RapidRepair

Dryer runs but no heat? Check the breakers, settings and vent

When a dryer turns but the clothes stay cool, the cause is often simple. An electric dryer runs on two circuits, and if one trips, the drum can still turn while the heater stays off. A no-heat setting, a clogged lint screen or a blocked vent can also stop the heat.

Check those first. They are quick, and none of them need tools.

Before you start

  • If you smell gas, leave first and call from outside.
  • Unplug the dryer before you reach behind it or touch the vent hose. Plug it back in for the test runs.
  • The drum and the lint can be hot. Let the dryer cool.
  • On a gas dryer, don't pull or bend the gas line.

Steps

  1. Check the settings. Pick a normal heat cycle, not Air Fluff or a no-heat setting. LG notes that Energy Saver cycles can air-dry for much of the run, so turn that off for one test.
  2. On an electric dryer, check the breakers. Frigidaire says that if one of the two is tripped or blown, the drum may turn but the heater won't work. Reset the breaker by turning it off and back on. If it trips again right away, leave it off and stop.
  3. On a gas dryer, check that the gas valve to the dryer is open, and keep laundry and rugs away from the front and back of the dryer.
  4. Pull out the lint screen and clear off the lint. LG shows washing the screen with water.
  5. Look at the vent hose behind the dryer. It should not be crushed, kinked, loose or full of holes. LG says it should run straight or in a gentle S curve.
  6. Go outside and find the vent outlet. Run the dryer on an air dry cycle and check that the flap opens all the way. Clear any lint you can see around the outlet.
  7. Run a normal heat cycle with a small load and see if the heat is back.
  8. If you still have no heat, a thermal fuse may have blown. It is a safety part inside the dryer that can stop the heat when it blows. Blocked airflow can be behind that, so clear the vent first. Samsung says a blown thermal fuse takes a professional repair.

When to stop

Stop and call a repair service if any of these happen.

  • You smell gas. Leave first and call from outside.
  • You smell burning, see scorch marks or melted plastic, see sparks, or find damaged wiring or a damaged cord.
  • A breaker trips again right after you reset it.
  • You aren't sure an electric dryer gets 240 volts. Frigidaire says a qualified electrician should confirm that.
  • The dryer still doesn't heat after these checks. Stop and call a repair service. Opening the dryer to replace the fuse yourself is not covered here.

Sources

Steps based on manufacturer support pages; your model's manual comes first.