If you have ever had the experience of opening the dryer on a set of clothes that have been tumbling for 30 minutes only to find them completely wet, no one has to tell you the frustration. If your have a problem with your dryer not heating, you can first check for a few common causes of this problem. If your actions do not provide a solution, it is time to call in the professionals.
Basic Troubleshooting
You should start your troubleshooting efforts by checking for the most basic problems. First, make sure your dryer is plugged in and the door is completely closed. Next, you should check to see if your heating element is being suffocated by the dryer vent, lint screen, or lint trap.
When debris blocks your heating element it will cause your thermostat to overheat and shut down. Take a moment to clean your lint screen before clearing your lint trap with a vacuum attachment. Next, remove the dryer vent hose from the back of your dryer and shake out any debris from within. You may be surprised at what you find. If this doesn’t do the trick, it may be time to consider making a call to a professional.
Other Common Issues
If you are still experiencing a problem with your dryer not heating and choose to proceed on your own, there are a number of other issues for which you can check:
Gas Flow
If your dryer is fueled by gas, make sure there is nothing preventing the supply of gas needed from making its way to the dryer.
Problem with Circuit Breaker
It takes two 120v breakers to power the typical electric dryer. One breaker is necessary for the motor that turns the drum to operate. The second breaker provides power to the heating element. These breakers can trip independently and could possibly explain why your dryer is turning but no heat is available to dry your clothes.
Your Washing Machine
If your washing machine is not partially drying your clothes during the spin cycle, the soaking wet clothes you place in your dryer will take forever to make dry.
More Complex Issues
If troubleshooting the problems above do not solve the problem of your dryer not heating, it is possible something a bit more complicated is happening. Possible issues include:
- Broken Thermostat
- Broken Heating Element
- Bad Thermal Fuse
- Problem with Time Motor
- Complex Problems with Gas or Electricity
Some individuals attempt to test and repair these types of problems on their own but this course of action is not suggested. These are complex issues that are best left to professional technicians like those that work at Gulf Coast Appliance Repair.
Dryer Still Not Working?
If you have exhausted all the troubleshooting capabilities you possess, only to find that your dryer is still not working properly, you are definitely in need of a professional. For individuals in the Pinellas, Florida area that means a call to Gulf Coast Appliance Repair.
GCA services all major brands and there is no job too big or too small for the skilled technicians that work for the company. GCA is available to service appliances that are under warranty as well as older appliances that are no longer protected by a warranty.
Gulf Coast Appliance Repair prides itself on the quality work it has provided for the people of Pinellas, Florida for more than a decade. GCA also makes it a point to get the job done completely and correctly the first time out.
If you are in the Pinellas County area and have repair needs for your dryer or other appliance, contact Gulf Coast Appliance Repair for a free service call at 727-513-6963. You can also contact the company using this online contact form.
