When your dryer runs but clothes come out wet, the heating system has failed. This guide covers all common causes and solutions for both gas and electric dryers.
Electric Dryers: No Heat
Heating Element Failure
Most common cause. Elements eventually burn out.
Symptoms:
- Dryer runs, drum turns, no heat
- May have worked fine until suddenly stopping
DIY Check: Requires multimeter to test continuity. Element should show some resistance (10-50 ohms typically). Infinite resistance = failed element.
Thermal Fuse Blown
Safety device that blows if dryer overheats.
Symptoms:
- No heat (and sometimes no operation at all)
- Usually preceded by overheating or restricted airflow
DIY Check: Test continuity. Should show zero resistance. Open circuit = blown fuse.
Important: A blown thermal fuse indicates airflow problem. Always check venting when replacing.
Thermal Cutoff/High-Limit Thermostat
Similar to thermal fuse but may reset.
Symptoms:
- Intermittent heating
- Heat works sometimes, then stops
DIY Check: Test continuity when cool. Should show continuity.
Failed Cycling Thermostat
Regulates temperature during cycles.
Symptoms:
- No heat, or
- Overheating (won't cycle off)
DIY Check: Test continuity when cool.
Power Supply Issues (Electric Only)
Electric dryers need 240V. A partially working outlet causes no heat.
Symptoms:
- Drum turns but no heat
- Works on some cycles but not others
DIY Check:
- Check both breakers (dryer uses two)
- Test outlet with multimeter: should show 240V between hot terminals
- One tripped breaker = 120V = drum runs, no heat
Gas Dryers: No Heat
Gas Valve Solenoids
Control gas flow to burner.
Symptoms:
- Igniter glows but gas doesn't flow
- May work when cold, fail when hot
- Clicking sounds without ignition
DIY Check: Watch igniter through viewing hole. If it glows then goes out without flame, solenoids likely failed.
Igniter Failure
Lights the gas when valve opens.
Symptoms:
- No glow visible during cycle
- Gas smell (valve trying to open without ignition)
DIY Check: Watch for glow during cycle. No glow = failed igniter.
Warning: If you smell gas, stop using dryer and ventilate area.
Flame Sensor
Detects flame and signals valves to stay open.
Symptoms:
- Igniter glows, flame starts, then immediately goes out
- Cycle repeats: glow, brief flame, out
DIY Check: Visual observation of ignition pattern.
Thermal Fuse (Gas Dryers Also Have These)
Same as electric: safety device that blows from overheating.
All Dryers: Airflow Issues
Clogged Lint Screen
Check first with any heating problem.
Solution: Clean before every load. Wash with soap monthly to remove fabric softener buildup.
Blocked Vent Duct
Very common cause of heating problems and thermal fuse failures.
Symptoms:
- Dryer runs hot to touch
- Clothes take multiple cycles
- Excess lint around dryer
- Humid laundry room
Solution: Disconnect and clean entire vent path. Consider professional vent cleaning annually.
Crushed or Kinked Duct
Check behind dryer for duct damage.
Solution: Replace damaged duct. Use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, not vinyl.
Long Vent Runs
Each elbow and foot of length reduces airflow.
Consider:
- Maximum recommended length varies by dryer
- Each 90° elbow equals 5-10 feet of straight duct
- Booster fans for long runs
When to Call for Service
Call us if:
- You're not comfortable working with electrical or gas components
- DIY troubleshooting doesn't identify the problem
- Thermal fuse keeps blowing after vent cleaning
- Gas dryer issues (safety concern)
- Unusual sounds or smells accompany heating failure
Our technicians diagnose heating issues efficiently and carry common replacement parts for first-visit repairs.
David Martinez
Senior Technician
Expert in refrigeration systems and climate control