7 Common Reasons Your Dryer Isn’t Heating (And How to Fix Them)

You finish a drying cycle expecting warm, soft towels, but instead you're met with a pile of cold, damp laundry. It’s a frustrating moment and for many homeowners, a familiar one. A dryer that stops heating is one of the most common appliance issues out there, with thousands of people searching for answers every month.

Before assuming you need a brand-new dryer or a costly repair, there’s some reassurance: most heating problems come from simple causes you can check yourself. In many cases, the fix takes less than an hour, and the most frequent culprit, a blocked vent, doesn't cost anything beyond a few minutes of cleaning.

This guide breaks down the seven most common reasons a dryer stops heating, starting with easy-to-spot issues and moving toward more advanced component failures. You’ll know what to look for, what you can safely troubleshoot on your own, and when it’s best to bring in a professional.

7 Common Causes Your Dryer Isn’t Heating (With Detailed Fix Recommendations)

When your dryer suddenly stops producing heat, it can feel like a major breakdown but in most cases, the issue comes from a small component or a simple airflow restriction. Gas and electric dryers share many of the same failure patterns, and with the right steps, you can diagnose most problems before calling a technician. Below, you’ll find the seven most frequent reasons a dryer is not heating, what each problem looks like in real life, and the most effective ways to fix or troubleshoot them.

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker (Electric Dryers)

Electric dryers require 240 volts, delivered through two breakers.
If even one trip, the drum will tumble but the dryer will produce zero heat, which confuses many homeowners.

Common Signs

• Dryer runs normally but clothes stay cold

• No burning smell, no unusual noise, just no heat

• Breaker trips again soon after resetting

What to Do

1. Go to your electrical panel

2. Turn the dryer breaker fully OFF

3. Turn it back ON

4. If it trips again, you likely have:

   • A failing heating element

   • A wiring short

   • Overloading or loose wiring at the outlet

This is the fastest problem to check and often the easiest one to resolve.

2. Blown Thermal Fuse (Overheating Safety Mechanism)

The thermal fuse is a safety component designed to cut off heat if the dryer overheats.
In most cases, it blows because of poor airflow, usually a clogged vent or lint buildup.

Common Signs

• Dryer runs, but produces no heat at all

• Drum spins normally

• Fuse shows no continuity when tested

• Lint or dust visible around back panel

Fix Recommendation

• Clean the lint trap thoroughly

• Inspect your entire vent line not just the first 3 feet

• Replace the thermal fuse (once blown, it cannot be reset)

Important:
If the new fuse blows again, airflow is still restricted.
You must clean the main vent fully.

3. Burned-Out Heating Element

This is one of the top causes of an electric dryer not heating.
Heating elements weaken over time due to repeated cycles and can eventually snap or burn out.

Common Signs

• Dryer tumbles but never warms up

• Occasional burning smell before failure
  Long dry times even before the complete breakdown

• Visible break in the element coil

Fix Recommendation

• Test with a multimeter for continuity

• Replace the entire heating element housing if needed

This is a common repair and usually more affordable than expected.

4. Blocked Dryer Vent or Lint Restriction (The #1 National Cause)

More than 25% of dryer issues come from blocked vents especially in winter.
When airflow is restricted, the dryer overheats → the system shuts off heat → clothes come out damp and cold.

Warning Signs

• Dryer gets hot on the outside

• Burning smells

• Clothes take 2–3 cycles to dry

• Weak airflow from the exterior vent

• Visible lint around the duct connection

Fix Recommendation

• Clean lint trap

• Disconnect vent hose and clean fully

• Inspect the external vent flap

• Use a long dryer vent brush for deep cleaning

Cleaning your vent every 6–12 months prevents 80% of future heating problems.

5. Failed Thermostat or Temperature Cycling Switch

Your dryer uses multiple thermostats to regulate temperature.
If one fails, you may get low heat, inconsistent heat, or no heat at all.

Common Signs

• Dryer warms up slightly but never gets fully hot

• Heat cycles on/off too quickly

• Overheating followed by total loss of heat

Fix Recommendation

• Test thermostats for continuity

• Replace if readings don’t match specs

• Clean vent system to prevent recurring overheating

This issue may appear suddenly or gradually depending on the component.

6. Gas Igniter or Gas Valve Coil Problems (Gas Dryers)

For gas dryers, “no heat” is almost always linked to the igniter or gas valve coils.

Common Signs

• Igniter does not glow at all

• Igniter glows but never lights a flame

• Dryer heats once, then stops heating for the rest of the cycle

• Clicking or buzzing sounds near gas valve

Fix Recommendation

• If igniter never glows → likely igniter failure

• If igniter glows but no flame → gas valve coils need replacement

• If flame appears then disappears → thermostat or valve issue

Gas repairs involve safety risks, so this is often a job for a technician.

7. Faulty Timer or Control Board

When all the mechanical components are working, the issue may lie in the electronic controls.
A weak relay or burnt connection can prevent the dryer from activating heat.

Common Signs

• Dryer unexpectedly shuts off heat mid-cycle

• Timer gets stuck

• Settings do not respond

• Burn marks on control board

Fix Recommendation

• Inspect wiring harness

• Replace timer or control board if visually damaged

• Professional diagnostics recommended

Modern dryers rely heavily on electronics, so control failures are becoming increasingly common.

Professional Dryer Repair Service: When to Call Promix Appliance Repair

While many dryer heating problems can be handled with basic troubleshooting, some issues are best left to a professional. Promix Appliance Repair has certified technicians equipped with the tools, training, and experience to diagnose and repair even the most complicated dryer failures quickly and safely.

When You Need Professional Help

Contact us right away if you notice:

• Gas-related issues or persistent gas smells

• Circuit breakers that continue to trip

• Multiple components failing at once

• Any repair you feel unsure or uncomfortable performing

Why Homeowners Choose Promix Appliance Repair

• Same-day service available for urgent dryer issues

• Certified technicians trained to repair all major brands
  Upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden charges

• 90-day warranty on all completed repairs

• 24/7 emergency support for gas-related concerns

Our Diagnostic Approach

• A thorough 21-point inspection of your dryer

• Clear explanation of what’s causing the problem

• A written estimate before any repair work begins

• High-quality replacement parts from trusted suppliers

• Final testing to ensure your dryer heats and operates correctly

If your dryer is not working after trying the basic fixes or you simply want the job done by a professional from the start, Promix Appliance Repair is ready to help. Don’t let a broken dryer interrupt your routine. Reach out today for fast, dependable service.