How to Fix a Heating Element in Your Dryer

One of the main problems you might run into with your dryer is that it stops heating properly. When your dryer isn’t producing heat, it can leave your clothes damp and prolong the drying process, making laundry day even more of a hassle. In most cases, the issue comes down to a faulty heating element—the part responsible for warming the air inside the drum. Without it, your dryer might run, but it won’t be able to dry your clothes.

The good news is, a broken heating element doesn’t mean you have to replace the entire dryer. Most of the time, you can replace or even repair the heating element, which is a much more cost-effective solution than buying a new dryer. In this blog, we’ll explain how to replace the heating element in your dryer, why it might need to be replaced, and whether it’s worth the investment.

At AP Pro Appliance Repair in Fairfax, we understand how frustrating it can be when your dryer isn’t heating properly. That’s why we offer same-day repair services to help you get back on track quickly. Our expert technicians can diagnose the issue, make the necessary repairs, and have your dryer heating up again in no time.

Let’s take a closer look at why heating elements fail, how to spot the signs that yours might need replacing, and a simple guide to help you replace it.

How to Tell if You Need to Replace the Heating Element in Your Dryer

A common issue you may face with your dryer is when it stops heating properly. If your dryer isn’t producing enough heat, it may be time to replace the heating element in your dryer. Here are a few signs that indicate the dryer heating element might be the problem. If you want to read more about troubleshooting malfunctioning heaters in washing machines and dryers, check out our detailed blog.

• Clothes taking too long to dry or remaining damp after a cycle. If the heating element isn't working properly, the dryer can’t produce enough heat to dry clothes efficiently.
• The dryer runs, but no heat is coming from it. If the dryer’s motor is functioning, but there’s no warmth, it’s a clear sign that the heating element may need replacing.
• A burned-out smell coming from the dryer. This can happen when the heating element is damaged or malfunctioning, leading to electrical issues or overheating.

These signs are strong indicators that you may need to replace or fix the heating element. If you’re wondering how to replace the heating element in your dryer, or how to fix a dryer not heating, it's important to assess whether the element is the root cause. Changing the heating element in a dryer is usually straightforward, but it requires careful handling. If you’re unsure about the process, seeking professional assistance is always a good option.

At AP Pro Appliance Repair, we offer quick and effective solutions for dryer repairs, including replacing faulty heating elements. If you need help, our expert team is just a call away, offering same-day repair services in Fairfax and nearby areas.

Is It Worth Replacing a Heating Element in a Dryer?

We recommend replacing the heating element in your dryer if your appliance is still relatively new and in good condition. A functional dryer heating element is essential for the drying process, and changing the heating element in your dryer ensures it continues to work like new. If your dryer is under 10 years old, fixing the dryer heating element can save you money compared to purchasing a new dryer. If you’re unsure whether replacing the heating element is worth it, we’re here to help you make the right decision with expert advice and same-day service.

How Often Do You Need to Replace a Heating Element in a Dryer?

We suggest keeping an eye on your dryer’s performance to help extend the life of the dryer heating element. Typically, a dryer heating element can last between 5 to 10 years, depending on how often the dryer is used. For dryers that are used heavily or are older, it may be necessary to replace the heating element in the dryer sooner. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the lint filter and checking the vent system, can help your heating element last longer. If you notice your dryer isn’t heating properly, or it’s taking longer to dry clothes, don’t wait—changing the heating element in your dryer early can prevent bigger issues down the road.

Test the Heating Element

Once you've gained access to the heating element in your dryer, it’s important to test it for continuity to determine if it’s faulty. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this for different dryer brands:

For Whirlpool Dryers:

• Locate the Heating Element: The heating element is typically located on the bottom right side of the dryer, secured inside a metal casing. In some models, it may be housed inside a metal box.
• Take a Photo of the Wire Connections: Before you disconnect any wires from the heating element, take a photo to document the exact placement of the wires. This will help you reconnect everything correctly when installing the new heating element.
• Disconnect the Wires: Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the dryer heating element. You may need to loosen the wire terminals or release clips to fully disconnect them.
• Set the Multimeter to Ohms: If you’re using a multimeter, set it to the ohms (Ω) setting to measure resistance. This will allow you to test whether the heating element has continuity.
• Test the Heating Element for Continuity: Place the multimeter probes on the two terminals of the heating element. Hold the probes firmly in place while the multimeter measures the resistance.

