote monitoring and control
Sensor Dry and Damp Alert for optimal drying and fabric care - ENERGY STAR-certified for efficient, eco-friendly performance
⭐Featured GE Dryer Review:
"Amazing product, highly recommend. The quality is just amazing plus the anti mold design and vent system is ahead of its time. These things will last you. Almost no service calls across users :) one and done."
Speed Queen DC5 7.0 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Electric Dryer
Shop Speed Queen DC5 7.0 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Electric Dryer
Built for durability and power, the Speed Queen DC5 dryer brings commercial-grade performance to everyday home use.
While it comes with a higher price tag, it offers unmatched reliability, premium components, and an industry-leading 5-year warranty, making it well worth the investment.
The Matte Black finish adds a sleek, modern touch, while thoughtful features like the interior light, reversible door, and end-of-cycle indicator bring everyday convenience to your laundry routine.
Top Features
- Commercial-grade durability with a best-in-class 5-year warranty
- Matte Black finish for stylish, modern appeal
- Easy-to-use features like an end-of-cycle alert and reversible door for installation flexibility
Hotpoint 6.2 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Shop Hotpoint 6.2 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Looking for dependable performance at a great value? This Hotpoint electric dryer delivers both.
It’s designed with essential features that make drying simple and efficient, including Auto Dry technology that prevents over-drying and protects your clothes.
The large internal diffuser distributes heat evenly, ensuring big and bulky loads get thoroughly dried. With flexible venting options and a corrosion-resistant aluminized drum, this dryer is built to fit your space and stand up to years of use.
Top Features
- Auto Dry monitors air temperature for optimal drying results
- Powerful venting system supports installation up to 120 feet
- Durable aluminized drum resists corrosion and improves performance
⭐Featured Hotpoint Dryer Review:
"Best feature for me is the actually the limited number of drying choices. Not complicated. Basic normal temps and dryness. I don't need all the bells and whistles of the higher priced clothes dryers. This one fit my budget."
Bosch 500 Series 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Ventless Electric Dryer
Shop Bosch 500 Front Load Ventless Electric Dryer
Perfect for tight spaces, Bosch dryer pack powerful performance, smart features, and ventless efficiency into a compact design.
Its 24” footprint fits perfectly in smaller homes, apartments, or condos, and the ventless design allows for flexible installation without needing external ductwork.
The Self-Cleaning Condenser takes the hassle out of maintenance, ensuring long-term efficiency without extra upkeep.
With Home Connect and Smart Dry, this dryer even syncs with your Bosch washer to automatically choose the optimal drying cycle, offering modern convenience for your busy lifestyle.
Top Features
- Ventless installation for easier setup and location flexibility
- Self-Cleaning Condenser for energy-saving performance and low maintenance
- Home Connect with Smart Dry for intelligent cycle pairing and remote control
➜ Learn More: How the Sanitize Setting on Your Dryer Actually Works
Still Stuck? Slager Appliance Can Help
To recap, here are the four most common causes of a dryer not heating up:
- A burnt-out heating element
- A blown thermal fuse
- A faulty thermostat
- An issue with the power supply
Some of these problems are easy to spot and fix on your own, while others may require the help of a trained technician.
If your dryer is still giving you trouble or you're unsure where to start, contact our team at Slager Appliance.
We offer professional appliance repair and expert advice, and if it turns out you need a new dryer, we’ve got an incredible selection in our showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
This typically means the dryer has a power or component issue. It could be a bad heating element, a blown thermal fuse, a faulty thermostat, or a power supply issue. While the drum can still spin with partial power, heating requires a full 240V connection. Checking each component or contacting a professional can help resolve the problem quickly.
To check the heating element, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. Look for visible damage, such as burns or breaks in the coil. You can also test it with a multimeter for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the element is likely bad and should be replaced.
No, a thermal fuse is a single-use safety device. Once it blows, it cannot be reset and must be replaced. It’s crucial to address the underlying issue—often poor airflow from a clogged vent—to prevent it from blowing again.
It depends on the age of the dryer and the cost of the repair. If the dryer is more than 8-10 years old and needs a costly fix, it may make more sense to invest in a new energy-efficient model. However, if the issue is minor, like a thermal fuse or thermostat, repair can be a cost-effective solution.
Gas dryers use a gas burner to produce heat rather than an electric heating element. However, they still have components like thermostats and thermal fuses that can fail. Many of the same troubleshooting steps apply, but any gas-related repair should be handled by a licensed professional for safety.
Why Trust Slager Appliances?
Founded over 70 years ago, Slager Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Iowa City, IA. Slager has competitive prices and industry knowledge in delivering and installing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
Whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products we are with you all the way. We will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Shop Dryers at Slager Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dryers online at Slager Appliances. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the dryer for your home— whether you call us at 319-337-3833, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Slager Appliances in Iowa City, IA. Visit us today!