To confirm if your dryer's heating element is bad, listen for a multimeter continuity beep or look for a visible break in the heating coils. A bad element is the most common reason a dryer tumbles but fails to produce heat.
To test if a dryer heating element is bad, use a multimeter to check for an open circuit (continuity) and signs of a short.
Yes, replacing a dryer heating element is almost always worth it, especially if you can handle the DIY repair. A new heating element part typically costs between $30 and $50, compared to $500 or more for a new machine. Even if you hire a professional, the $100 to $350 total repair cost is generally far cheaper than buying a replacement dryer.
If your Amana dryer is running but your clothes are still damp, the issue is almost always a lack of proper airflow or a heating failure. Follow this step-by-step checklist to identify and fix the problem:
A heating element for an Amana dryer typically costs between $25 and $90 for the part itself. If you hire a professional for the repair, expect the total cost (including labor) to range from $100 to $350 depending on your exact model and local service rates.
A dryer taking 2 hours to dry clothes is almost always caused by restricted airflow or a heating failure. The three biggest culprits are a clogged exhaust vent, a dirty lint screen, or an overloaded drum.
Blocked vents: If your dryer airflow is poor from an obstructed air vent, heat can build up in your dryer, causing the element to burn out. Having your dryer vent cleaned each year can help to ensure good airflow.
Age of the Dryer
Age is one of the strongest indicators when deciding between repair and replacement: Under 8 years old: Repairs are usually worthwhile. 8–12 years old: It depends on the repair cost and symptoms. Over 12 years old: Replacement may be more cost-effective (especially after a major failure).
Dryer heating element replacement typically costs between $100 and $350 in total. Your exact out-of-pocket expense depends on whether you opt for professional labor or a DIY fix.
Touch one of the multimeter probes to the loosened screw. Touch the other probe to the other screw attached to the face of the heating element. If the heating element is functioning properly, the multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms.
The lower heating element in an electric water heater almost always fails first. Because it sits at the bottom of the tank, it is constantly immersed in colder water and accumulates more sediment, which causes it to work harder, overheat, and burn out faster than the upper element.
If your multimeter emits a high-pitched beep, it means the element is working fine. If there is no beep, however, it means the element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Indicators of a broken heating element include:
A bad or "blown" thermal fuse will typically cause your dryer to either not start at all or run without producing any heat. You can confirm if the fuse is defective by testing it for continuity using a multimeter.
The most common cause of a dryer running but not heating is a blown thermal fuse, typically triggered by restricted airflow or a clogged vent. Other frequent culprits include a broken heating element, a faulty cycling thermostat, or a tripped double-pole circuit breaker.
If your dryer is electric check to see if there are two circuit breakers to it. If so, one might have tripped. Other possibility is the heating element needs to be replaced.
The dryer motor is typically the most expensive part to replace, costing between $100 and $500 for parts and labor.
Possible Causes: Faulty Heating Element: The heating element is responsible for generating heat in the dryer. If it's broken or burnt out, the dryer will run, but it won't produce heat. Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating.
Dryers cause an estimated 14,000 to 16,000 home fires in the U.S. every year. These incidents result in approximately 15 deaths, 400 injuries, and over $200 million in property damage annually.
Age of the Dryer
Consider the age of your dryer and its maintenance history: Typical Lifespan: Heating elements typically last around 10-15 years with regular use and maintenance. Replacement Period: If your dryer is nearing this age range and exhibiting signs of heating element failure, replacement may be necessary.
If your dryer is heating but the clothes are still damp, then your vent is probably blocked. If your dryer has weak heat and runs for a long time, this could also indicate a blocked vent. And if your dryer ends after only a couple of minutes with soaking wet clothes, then your moisture sensors could be dirty.
Dryer vents should be cleaned professionally or via DIY at least once a year. However, depending on household size and habits, you may need to clean them every 3 to 6 months.
If you've noticed that your dryer seems to take longer than usual to finish a load, it's not just your imagination. A properly working dryer should dry most loads in under an hour. If yours is taking two or more, there's likely a problem — and ignoring it can increase your energy bills or even create a safety risk.