whirlpool dryer not heating

Troubleshooting a Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating

There’s nothing more frustrating than a dryer that won’t heat up or dry your clothes. A functioning dryer is a household staple, and it can be a major inconvenience when it’s not working properly. In this blog, we’ll review the troubleshooting steps to figure out why your Whirlpool dryer not heating or drying may be occurring and provide some possible solutions.

Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating or Drying: Common Causes and Solutions

Before we dive into the specific causes and solutions, it’s important to understand that dryers operate by drawing in cool air, heating it, and then circulating it through the drum to dry the clothes. If any part of this process is disrupted, it can result in a dryer that won’t heat up or properly dry your clothes. If your dryer won’t heat, you’ll definitely want to resolve it as soon as possible.

So why is your Whirlpool dryer not heating up? Let’s do a little dryer troubleshooting to find out.

Image Source: Whirlpool

There are several possible causes for a dryer that isn’t heating up, including:

  • A clogged dryer vent: The dryer vent is responsible for carrying the hot air out of the dryer and into the outside world. If it’s clogged with lint or other debris, it can restrict the airflow and prevent the dryer from heating up properly. To diagnose this problem, check the vent for blockages and clean it out if necessary.
  • Overloading with too much laundry: If you’re trying to dry a large load of clothes, it can be tempting to stuff as much as possible into the dryer. However, overloading the dryer can cause the air to circulate poorly and prevent the clothes from drying properly. To diagnose this problem, try drying smaller loads and see if that helps.
  • A blown thermal fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety feature that shuts off the dryer’s heating element if it gets too hot. If the dryer thermal fuse has blown, the dryer won’t be able to heat up. To diagnose this problem, you’ll need to locate the thermal fuse (usually located behind the dryer’s control panel or inside the heating element housing) and test it with a multimeter. If you’re unsure how to complete this process, you’ll want to call a professional dryer repair technician.
  • A defective dryer heating element: The heating element is responsible for generating the heat that dries the clothes. If it’s defective, the dryer won’t be able to heat up. If you suspect the dryer heating element may be the cause of your Whirlpool dryer not heating, you’ll want to call a dryer repair expert for proper diagnosis and repair.
whirlpool dryer troubleshooting
Image Source: Whirlpool

What Is the Most Common Cause of a Dryer Not Heating?

One of the most common causes is a clogged dryer vent or clogged dryer duct. Lint and other debris can build up over time, restricting the airflow and preventing the dryer from heating up properly. To diagnose this problem, you can check the vent for blockages and clean it out if necessary.

clogged dryer vent

Why Is My Whirlpool Dryer Not Drying?

If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your dryer still isn’t drying properly, you may have a more complex issue that requires the attention of a professional dryer repair technician. 

If you’re having issues with your Whirlpool dryer not heating or drying properly, don’t hesitate to contact Appliance Genie for reliable dryer diagnosis and repair. Our team of experienced technicians is ready to help get your household back to normal.