Making Fixes to a Dryer Lacking Warm Air

Having a dryer that fails to heat properly can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Not only does it leave you with wet clothes after a cycle, but it also prevents you from quickly drying items that you need to wear. When your dryer stops blowing hot air, there are several potential causes to investigate.

With some basic mechanical skills and troubleshooting techniques, you can often get your dryer heating again without the cost of a service call.

Checking Power Supply and Electrical Connections

The first thing to check when a dryer won't heat up is the power supply. Start by ensuring the dryer is plugged in and the outlet is functional. Use a multimeter or simple plug-in circuit tester to check for power.

Next, visit your home's main electrical panel and locate the circuit breaker controlling the dryer. Flip the breaker off and then back on to reset it. Circuit breakers trip when too much electricity passes through, which can happen with short circuits or power surges.

Inspecting Power Cord and Terminals

With the dryer unplugged, thoroughly inspect the power cord for damage. Look for frayed wires, cuts, exposed copper, bent prongs, and burn marks. Replace cords that show wear or hazards before using the dryer again.

Also examine the power cord terminals on the back of the machine. Check for loose connections, burnt terminals, or broken wires. Tighten screws and remake faulty connections. Consult an electrician if wiring needs replacement inside the dryer.

Diagnosing Problems with Thermal Fuse

Many dryers have a thermal fuse that blows when temperatures get too high in the drum. The fuse is a safety mechanism that cuts power to prevent fires. You'll need to locate the thermal fuse inside the dryer and test it for continuity with a multimeter.

First, unplug the dryer and remove the back service panel. The thermal fuse sits in the heating element housing or near the motor. Use the wiring diagram on the panel to identify its location if unsure.

Testing and Replacing Thermal Fuse

Set a multimeter to Ohms setting and touch probes to both fuse terminals. Healthy fuses show very low resistance. If you get a high reading or no continuity at all, the thermal fuse needs replacement.

Order an identical thermal fuse designed specifically for your dryer model. Installing a generic or wrong rated fuse risks overheating fires. Swap out the bad fuse with a new one, taking care to secure connections.

Checking Dryer's Heating Element

The heating element generates the hot forced air that dries your clothes. Over time, heating elements may burn out or break, causing no heat issues. Locate your heating element housing and visually inspect the coil element for damage.

Also use a multimeter to check heating element resistance. Consult your owner's manual for the correct ohms reading. If too high or infinite resistance, it signifies worn out heating coils.

Replacing Faulty Heating Element

When the heating element fails testing, replacement is required. Turn off power and unplug dryer before starting. Remove screws from element housing and disconnect wires before lifting out.

Install the new heating element, taking care not to touch coils with bare hands. Reattach wires and housing cover before restoring power. Test element operation before reassembling back panels.

Cleaning Lint Buildup and Ventilation

Restricted airflow can lead to overheating that trips thermal fuse. Lint and debris accumulation in vents and inside the dryer can block proper airflow.

Removing Lint and Obstructions from Vents

Detach dryer venting ductwork and inspect for lint buildup. Carefully clean lint from ducts using a vacuum hose. Also ensure outdoor vent hood flaps open and close properly.

Check vent pipes for kinks or damage too. Straighten out any crushed sections blocking airflow. Patch holes or replace deteriorating vents allowing lint leaks into wall voids.

Cleaning Internal Dryer Components

Gain internal access by removing service panel and front lint screen housing. Use vacuum crevice tool to clear lint from the trap housing and shoot buildup around drum and motor.

Scrub drum interior with non-metallic brush taking care not to damage moisture sensors. Remove considerable lint underneath the drum too. Vacuum up all loosened debris before reassembly.

Testing Thermostats and Cycling Thermostat

Electric dryer thermostats regulate operating temperatures to prevent overheating. Thermal fuses work in conjunction with cycling and high-limit thermostats.

Test both thermostats for continuity with a multimeter. Replace thermostats that fail testing. Stubborn lint contamination can also render thermostats inoperable over time.

Verifying Thermostat Control Circuitry

Ensure temperature control circuit wires securely connect to related components like heating element, thermostats, and timer motor. Loose wiring interrupts critical safety cut-offs and circulation.

Inspect wire condition too replacing any deteriorated or heat-damaged leads. Faulty control wiring creates resistance and heat buildup blowing fuses prematurely.

Diagnosing Gas Valve Solenoids and Flame Sensor

Gas dryer ignition failures also lead to no heat situations. Electric igniters generate gas burner ignition sparks while sensing flames. Solenoid valves then meter gas flow levels.

Testing Igniter, Valve Solenoid Coils and Sensors

Visually check igniter wiring and ceramic surface for damage. Use continuity setting to test electrical function. Ohm out flame sensor too looking for in-range resistance values.

Verify coil resistance for both the igniter and main burner gas valve solenoids. Faulty solenoids that won't open fail to ignite and release gas. Replace defective solenoid coils and assemblies.

Examining Blower Motor and Drum Seals

Proper airflow keeps heating element temperatures steady. Electric motors spin drum and fan blades to circulate this air. Compromised seals also lead to insufficient airflow.

Testing Motor Operation and Sealing Components

Manually rotate dryer drum checking for binding or stiff movement. Ensure blower fan spins freely without loud grinding too. Replace seized motor assemblies that fail turning tests.

Inspect drum seals for excessive wear, gaps, or tears. Check mating surfaces for buildup preventing tight seals. Replace damaged gaskets and clean seal surfaces to restore airflow.

Confirming Repairs and Reassembly

After completing component replacements and airflow path cleanings, meticulously reassemble the dryer. Secure all interior fasteners before replacing control panels.

Verifying Proper Dryer Function

Restore electrical power and gas connections when applicable. Select a high heat cycle and run a test load checking vent exhaust temperatures. Repeat troubleshooting if units still don't reach proper operating heat.

You can minimize future dryer overheating problems by maintaining and operating it properly. Always clean lint screens after each load to keep trap housing and ducts clear.

Avoid overstuffing the drum too to ensure adequate airflow circulation. Have vent pipes professionally cleaned once a year as prevention.

Lastly, immediately investigate any new burning smells coming from a running dryer. Ignoring warnings risks fire hazards endangering your home or family.