If the multimeter beeps or shows 0 ohms, this means the heating element has continuity and is functional.

If the multimeter displays “OL” (open loop) or no reading at all, it indicates that the dryer heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.

For Samsung Dryers:

• Locate the Heating Element: In most Samsung dryers, the heating element is located behind the front panel. It may be housed in a metal bracket or casing.
• Take a Photo of the Wire Connections: Before removing the wires, take a photo of how they are connected to the heating element, thermostat, and thermal fuse. This will help you reconnect everything correctly when the new heating element is installed.
• Disconnect the Wires: Remove the screws or clips securing the wires to the heating element. Disconnect the wires gently from the dryer heating element, thermostat, and thermal fuse.
• Set the Multimeter to Ohms: Just like with Whirlpool dryers, set your multimeter to the ohms setting to measure continuity.
• Test the Heating Element for Continuity: Place the multimeter probes on the two terminals of the heating element and carefully test for continuity.

If the multimeter shows a reading of 0 ohms or beeps, the heating element has continuity and is working properly.

If the multimeter displays “OL” or no reading, it’s a sign that the dryer heating element is defective and will need to be replaced.

Test the Thermostat and Thermal Fuse: If the heating element shows no continuity, it’s also important to test the thermostat and thermal fuse for continuity. These components may be part of the heating circuit and could be causing the issue.

To test the thermostat, place the multimeter probes on its terminals. If the reading is 0 ohms or you hear a beep, the thermostat is functional.

To test the thermal fuse, place the multimeter probes on its terminals. If you get 0 ohms, the fuse is good. If the multimeter displays “OL”, the fuse is blown and needs replacing.

By thoroughly testing the dryer heating element, thermostat, and thermal fuse, you can determine whether the heating element is the issue, or if other components are at fault. If the heating element is found to be defective, you can proceed with replacing it to restore your dryer’s heating functionality. If you're unsure about how to test or replace the element, AP Pro Appliance Repair can provide professional service to ensure your dryer is back up and running efficiently.

Reassemble the Dryer

Now that you’ve successfully installed the new dryer heating element, it’s time to reassemble the dryer. No worries, we’ll guide you through the following steps carefully:

• Reattach the Panels: Begin by reattaching all the panels and parts you removed earlier. Make sure to reverse the order of removal to ensure everything goes back in place properly.
• Reconnect the Vent: If you had to disconnect the vent, now is the time to reconnect it. Ensure the vent is secure and free from any obstructions.
• Plug the Dryer Back In: Once the panels and vent are back in place, plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet.
• Test the Dryer: Before considering the job complete, test the dryer to ensure it’s heating properly. Run a short cycle and check if the dryer heating element is working correctly. The dryer should heat up quickly, and your clothes should dry as expected.

Need Dryer Repair? We’re Here to Help

Replacing the heating element in a dryer is a challenging task, especially if you’re not familiar with appliance repairs. If you're feeling uncertain about the process or simply don't have the time to do it yourself, AP Pro Appliance Repair is here to assist you. Our team specializes in changing heating elements in dryers and other common dryer issues.

Dealing with a dryer heating element replacement or more complex dryer problems? Our technicians are ready to provide efficient and professional service. We offer same-day appliance repair for dryers and all other appliances in Fairfax and the surrounding areas, ensuring that your dryer gets back to its optimal performance in no time.

Don’t let a malfunctioning dryer slow you down. Contact us today for same-day appliance repair and expert dryer repairs you can rely on.