Cycling thermostats control the temperature inside the dryer drum.
The cycling thermostat helps to regulate the temperature of your dryer and is just one of the components in your dryer that works to make sure the dryer doesn't get too hot. If the cycling thermostat is broken, the temperature of the dryer could go unchecked and may reach unsafe levels.
Some situations that may cause your dryer to not heat properly include a lack of power, an issue with the size of the load or its wetness, an issue with the heating element or a blown thermal fuse.
The heating element is broken if your dryer runs but won't heat up to dry your clothes. This could be an electrical issue with the circuit breaker or a mechanical issue with the appliance itself.
Replacing a heating element in a dryer is worth it if the dryer is in good condition. The cost of a new heating element is relatively low compared to buying a new dryer. However, you should consider the age and potential issues before replacing the element.
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.
The cost to replace the heating element in a dryer averages $230 but often ranges from $100 to $350 depending on the machine's age, type, and the nature of the repair work. Whether you have an electric or a gas dryer, its heating element is essential to delivering those fresh, fluffy clothes.
2: Heating element may have malfunctioned
Modern dryers should display an error code to indicate an issue with the element. Above: Modern dryers also usually have control panels. If your machine seems to be working but doesn't heat up, reset it and try again. The element may have worn out/blown if it fails to heat up.
Depending on your dryer model, you may find the thermostat in different areas, such as near the heating element or the blower fan housing. Once you find it, remove the cover, and use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the reading shows an open circuit, then the thermostat needs replacement.
One of the most common reasons your tumble dryer decides to blow out cold air instead of hot is, rather ironically, because it has overheated. Manufacturers have a legal requirement to ensure that when your dryer gets too hot there is some form of control in place to prevent it catching fire.
2. Tripped Circuit Breaker. Sometimes, the problem isn't with the dryer but with your home's electrical system. If your dryer isn't heating up, a tripped circuit breaker could be the culprit.
Clogged vent/lint screens
This leaves you either with a dryer that turns but does not heat (due to a high temperature limit being reached by the heating element) or a dryer that takes an extremely long time to dry. Clogged Lint Screen: Another possible clogging issue is with your lint screen.
The Benefits of Replacing a Dryer Heating Element
You may not even be able to use the dryer at all if the element isn't heating. Replacing it can restore your dryer's performance, making it a more cost-effective solution than buying a new appliance, given the dryer heating element cost.
To test the element, you must measure its resistance. Switch the multimeter settings to measure resistance and place the nodes on the two screws. A functioning heating element should read between 10 and 30 ohms. The heating element is broken if the meter reads 1 or 0.
Your dryer not heating up could be the culprit. Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer failing to heat up properly include tripped circuit breakers, clogged vents, and no gas flow.
Why is my dryer not drying clothes but getting hot? A dryer that heats but doesn't dry clothes may indicate a dirty lint screen. If you clean out the lint but your clothes are still not drying, check if your dryer is spinning. You can follow this guide on troubleshooting a dryer that's not spinning.
If your dryer isn't heating up, or is blowing cold air, it's probably down to either the heating element or the thermostats. Most dryers have a cycling thermostat that controls the temperature by opening and closing repeatedly.
Like cars, the most expensive part of a dryer is any electrical component, specifically the control board. For newer dryers, this single part, excluding the labor required to replace it, can easily be worth more than half the price of a new unit.
Replacing a dryer heating element is thankfully a straightforward task. In this article, we will give you step-by-step instructions for how to do it so you can get your dryer working again. These steps should work for all major models of dryers, such as Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, Bosch, and Samsung.
Dryer heating elements come in all different shapes and sizes. Not all Kenmore dryers use the same heating element, and the same goes for all brands including Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, G.E, and more. You can find the right heating element for your dryer by following the steps below.