Why Is My Dryer Not Heating?

A dryer that tumbles but won't heat is one of the most common — and most fixable — appliance problems. The usual culprits are inexpensive parts, not a dead machine.

Common causes

• Blown thermal fuse — a safety fuse that trips, often from a clogged vent. Cheap to replace.
• Failed heating element (electric dryers) — the element burns out over time.
• Bad igniter or gas valve (gas dryers) — the igniter wears out and stops lighting.
• Clogged vent — restricted airflow causes overheating and shutdowns, and it's a fire risk.

Important: a burning smell from a dryer means you should stop using it immediately and have it inspected — lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires.