Smell gas, see smoke or flames? Leave the building and call 911 or your gas utility from outside before anything else.
Laundry appliance repair
Dryer repair
A dryer that runs but does not heat usually has a blown thermal fuse, a failed element or, on gas models, a failed igniter or valve coil. The fuse tends to blow because the vent is restricted, so a repair that does not clear the vent often fails again.
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Dryer parts replaced most often
- Thermal fuse
- One-time fuse that blows on overheating, often because of a restricted vent.
- Heating element
- Breaks open and stops all heat on electric dryers.
- Gas igniter and valve coils
- Igniter glows but the gas does not light when the coils fail.
- Belt, rollers and idler
- Wear out and cause squealing, thumping or a still drum.
What a dryer repair covers
A dryer turns the drum with a belt and motor, heats air with an element or gas burner, and pushes moist air out through the vent. Thermostats and fuses shut the heat off if the air cannot get out.
- Heat
- Heating element on electric models; igniter, flame sensor and valve coils on gas models.
- Safety limits
- Thermal fuse, high-limit and cycling thermostats.
- Drive
- Belt, idler pulley, drum rollers and glides, and the motor.
- Airflow
- Lint screen housing, blower wheel and the vent run to the outside. See dryer vent cleaning.
What shapes a dryer repair
- Gas or electric
- Gas dryers need a technician qualified for gas connections.
- Stacked or closet installs
- Need more time to pull out and reconnect.
- Vent condition
- Long, crushed or roof-terminated vents add a cleaning job.
Dryer symptoms and usual causes
| What you notice | Usual cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runs but no heat | Thermal fuse, element, gas igniter or valve coil | Part replaced and vent checked. See dryer not heating. |
| Takes two or three cycles to dry | Restricted vent, failing element section | Vent cleaned, heat tested |
| Will not start | Door switch, thermal fuse on some models, start switch, motor | Switch or fuse replaced |
| Squealing or thumping | Worn idler pulley, drum rollers or belt | Worn parts replaced |
| Drum does not turn, motor hums | Broken belt or seized blower | Belt replaced, blower cleared |
| Very hot outside, clothes still damp | Blocked vent | Vent cleared; do not use until then |
How the technician diagnoses a dryer
Airflow first
Vent airflow is checked, because many heat faults are caused by it.
Test the heat circuit
Fuse, thermostats and element or gas components are tested with a meter.
Drive inspection
With the front or top open, belt, rollers and pulley are checked by hand.
Run and measure
Exhaust temperature and cycle behavior are checked after the repair.
What you can check
Clean the lint screen
Before every load. Wash it with soapy water occasionally to remove fabric softener film.
Check the outside hood
Run the dryer and feel for strong airflow at the vent on the outside wall. Weak airflow means a restriction.
Check the breaker
Electric dryers use a double breaker. If half is tripped, the drum may turn without heat.
Straighten the transition duct
The flexible duct behind the dryer should not be crushed against the wall.
How urgent is a dryer problem?
- Act now
Burning smell, smoke or a very hot cabinet
Stop the dryer, unplug it if safe, and do not use it until it is inspected.
- Act now
Gas smell near a gas dryer
Leave and call the gas utility from outside.
- This week
No heat or long dry times
Book a repair and a vent check.
Dryer Repair: common questions
Why does my dryer keep blowing thermal fuses?
Because the exhaust air cannot escape fast enough. Replacing the fuse without clearing the vent leads to repeat failures.
Are dryer fires common?
The U.S. Fire Administration reports thousands of clothes dryer fires in homes each year, and failure to clean is a leading factor. See dryer fire safety.
Can I use a plastic or foil vent hose?
Many manufacturers and fire safety groups advise rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Plastic and foil crush easily and hold lint.
How long does a dryer last?
Life expectancy studies put dryers at roughly 13 years, longer than washers, with clean vents helping.
Need a technician to look at it today?
Call and describe the appliance, the model and what it is doing. You are connected with an independent appliance repair technician who takes urgent work in your area, where one is available.
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Fixwell Appliance Repair is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent appliance repair technician who sets their own schedule. Ask about insurance and the repair warranty before work starts. How this works
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- Your ZIP code
- The appliance, brand and model number
- What is happening, any error code, and whether water or gas is involved
Gas smell, smoke or flames: leave and call 911 or the gas utility first.