Why Is My Dryer Not Getting Hot
You’re one of the millions of Americans who rely on their dryer to keep their clothing clean and dry, but what happens when your clothes aren’t drying properly? Your clothes may not be getting hot enough, which means your dryer isn’t working right. Dryers are supposed to get hot, right? If you’re having trouble getting your dryer to heat up or you’re not getting hot air out of your dryer, there could be multiple reasons why this is happening. Some of them have to do with the age of your dryer, some have to do with the components inside the dryer, but most of the time, there are specific reasons that you can pinpoint when something doesn’t seem right about the heat in your dryer.
Read on to learn more about these reasons why is my dryer not getting hot and others that may relate to your own dryer and its heating system so that you can decide if you need to make an appointment with an appliance repair person or if you can fix it yourself. Here are some of the most common reasons your dryer isn’t getting hot and some troubleshooting techniques to help you quickly narrow down the problem.
#1: The dryer isn’t plugged in
It seems silly, but it happens. If your dryer isn’t getting hot and you think it might be plugged in, look for another outlet to plug it into before assuming that’s what’s wrong. You may not have a power source. If you do and you still aren’t getting heat, turn off your breaker or flip off your switch and unplug everything (not just your dryer).
#2: Something is blocking the exhaust vent
If your dryer isn’t getting hot, it could be because of something obstructing its exhaust vent. If you don’t regularly clean out your dryer, dust and lint can build up in a matter of weeks. All that accumulated dust is going to impede airflow and trap moisture inside, which can ultimately lead to mold. One way to check if something is blocking your vent is by removing it from where it exits from your house and shining a flashlight up into it; if you see any substantial blockage, you should clear it with a vacuum cleaner (or similar). Also, be on guard for bent or crushed vents—if those are severely damaged, they may need to be replaced by a professional.
#3: The heating element failed
Over time, these components wear out and must be replaced to restore dryer performance. Fortunately, they’re relatively inexpensive, though you may need to remove some of your dryer’s parts to access them. If you’re handy with a screwdriver, you can probably do it yourself; otherwise, call in an appliance repair professional. It might be a simple solution that saves you money in the long term. Just make sure you replace any damaged parts as well. Also, read the ways to get what you want from a Viking appliance repair service.
#4: The thermostat needs to be replaced
The most common reason why your dryer isn’t getting hot is a faulty thermostat. If it’s not working, it can’t send a signal to turn on. You should check to see if you have power going to the thermostat by turning off all other power sources, then try opening and closing some of your dryer’s door controls. If you hear a click as you switch them on and off, then they might be faulty and need replacing with a new one. However, if you don’t hear anything when switching them off and on again, that means there is no current running through those wires. In which case, you will want to call an electrician or just replace it yourself to get things up and running again (it shouldn’t take too long).
#5: The timer needs to be replaced
Timers can fail over time, especially if they are not being used. To check if your dryer’s timer is faulty, first, unplug your machine. If there is no belt turning and no heat coming out of your dryer, it may be that you have a broken timer or something else inside of it has broken or come loose. Replacement timers are very affordable and can be purchased at any hardware store. While replacing a timer can require some skill, it is not very difficult to do it yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable replacing your own dryer’s timer, then call in an appliance repair professional for assistance.
#6: The drum rollers are damaged or broken
If you notice your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, then it may be time for some maintenance on your dryer. Drum rollers or rotating rollers usually sit at both ends of your drum and help move clothes around in a circular motion while they are being tumbled during drying. This is an essential part of any functioning dryer, so if these parts have become damaged or worn out over time, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.
Dryers don’t just heat up clothing and sheets with hot air; they also have to get very hot themselves to work properly. If you’re having trouble getting your dryer to heat up, call LEA appliance repair professional immediately! Contact LEA Inc and get your dryer hot again as soon as possible!
