Quick answer
If your dryer spins but clothes stay damp, the most common causes are a tripped breaker leg, a clogged vent, a blown thermal fuse, a failed heating element on an electric dryer or a weak igniter on a gas dryer. Check the breaker and the vent first. Appliance Repair Philly repairs dryers across Philadelphia, and the diagnostic is $60 flat, credited toward the repair.
Check these first
- Breaker. An electric dryer uses a double breaker. If only one half trips, the drum turns but there is no heat. Switch both fully off, then on.
- Lint screen and vent. A clogged screen or duct traps hot air. Clean the screen, then disconnect the hose and check the vent outside for lint and airflow.
- Cycle choice. Make sure the dryer is not on an air-only cycle (no heat) or a “delicate” setting with low heat.
- Load size. A huge, wet load takes two cycles. Wring towels out or spin them again in the washer.
- Look at the vent flap outside the house. It should open fully when the dryer runs.
If clothes dry again after clearing the vent, you found it. A clogged vent also causes the next problem on this list.
Likely causes, electric dryer
Blown thermal fuse
This safety part cuts the heat when the dryer overheats. It blows most often because of a blocked vent. The drum still turns, but there is no heat. Replace the fuse, and fix the vent, or it will blow again.
Heating element
The coil can break or burn out. A technician tests it with a meter. A broken element is a standard repair.
High-limit or cycling thermostat
These thermostats cut heat when it gets too hot. When they fail, the dryer either gives no heat or stays too hot.
Timer, control board or sensor
Less common. The dryer never calls for heat. Costs more.
Power supply
Dryers need 240 volts. If only half arrives, the motor runs, but the element does not. The cause is a breaker, a loose terminal block or a worn outlet.
Likely causes, gas dryer
- Igniter. The igniter glows but fails to open the gas valve. The most common gas dryer fault.
- Gas valve coils. The coils wear out and the valve stays shut.
- Flame sensor or thermal fuse. Shuts the burner down.
- Gas supply. The shutoff valve is closed, or the gas is off.
Gas dryers need a qualified technician. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company or 911. Do not use the dryer.
Philadelphia homes and long vent runs
Many rowhouses and older homes have the dryer in a basement with a long vent that runs up a wall and across the house. Long runs with several elbows collect lint, and the dryer works harder. If you need two cycles, the vent is the first suspect. Rigid metal duct, short runs and a clean exterior cap fix most of it. A clogged vent is also a real fire risk, so do not ignore it.
What the technician does
The technician checks voltage, tests the element, fuse and thermostats with a meter, checks the gas igniter and valve on a gas model, and inspects the vent airflow. A bad part is replaced on the same visit when it is on the truck.
What it costs
| Fault | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Breaker or outlet issue | Often no repair on the dryer itself |
| Thermal fuse or thermostat | $100 to $200 |
| Heating element or gas igniter | $150 to $300 |
| Gas valve coils | $150 to $280 |
| Control board | $250 to $450 |
Repair or replace
If the dryer is under 10 years old, repair it. A thermal fuse, element or igniter is a low-cost repair. On a dryer past 12 with a failing motor or a control board, compare with a new one. See the cost guide.
How it works
- Call or send the brand, model and whether the dryer is electric or gas.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
More on the whole appliance: dryer repair. Related: dryer won’t turn on, washer repair. We come to Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
FAQ
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
Usually a tripped breaker leg, a clogged vent, a blown thermal fuse, a bad element, or on gas dryers a weak igniter.
How do I know if the thermal fuse is blown?
The drum turns and there is no heat. A technician checks it with a meter. It is a safety part, so find out why it blew.
Why does my dryer take two cycles to dry?
Usually a clogged vent or a weak heating part. Check the vent first.
How much does it cost to fix a dryer that is not heating?
Most repairs are $100 to $300. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Is it safe to use a dryer that is not heating?
Not if the vent is clogged. Clean the vent and screen first. Running a hot, blocked dryer is a fire risk.