The Short Answer
Electric dryers usually stop heating because of a blown thermal fuse, a broken heating element or a tripped breaker. Gas dryers usually have a weak igniter, a bad flame sensor or worn gas valve coils. On both types, a clogged vent is often the root cause because it overheats the dryer and blows the fuse.
Quick Checks Before Anything Else
- Check both breakers. Electric dryers use a double breaker. One half can trip, so the drum spins but there's no heat.
- Pick a heat setting. Air-fluff or no-heat cycles won't warm up.
- Clean the lint screen and check the area below it for buildup.
- Look at the vent outside. With the dryer running, you should feel strong, warm air at the vent hood.
- Gas dryers: make sure the gas valve behind the dryer is open.
Why Electric Dryers Stop Heating
Thermal fuse
A small safety part that blows if the dryer overheats. Once it blows, the heat stays off. A blown fuse is a warning sign that the vent may be clogged.
Heating element
A coil of wire that glows hot. Over time it can break, especially if airflow is poor.
Thermostats
The cycling and high-limit thermostats switch the heat on and off. When one fails, heat may never turn on.
Power supply
Electric dryers need 240 volts. If one leg of the circuit is out, the motor may run on 120 volts with no heat.
Why Gas Dryers Stop Heating
Igniter
The igniter glows to light the gas. A weak or cracked igniter is the most common gas dryer heating problem.
Flame sensor
This part tells the dryer the flame is lit. If it fails, the gas can shut off too soon.
Gas valve coils
Small coils open the gas valve. Worn coils often cause a dryer that heats for a while, then goes cold.
The Vent Connection Most People Miss
A clogged vent traps hot, damp air inside the dryer. That makes the dryer overheat, which blows the thermal fuse. If you only replace the fuse, it will blow again.
- Long drying times before the heat stopped are a clue.
- Lint around the outside vent flap is another.
- Coastal fog makes lint damp and sticky, so vents clog faster in Pacifica.
Read our guide on how often to clean a dryer vent, or book dryer vent cleaning.
Smell burning or gas? Stop using the dryer and call our 24-hour line for safe, same-day help.
(650) 491-1179Symptom Guide
| What You Notice | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| No heat at all (electric) | Thermal fuse, element or breaker |
| No heat at all (gas) | Igniter, gas supply or flame sensor |
| Heats, then goes cold (gas) | Gas valve coils |
| Takes 2–3 cycles to dry | Clogged vent or lint buildup |
| Very hot outside, damp inside | Blocked vent, overheating |
| Fuse keeps blowing | Clogged vent or failing thermostat |
Safety: When to Stop and Call a Pro
Testing heating parts means working with 240-volt power or gas lines. Call a technician if:
- You smell gas. Leave the home and call PG&E or 911 from outside first.
- You smell burning or see scorch marks.
- The dryer cabinet is too hot to touch.
- The thermal fuse has blown more than once.
Our dryer repair technicians test each part and check the vent so the fix lasts. Have a Whirlpool or Maytag dryer? We stock common parts for both.