Dryer
Dryer Runs But Won't Heat? 4 Things to Check Before Calling
May 28, 2025· 4 min read·By Tampa Bay Appliance Repair
A dryer that tumbles but doesn't heat is almost always one of four parts. Here's how to narrow it down in 10 minutes.
1. Thermal fuse blown
The #1 cause. A blocked vent overheats the dryer and the one-shot thermal fuse pops to protect the machine. Replacing the fuse without clearing the vent will pop the new fuse within a week.
2. Heating element burned out (electric)
Coil breaks open after 8–12 years of use. You'll often see no visible damage — it takes a meter to confirm. $230–$340 typical repair.
3. Igniter or gas valve coils (gas)
On gas dryers, the igniter glows but the gas valve coils don't open, so no flame. Easy fix with the dryer pulled out.
4. Tripped half-breaker (electric only)
Electric dryers use a 240V double breaker. If one leg trips, the motor still runs on 120V but the heater gets nothing. Check the breaker panel — fully off, then fully on.