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Why is my dryer running but not heating?
A dryer that runs but won't heat usually has a blown thermal fuse, a failed heating element (electric), a failed igniter or gas valve coil (gas), or a tripped breaker. A blown thermal fuse often means the dryer overheated because the vent is blocked.
The fix depends on whether you have a gas or electric dryer. Gas dryers have a power cord and a gas line. Electric dryers use a large 240-volt plug and no gas line.
What should you check first?
- Check the breaker. Electric dryers use a double breaker. If one half trips, the drum can still turn but there is no heat.
- Check the settings. Make sure the dryer is not on air fluff or a no-heat cycle.
- Clean the lint screen. A full screen restricts airflow and can trigger safety cutoffs.
- Check the vent. With the dryer running, go outside and feel for strong airflow at the vent hood.
- Check the gas valve. On a gas dryer, make sure the shutoff valve behind the dryer is open.
What causes no heat in an electric dryer?
Blown thermal fuse
This one-time safety fuse blows when the dryer gets too hot. It is cheap to replace, but it is a warning sign that airflow is blocked.
Failed heating element
The element is a coil of wire that glows hot. Over time it can break. A technician can test it for continuity in a few minutes.
Cycling or high-limit thermostat
These thermostats control the temperature. If one fails, the element may never turn on.
What causes no heat in a gas dryer?
Failed igniter
The igniter glows to light the gas. If it is cracked or weak, the burner never lights. You may hear clicks but see no flame.
Gas valve coils
The coils open the gas valve. A common sign is a burner that lights briefly and then goes out, or does not light after the first few minutes.
Flame sensor or thermal fuse
The flame sensor tells the dryer when the burner is lit. If it fails, the gas valve may not open. A blown thermal fuse can also stop the burner.
If you ever smell gas near the dryer, do not use it. Leave the house and follow PG&E's gas safety steps. The EPA also recommends having gas dryers and other fuel-burning appliances checked and properly vented to prevent carbon monoxide.
Dryer cold and the vent is clear? Call us and a technician can test the fuse, element, igniter, and valves.
Why does the thermal fuse keep blowing?
A thermal fuse that blows again and again means the dryer is overheating. The usual cause is a blocked or crushed vent, or heavy lint inside the cabinet. Fix the airflow first, or the new fuse will blow too.
Our guide on dryer vent cleaning and fire safety explains how to check and clean the vent safely.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the breaker and vent are fine but there is still no heat, if the fuse keeps blowing, or if you have a gas dryer and the burner won't light. Our dryer repair service fixes gas and electric dryers from Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, LG, GE, and more. Our repair cost guide shows typical dryer repair prices.
If your dryer is old and you are thinking about replacing it, the ENERGY STAR clothes dryer guide lists efficient models, including heat pump dryers.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
On electric dryers, the most common causes are a blown thermal fuse, a failed heating element, or a tripped breaker. On gas dryers, it is usually a failed igniter, gas valve coils, or a blown thermal fuse.
Why does my dryer's thermal fuse keep blowing?
A thermal fuse blows when the dryer overheats. That almost always means a blocked vent or lint buildup. Replacing the fuse without fixing the airflow will not solve the problem.
Is it safe to keep using a dryer that won't heat?
Stop using it until you find the cause. If the fuse blew from overheating, running the dryer again with a blocked vent raises the fire risk.
