HH Homeowner's Handbook
Home / Appliances / Troubleshoot a dryer not heating
TASK NO. 065 Preventive

Troubleshoot a dryer not heating

Appliances
Trigger
No heat but tumbles fine
Who does it
DIY or Pro
Est. time
30-60 min
Est. cost
$0-50
Difficulty
●●○○○
Step by step
  1. Check that the dryer vent isn't clogged (a top cause of heating issues).

  2. For gas dryers, confirm the gas supply valve is fully open.

  3. Check the breaker/circuit - electric dryers need two working breakers (240V).

  4. Inspect the thermal fuse (a common failure point) with a multimeter if comfortable.

  5. If the heating element or gas valve is at fault, call an appliance technician.

Questions to ask your pro
  • Are you experienced with my brand and model of dryer?
  • Will you diagnose which specific component has failed—heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat, gas valve, or igniter—before quoting a repair?
  • Do you use OEM or aftermarket replacement parts, and what is the parts warranty?
  • Will you inspect and clean the vent line as part of this service call?
  • If repair cost approaches the price of a new unit, will you advise me on replacement instead?
  • What is your diagnostic fee, and does it apply toward the repair cost if I proceed?
Video guide
Search: 'dryer not heating troubleshooting guide'
Watch this guide
This link is a suggested starting point and hasn't been individually re-checked recently — search the title to confirm it still matches before relying on it.
Community editing (coming soon)

See a better technique, a broken link, or a regional building-code note? Contributions will work like a wiki once accounts and review are live.