There are few things more frustrating than going to your tumble dryer expecting to retrieve warm, dry, fluffy washing, only to realise it’s cold, wet, and smells of damp. If your tumble dryer is making all the right noises but not heating up, you’re not alone; this is a common issue and, thankfully, not always an expensive one. You may be able to diagnose the problem in a few simple steps and, hopefully, fix it yourself.
Tripped thermal fuse or thermostat
Tumble dryers are fitted with safety devices like thermal fuses or thermostats that cut power to the heater if the machine gets too hot. If one of these has tripped, your dryer won’t heat up, but the drum can still turn.
The fix:
Some models have a reset button, often located at the back or behind a panel. Press it (you may need a blunt object like a pen) until you hear a click. If it clicks, power the dryer back on and test it. If not, the thermostat may be blown and could need replacing.
Blocked or dirty filters and vents
Poor airflow is a common culprit in heating issues; a clogged lint filter or vent can cause overheating and prevent the dryer from working efficiently, especially if you don’t clean it enough.
The fix:
Clean the lint filter (every time you use the dryer!). Check the vent hose at the back – it should be free of lint and not kinked or blocked. If you have a condenser dryer, clean the condenser unit and empty the water tank.
Heating element failure
If the heating element has failed, your dryer will still spin but won’t produce heat. Over time, the element can simply wear out, especially with regular use.
The fix:
Replacing a heating element is a moderately technical task. You’ll usually need to remove the back panel and test the element with a multimeter for continuity. If there’s no reading, it’s likely faulty and needs replacing. If you think that your problem stems from the heating element, it may be best to call a tumble dryer repair specialist or electrician to diagnose and fix the problem rather than risking it yourself.
Faulty sensors or PCB (printed circuit board)
More modern tumble dryers use sensors and electronics to control the heating cycle. If one of these components fails, the dryer might stop producing heat.
Fix it:
Unfortunately, diagnosing and fixing sensor or circuit board faults usually requires a trained technician. If the above steps haven’t solved the problem, it’s a good idea to get professional help.
When to call a professional
You should consider calling in an expert if:
- You’ve cleaned and reset everything and the dryer still doesn’t heat.
- The heating element or thermal fuse needs replacing and you’re unsure how to do it safely.
- The dryer trips your electrics, smells of burning, or makes unusual noises.
- You suspect an electrical issue or sensor fault.
The cost of professional repair will depend on the model and issue, but it will usually be cheaper than replacing the dryer outright.