Why Is My Dryer Not Getting Hot? Common Reasons & Troubleshooting Tips

You open your dryer and find your clothes still cold and damp, even though it’s been running for hours now. 

You run it for 3-4 extra cycles but still there’s no help. 

And you wonder: Why is my dryer not getting hot? 

This is one of the most frustrating problems homeowners face. The dryer runs, but it doesn’t heat up.

The good news? 

It might not be as serious as you think. 

In fact, fixing it could be as simple as checking a few things at home. 

In this blog, I will walk you through some of the most common reasons for your dryer not heating up. Also, I will share some easy DIY fixes to troubleshoot your dryer. 

So, let’s get started. 

Key takeaways

• If your dryer runs but doesn’t heat, you should check for power supply issues or clogged vents.
  
• Clean your dryer vent regularly to avoid heating problems.
  
• A blown thermal fuse can stop your dryer from heating but still let it spin.
  
• Gas dryers might not heat due to a faulty igniter or gas flow issues.
  
• Always check your washer as overly wet clothes can make it seem like the dryer isn’t heating.
  
• If DIY fixes don’t work, it’s safe to call a professional.

First things first, is your dryer actually not heating?

Before you troubleshoot your dryer for heating problems, do make sure it’s really a heating issue. 

You see, sometimes the problem isn’t due to lack of heating. And a few simple checks can help you figure that out.

How? 

Answer the following questions: 

Are your clothes completely cold when they come out, or are they just still a little damp? 

If they’re just damp, it might not be a heating issue at all.

Did the problem happen all of a sudden, or has it been getting worse over time? 

A gradual change could point to something like a clogged vent or a part starting to fail.

Check the settings. Is your dryer on a heated cycle, like ‘Regular’ or ‘Heavy Duty’? 

If it’s accidentally set to ‘Air Fluff’ or ‘No Heat’, that could be the reason. 

A lot of times the dryer is producing heat, but poor airflow complicates the drying process. This is also the reason why sometimes your dryer smells like burning. 

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Here are the top reasons for your dryer not heating up

1. Power supply issues (this is the most common reason) 

One of the most common reasons your dryer might not be heating is a power issue. 

You might think your dryer is getting the right power when, in fact, it might only be getting half the power it needs. 

That’s because most standard electric dryers require two 120-volt lines (which is a total of 240 volts) to work properly. Here, one line powers the motor, making the drum spin, while the other powers the heating element, which is responsible for drying your clothes.

Now, if one of the electrical lines trip or if there’s an issue with the plug or connection, the dryer will still spin but won’t heat up. 

Here’s what you should check to confirm if it is a power issue: 

• First, go to your breaker panel and reset both dryer breakers.
• Next, inspect the plug and outlet for any loose or burned connections.
• If you’re unsure, call an electrician to test the voltage.

2. Dryer vent is clogged 

A clogged vent is one of the most common reasons your dryer stops heating properly. 

This happens because, over time, lint and debris build up in the vent, blocking airflow. And it prevents the dryer’s heating system from releasing the heat.

It might make the dryer overheat and shut off the heat as a safety precaution.

Here are some signs of a clogged vent:

• Clothes take 2-3 cycles to dry.
• The dryer feels really hot on the outside.
• A burning or musty smell starts to appear.
• You can see lint around the outside vent.
• The dryer shuts off mid-cycle.

Even if your vent is only partially clogged, it can still cause problems. And heating issues apart, clogged vents are a major fire risk too, causing thousands of home fires every year. 

Thankfully, fixing this is simple, all you’ve got to do is clean out your dryer vent regularly, and you can avoid this problem. 

3. Thermal fuse has blown 

The thermal fuse is a safety feature in your dryer that cuts off power to the heating element if the dryer gets too hot. 

It is a small but essential part designed to prevent fires by stopping heat if something goes wrong. 

However, if the fuse blows, your dryer won’t produce any heat. 

Here are some reasons why the thermal fuse blows: 

• Clogged vents that cause overheating.
• Poor airflow.
• Your dryer has been running too hot for too long.

