Dryer
Is Not Heating Up
If your dryer isn’t heating up or has stopped working, there could be several common reasons behind the issue. In this article, we’ll cover the top 5 potential causes of dryer malfunctions, explain what they are, and offer solutions for fixing them. Many of these problems can actually be prevented with proper maintenance. For proper dryer operation, it’s important to perform regular maintenance every 6-8 months. This ensures that both new and old dryers function reliably and have a long lifespan. Learn more about our dryer repair services.
Main Issues When Dryer Is Not Heating Up
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Clogged ventilation duct
The ventilation duct plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of a dryer, as it allows the dryer to «breathe.» Over time, the accumulation of dust and other particles inside the dryer can lead to these particles getting stuck in the ventilation duct. This buildup eventually forms a large clog, blocking the normal airflow through the duct. As a result, if the ventilation duct is clogged or partially blocked, the high limit thermostat often becomes the first component to fail due to excessive heat. This triggers the safety mode to prevent overheating or potential fire hazards. It’s essential to clean the ventilation duct regularly, every 8-12 months. If your ventilation duct is vented through the roof, you’ll likely need to hire a specialized service company to perform the cleaning. For ventilation ducts that are vented out the side of the house, lower on the wall, you can inspect and clean the vent screen yourself. Keeping the ventilation system clean is vital to ensuring your dryer operates efficiently and has a long lifespan.
Faulty heating element
A malfunctioning heating element is a common issue with electric dryers. Due to the accumulation of dirt on the heating element and within the ventilation ducts inside the dryer, the element can overheat, or the air may not properly circulate through the coil, causing it to break. Another cause of a heating element failure can be a clogged ventilation duct. In this situation, the heating element needs to be replaced with a new one. To replace the heating element, the dryer must be completely disassembled, and everything inside should be cleaned. We recommend replacing the element along with the thermostats and thermistor, ensuring you have a new heating system that will function efficiently for a long time.
The thermostats or thermistor are not working
A common issue with dryers is the failure of thermostats and thermistors. This problem is often caused by dust and dirt accumulating inside the dryer, which tends to stick to the sensors. Under high temperatures, these sensors can stop functioning properly. Another possible cause is a clogged ventilation duct, which prevents sufficient air circulation in the dryer’s heating system. The solution to this problem is to replace the faulty thermostats and thoroughly clean the dryer. A technician will inspect all air ducts, the vent hose, and the ventilation duct for any blockages. It’s crucial not only to replace the malfunctioning components but also to identify and fix the root cause of the problem.
The dryer is very dirty inside
Dryers of all brands and models generate a lot of lint, dust, and debris during the drying process. Particles from clothing, coins, hairpins, and other items often end up inside the dryer. Manufacturers recommend cleaning the interior of the dryer every 6-12 months, depending on usage. When dust and dirt accumulate, the dryer cannot function properly because sensors like the thermostat and high limit thermostat may receive incorrect information. If these sensors are clogged with dust, they overheat and shut off the heating element as soon as the maximum temperature is reached, which can happen even when the heater just starts. This might make it seem like the heating element is malfunctioning when, in reality, it simply needs cleaning. Properly cleaning the dryer involves fully disassembling it, removing the drum, and cleaning all components such as the motor, thermostats, thermistor, fan, heating element, screens, filters, and air pathways. The ventilation duct should also be inspected. We recommend servicing your dryer every 6-8 months to prevent breakdowns. Regular maintenance and cleaning can significantly extend the dryer’s lifespan, while repairs and part replacements are usually more expensive than preventive care.
Control board is not working
The control board governs the operation of all the components in a dryer. It collects data from sensors, thermostats, and other parts to ensure everything is functioning correctly before starting the machine. However, the control board itself can fail, often due to power surges during storms, hurricanes, or strong winds. If a technician determines that the control board is not working properly, it will need to be replaced. Many of our customers assume that when the dryer won’t start or the motor doesn’t run, the issue lies with the control board. However, this problem could be caused by a variety of other factors and components within the dryer system.
Repair Cost
| Ventilation duct cleaning | $170 — $500 |
| Heating element replacing | $245 — $340 |
| Faulty thermostat replacing and dryer cleaning | $170 — $280 |
| Full dryer cleaning | $170 — $220 |
| Control board / Dryer system repair | $220 — $380 |
The repair cost for a dryer can vary depending on the brand and model, as well as the complexity of the issue.
Contact Us For Any Dryer Repair Service
We’re here to handle all your dryer problems, whether it’s issues with cycles or total breakdowns. Prefer not to make a call? No worries! Simply complete the brief form below to get in touch with us. Book your dryer repair with one of our experts today!
Call us today: (863) 594-1784
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Teodor Appliance Repair provides exceptional appliance repair services across Florida. Renowned for our dependability and dedication to excellence, we specialize in keeping a diverse array of appliances running smoothly. Our technicians are adept at identifying and fixing problems with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For convenient access, locate us on Google Maps through this link: appliance repair.