Dryer troubleshooting
Dryer Not Heating? Causes & Fixes
A dryer that tumbles but won't heat has a heat-circuit problem — and it's often a single part. Here's the likely cause.
Common causes
Blown thermal fuse
Pro repairA safety fuse trips (often from a clogged vent) and cuts the heat while the drum still turns — common and inexpensive.
Failed heating element (electric)
Pro repairThe element burns out over time and stops producing heat entirely.
Bad igniter or gas valve (gas)
Pro repairOn gas dryers, a worn igniter or stuck valve means no flame and no heat.
Clogged vent / restricted airflow
You can checkA blocked vent overheats the dryer, trips fuses, and is a fire hazard — clear it first.
What you can check yourself
- Check the lint screen and clean the full vent run to the outside — this is also a fire-safety must.
- Make sure the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs.
- On electric dryers, confirm both household breakers are on (one can trip, leaving tumble but no heat).
- Don't overload — packed loads can't dry and mask heat problems.
When to call a pro
If the vent is clear and it still won't heat, it's the fuse, element, or igniter — a quick, same-day repair for a tech.
Most dryer repairs run $110–$400 — see our repair cost guide.
Other dryer problems
FAQ
Dryer not heating — questions
A dryer that tumbles but won't heat has a heat-circuit problem — and it's often a single part. Here's the likely cause. The most common causes are blown thermal fuse, failed heating element (electric), bad igniter or gas valve (gas).
You can safely check a few things first: Check the lint screen and clean the full vent run to the outside — this is also a fire-safety must. Make sure the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs. On electric dryers, confirm both household breakers are on (one can trip, leaving tumble but no heat). If the vent is clear and it still won't heat, it's the fuse, element, or igniter — a quick, same-day repair for a tech.
Most dryer repairs run $110–$400 in the San Francisco Bay Area, parts and labor — you get a flat-rate quote before any work begins. See our repair cost guide for details.
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