Once the fuse blows, it can’t be reset. You’ll need to replace it.

But don’t skip checking the airflow first. If you replace the fuse without fixing the underlying airflow issue, it’s likely to blow again.

4. Heating element failure 

If the power supply and airflow are both good, but your dryer still doesn’t heat, the heating element itself might be the problem. 

Heating elements can wear out over time, crack, or even break internally. And when that happens, your dryer will still run, but it won’t generate any heat to dry your clothes.

Here are some signs of heating element failure:

• The dryer runs like normal, but your clothes stay cold.
• There’s usually no burning smell, unlike when a fuse blows or something overheats.

If this is the issue, you’ll need to open up the dryer, check the heating element, and test it with a multimeter. 

And if the heating element is broken, replacing it is the only fix.

5. Igniter and gas flow problems (in gas dryers)

Gas dryers have a different set of components that make them heat up, and these can fail in a number of ways. 

For instance, if your gas dryer isn’t heating, the problem could be with the igniter, gas valve coils, or even the gas supply itself.   

Here are some common gas dryer issues:

• A faulty igniter: If it doesn’t glow, the gas can’t ignite.
• Broken gas valve coils: If these are faulty, gas won’t flow to the burner.
• A shut-off gas supply: If the gas supply is turned off or interrupted, your dryer can’t heat.
• A clogged burner assembly: If the burner isn’t functioning properly, heat won’t be generated.

Note: Gas dryers involve handling gas lines, which can be dangerous to DIY if you’re not trained. I suggest you call a professional for gas dryer issues as it’s safer and will prevent bigger problems down the road.    

6. Thermostat and temperature sensor failure 

Dryers rely on a variety of thermostats and temperature sensors to keep things at the right heat level. And if one of these parts fails, it could cause all sorts of issues. 

You might find the dryer not getting hot enough. Worse, it doesn’t turn on the heat at all, the heat shuts off too early, or the dryer overheats and triggers safety shutdowns.

Here’s why thermostat and temperature sensors  fail:

• Over time, they can wear out from constant use. 
• Lint buildup can cause them to malfunction.
• If the dryer overheats regularly, it can damage these components.

If a thermostat or sensor fails, your dryer might not heat properly, or it could overheat and stop working altogether.

7. Control board or timer issues 

On newer dryer models, the control board or timer plays a big role in regulating the heating process. 

So, when this component fails, the dryer might seem to be running just fine, but the heat never turns on. 

This problem is less common but can still happen, especially after power surges or electrical issues.

Here’s what’s happening here: 

• The control board decides when to send power to the heating element.
• If the board malfunctions, the heating element won’t get any power, even if everything else seems normal.

Here’s what you can do:

• This issue is harder to fix on your own because it involves the electrical components inside the dryer.
• If you suspect a control board or timer issue, it is best to call a professional.

In short, here’s why your dryer is not getting hot: 

Washer problems might also look like dryer problems (but they’re different)

Before you try to fix the dryer for not heating properly, I suggest you check if the washer is doing its part. 

You see, if your clothes come out of the washer dripping wet or soaking heavy with water, the dryer has to work a lot harder. 

The heating might be just fine, but when clothes are too wet, the dryer can’t dry them effectively.

It might seem like the dryer is not heating properly when in reality the clothes are just overloaded with water.

Here’s what I suggest you check:

• Washer spin cycle: Make sure the spin cycle is running properly and extracting enough water from your clothes. If it’s not spinning fast enough, your clothes will be too wet for the dryer to handle efficiently.
• Drain performance: Check that your washer is draining properly. If the water isn’t draining out completely, your clothes will stay soaked.
• Load size: Avoid overloading the washer. A big or heavy load can prevent the spin cycle from working well, leaving your clothes extra damp.

If the washer isn’t doing its job, your dryer will struggle to dry your clothes, no matter how much heat it’s producing.

In short, here are some washer problems that keep your clothes wet: 

Dryer not warming up: How to troubleshoot?

Before you call a professional, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot your dryer that you can try. After all, fixing your dryer heating is often simpler than you think. 

