Dryer Not Heating? 5 Things to Check First

Before you call

1. Clean the lint filter

   A packed filter restricts airflow enough to trip a safety thermostat and cut heat. Check it before anything else.
2. Check the outside vent flap

   Go outside and confirm the flap opens while the dryer runs. A crushed or blocked vent line has the same effect as a clogged filter.
3. For gas dryers, confirm the gas supply is on

   A valve bumped off during other work nearby is an easy miss.
4. Check the circuit breakers

   Electric dryers use two breakers — one can trip and leave the drum turning with no heat.
5. Note how long drying is taking

   Longer-than-normal cycles, even with some heat, usually point to a restricted vent path rather than a failed part.

When it's time to call a technician

If the filter and vent are clear and it still won't heat, the heating element, thermal fuse, or igniter has likely failed — worth doing promptly, since a lint-restricted dryer is also a fire-risk indicator.