Quick answer
A dryer usually fails for one of five reasons: a blown thermal fuse, a bad heating element or gas igniter, a worn belt, a failed motor part, or a clogged vent. Appliance Repair Philly repairs electric and gas dryers of every brand in Philadelphia and nearby towns. The diagnostic is $60 flat and credited toward the repair. Typical total with the part is $130 to $300.
Common dryer problems
| What you see | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Drum turns, no heat | Heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat, gas igniter | Replace the failed part |
| No heat on one side of a 240V outlet | One leg of the double breaker tripped | Reset the breaker, test the outlet |
| Will not start | Door switch, start switch, thermal fuse, control board | Replace the switch or fuse |
| Drum does not turn, motor hums | Broken drive belt, idler pulley, motor | Replace belt or pulley |
| Clothes take two cycles | Clogged vent, weak element, bad sensor | Clean vent, replace part |
| Squealing or thumping | Worn drum rollers, glides or idler | Replace rollers or glides |
| Burning smell | Lint buildup, blocked vent | Stop using it, clean the vent |
Our guide to a dryer that is not heating covers the most common call. If the dryer does not start at all, see dryer won’t turn on.
Electric or gas dryer
Electric dryers use a 240 volt circuit and a heating element. If you get no heat but the drum still spins, the element, the thermal fuse or a thermostat is the usual cause, and a half-tripped double breaker can also leave the drum running with no heat.
Gas dryers use a burner, an igniter and gas valve coils. A weak igniter that never lights the burner is the top fault. Gas repairs need a qualified technician. If you ever smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company or 911.
The vent matters as much as the dryer
A clogged vent hides behind many “my dryer is broken” calls. Lint-packed ducting traps heat, makes the thermal fuse blow and shortens the life of the heating element. It is also a real fire risk. Signs of a blocked vent:
- Clothes are hot but still damp after a full cycle.
- The laundry room feels humid or smells warm.
- The flap outside barely opens while the dryer runs.
Many Philadelphia area homes, rowhouses and townhomes in particular, have laundry in a basement with a long vent run and several bends. Long runs collect lint faster. Clean the lint trap every load and have the duct checked if drying times keep growing. Rigid or semi-rigid metal duct is better than white foil or plastic hose.
What you can check first
- Clean the lint screen and wipe the housing slot.
- Check the breaker. Electric dryers use two linked breakers. Flip them off and on.
- Make sure the door closes and the start button is held in.
- Pull the dryer forward and look for a crushed or kinked vent hose.
- Try a timed dry cycle instead of an auto sensor cycle.
Do not take the back panel off a plugged-in dryer. Unplug it first. Do not run it with the vent disconnected.
Is it worth repairing a dryer?
Dryers last about 10 to 13 years. Repair a thermal fuse, element, belt, igniter or switch on a dryer under 10. For a failed motor, drum or control board on a dryer past 10 years old, compare the quote with a new unit. A good rule is that a repair over half the price of a new, similar dryer is time to replace. Details in the cost guide.
What dryer repair costs
| Job | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Thermal fuse or thermostat | $100 to $200 |
| Heating element or gas igniter | $150 to $300 |
| Drive belt, rollers or idler pulley | $130 to $250 |
| Motor or control board | $250 to $450 |
You get the exact total before we start.
How it works
- Send the brand, model, fuel type (electric or gas) and the symptom.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule.
- The technician tests the dryer and the vent, then quotes the total.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
Areas we serve
Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
See also washer repair and dishwasher repair.
FAQ
Why is my dryer not heating?
Usually a blown thermal fuse, a failed heating element or igniter, or a tripped breaker leg. A clogged vent often causes the fuse to blow. See the dryer not heating guide.
How much does dryer repair cost?
Most repairs are $130 to $300 including the part. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Is a clogged dryer vent dangerous?
Yes. Lint is flammable and a blocked vent traps heat. Clean the lint trap every load and have the duct cleaned when drying times grow.
Can you repair a gas dryer?
Yes. Gas dryer work goes to a qualified technician. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company.
How long does a dryer repair take?
Most take one visit of about an hour when the part is on the truck. If we need to order a part, you hear the cost and timing first.