Overall, here are a few ways you can try to troubleshoot: 

1. Check settings

First, make sure your dryer is set to a heated cycle. 

Sometimes, you or your family members might accidentally set it to ‘Air Fluff’ or ‘No Heat.’ Switch to a timed or automatic heat cycle, and see if that makes a difference.

2. Check power

If the settings are correct, check your power supply. 

Go to your breaker panel and reset both dryer breakers. Also, take a look at the dryer plug and outlet for any signs of loose or burnt connections.

3. Clean lint trap

Clean the lint trap after every load. 

Lint buildup not only makes drying slower, but it can also cause your dryer to overheat or stop heating. So, always do it before you start a new load.

4. Inspect vent hose

Check the vent hose for any kinks or crushing. 

It is important that the hose runs smoothly to allow proper airflow. Also, make sure it’s not too long or filled with lint as both can restrict airflow and cause heating problems.

5. Check outside vent

Finally, go outside and check the vent where the air exits. 

See if there is strong airflow and if the vent flap opens fully when the dryer’s running. If not, you might have a blockage or airflow issue that needs to be cleared.

In short, here’s how to troubleshoot if dryer is not heating up: 

When should you call a professional? 

While DIY fixes can often do the trick, there are certain situations where it’s best to stop and call a pro. 

For instance, if you smell gas, that’s a major red flag and a serious safety concern. So, you shouldn’t try to fix it yourself.

Similarly, if you suspect electrical issues, like problems with voltage or wiring, it’s best to have an electrician check things out.

Also, if internal parts like the heating element or control board need testing or replacement, leave it to the experts. 

The same thing goes for vent cleaning where professional dryer vent services ensure your dryer never stops working because of clogged vent lines or lint buildup. 

A trained technician can diagnose the problem safely, fix it correctly, and help prevent future issues.

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Contact us to improve your indoor air
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Final words 

By now, I am sure you know why is your dryer not getting hot even though it is running. 

You see, it is clearly a sign that something’s wrong, and it might get worse if you don’t fix it soon. 

So, the earlier you catch the issue, the less damage there will be, and the safer your home will be. 

If you’re unsure about what’s going on, it’s always a good idea to have a professional take a look. 

Got more questions or want to schedule a dryer vent cleaning service? 

You can get in touch with us!

At Clean Air Technologies, we are professional dryer vent and air duct cleaning specialists with 3+ decades of hands-on experience in New Jersey. And we’ve got all your dryer vent cleaning needs covered on a budget. 

FAQs about dryer not heating up

Why does my dryer run but not get hot?

When a dryer runs but doesn’t heat, it’s usually caused by a power supply issue, a clogged dryer vent, a blown thermal fuse, or a faulty heating component. 

In many homes, restricted airflow from lint buildup causes the dryer to shut off heat as a safety measure. 

Can a clogged dryer vent cause my dryer to stop heating?

Yes, and this is one of the most common causes. 

When lint blocks the dryer vent, heat can’t escape properly. This might cause the dryer to overheat and automatically shut off heat to prevent a fire. 

It often seems like the dryer is broken when it’s actually a venting issue. So, cleaning the dryer vent often restores heat, shortens drying times, and improves safety at the same time.

Why is my electric dryer not heating but still spinning?

Electric dryers need 240 volts to produce heat. If one breaker trips or a wiring connection fails, the dryer may still spin but won’t heat. 

Why is my gas dryer not heating up?

Gas dryers rely on an igniter and gas supply to create heat. If the igniter fails, gas flow is disrupted, or the gas valve isn’t working properly, the dryer will tumble but won’t heat. 

Now, since gas systems can be dangerous, this is not a DIY repair. If your gas dryer isn’t heating, it’s best to stop using it and contact a professional for safe diagnosis and repair.

When should I call a professional for a dryer not heating?

You should call a professional if basic checks don’t solve the issue, if you suspect electrical or gas problems, or if the dryer overheats or shuts off unexpectedly. 

Gas dryer issues, control board failures, and internal electrical testing should never be handled without proper training. A professional diagnosis can prevent repeat breakdowns and reduce fire risk in your home.