When a dryer runs but the clothes stay cold and damp, one of the heating components has failed — and the specific part depends on whether you have a gas or electric dryer.
Why your dryer is not heating
- Failed heating element (electric) — the most common no-heat cause on electric dryers.
- Blown thermal fuse — a safety fuse trips (often due to a clogged vent) and cuts the heat.
- Faulty igniter or flame sensor (gas) — the usual no-heat cause on gas dryers.
- Open thermostat or thermistor — tells the control there is no call for heat.
What you can safely check first
- On electric dryers, make sure both household breakers are on — a dryer uses a double breaker, and half can trip, leaving it running with no heat.
- Clean the lint screen and check that the exterior vent flap opens; a badly clogged vent can trip the thermal fuse.
When to call a technician
A tripped thermal fuse usually means an underlying vent problem that must be fixed too, or the heat will fail again. Our dryer repair technicians test the full heating circuit and the vent so the fix lasts — and removes a fire risk.
Other dryer problems
Dryer Not Heating — FAQs
Why does my dryer run but not heat?
A heating component has failed — usually the element or a blown thermal fuse on electric dryers, or the igniter on gas dryers. A tripped double breaker can also leave it running with no heat.
Can a clogged vent stop my dryer from heating?
Yes — a badly restricted vent overheats the dryer and trips the thermal fuse, which cuts the heat. That is why we always check the vent along with the heating parts.