Few things are more frustrating than finding that your clothes are still wet after going through a dryer cycle. If your dryer does not heat up, you may think it is time to replace it. However, that is not always the case.
There are a few reasons this issue occurs, and if you know what these reasons are, you can take action and help keep the problem from getting worse. Keep reading to find out what the most common causes of a dryer not heating up are.
There are a few common reasons your dryer may not be heating up. These are typically quick fixes. They include:
If your dryer’s heating element is blocked with lint or debris, it can overheat and shut down the thermostat. Clean the lint screen and then use your vacuum attachment to clean the lint trap. Remove the vent hose from the back of your dryer, too, and shake it out. You may also want to consider investing in a professional dryer vent cleaning, which helps prevent fires.
Do you use a gas dryer? If so, be sure you paid your gas bill. Also, ensure the gas valve that feeds your dryer is turned on.
If you have an electric dryer, it will require two 120v breakers to work. One runs the motor to turn the drum, and one powers the heating element. Sometimes, the two breakers powering your dryer can trip independent of one another. This problem just requires you to reset the tripped breaker.
Sometimes, the issue is not your dryer at all. Check the efficiency of your washing machine. Does the spin cycle get enough of the water out of the clothing or towels? If these items are soaked when going into the dryer, they probably will not come out fully dry.
If none of the more common issues are to blame for the malfunction of your dryer, there could be a different problem. These include:
You may try to test and replace these components on your own, but this can be complex. It is a good idea to call the professionals for a full inspection. They will be able to find the underlying issue and make the needed repairs. Remember, when it comes to your dryer, you should not take chances. If there is an issue and the dryer does not heat up, it means there is something wrong. By acting as soon as you detect a problem, you can feel confident it will not get worse and cost more to repair.
