If your dryer isn’t heating or seems to be taking forever to dry your clothes, don’t panic! This issue doesn’t mean the end of your appliance. Instead, it’s likely the heating element needs to be replaced, which is a straightforward fix you can handle yourself. With the right guidance and a few basic tools, you’ll have your dryer up and running in no time.
Let’s walk through what you need to know and do.
What Is a Dryer Heating Element?
An electric dryer’s heating element warms the air that dries your clothes. It functions similarly to the coil in an electric space heater, with a resistive coil connected to a thermostat and a thermal fuse for safety. The heating element is typically housed in a metal frame near the dryer’s rear vent duct.
Signs Your Dryer’s Heating Element Might Be Faulty
Common signs that your heating element may need replacing include:
- The dryer takes much longer to dry clothes.
- Clothes are not warm immediately after a cycle finishes.
- The dryer isn’t producing heat at all.
To confirm the issue, you can use a continuity tester to check the heating element. However, you’ll need to disassemble the dryer to access it. Don’t worry — it’s simpler than you might expect, and we’ve provided step-by-step instructions below.
Common Causes of Heating Element Failure
Heating elements don’t last forever, and several factors can contribute to their failure:
- Overheating: Lint buildup in the dryer’s vent system can trap heat, causing the element to overheat.
- Electrical Surges: Power surges can damage the heating element’s coil or connections.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Over time, the resistive coil weakens and may eventually break.
- Moisture Exposure: If the dryer is in a damp location, corrosion can affect the element and reduce its efficiency.
- Poor Ventilation: Blocked or poorly maintained dryer vents can overwork the element, leading to premature failure.
Tools You’ll Need
Replacing a heating element doesn’t require extensive equipment or experience. Here’s what you’ll need before starting:
- A replacement heating element compatible with your dryer model.
- Phillips screwdriver.
- Needle-nose pliers.
- Work gloves.
- Optional: a small flathead screwdriver and a continuity tester.
How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element
Here are the steps to safely and effectively replace the heating element in your dryer.
Preparation
- Disconnect the dryer from its power source by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Confirm that the appliance is completely cool before starting.
- Move the dryer away from the wall to provide access to the back.
Disassembly
- Remove the screws at the back of the dryer that holds the top panel in place.
- Slide the top panel backward a few inches and lift it off, making sure it clears the front brackets.
- Detach the control panel by releasing the locking tabs, then pull it forward and set it aside.
- Open the dryer door and remove the two mounting screws at the bottom behind the door.
- Close the dryer door and remove the four mounting screws from the top of the front panel.
- Pull the front panel away slightly and lift it to release the locking tabs.
- Disconnect the door switch wire harness and remove the front panel from its mounting brackets. Set it aside.
Accessing the Heating Assembly
- Locate the moisture sensor wire near the bottom of the dryer and disconnect it, tucking the wires out of the way.
- Remove the screws securing the heating assembly, including one screw holding the housing to a metal bracket and two screws securing the bracket to the dryer body.
- Lift the heating element assembly slightly and dislodge the bracket’s front and rear tabs.
- Lower the heating assembly from the rear duct and carefully maneuver it out of the dryer.
Disconnecting and Testing
- Disconnect all wires attached to the heating assembly, noting their placements. Use a small screwdriver to help loosen tight connections if needed.
- Test the heating element with a continuity tester by attaching it to the two metal terminals on the ceramic block. Replace the element if no continuity is detected.
Replacing the Heating Element
- Open the heating element housing by bending the tabs on the ceramic block with needle nose pliers and pushing the terminals through.
- Remove the screws securing the thermostat, thermal fuse, and the housing itself.
- Bend the metal tab holding the housing closed and open the housing.
- Pull the heating element terminals through the ceramic block and remove the old heating element.
- Clean the inside of the housing with a dry cloth if needed.
- Place the new heating element in the housing and push its terminals through the ceramic block slots.
- Close the housing, secure it with screws, and bend the metal tab back to lock the housing shut.
- Reinstall the thermostat and thermal fuse onto the heating element housing.
Reassembly
- Return the heating assembly to the dryer and place it in the rear duct.
- Reinstall the metal bracket by securing the rear tabs first, followed by the front tab.
- Attach the heating element to the bracket and secure all mounting screws.
- Reconnect the moisture sensor wires.
- Attach the front panel by setting it on the bottom brackets and reconnect the door switch wire harness.
- Secure the front panel with its screws and reattach the control panel by aligning and snapping its tabs into place.
- Replace the top panel by sliding it into position and securing it with the rear screws.
- Reconnect the dryer to its power source.
- Run a short test cycle without laundry to confirm the heating element is working properly.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dryer
Regular care can keep your dryer running efficiently and help avoid future breakdowns:
- Clean the Lint Trap After Every Use: This prevents lint from restricting airflow and reduces the risk of overheating.
- Inspect and Clean Dryer Vents: Check vents every few months to remove lint buildup, which can strain the heating element.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading the dryer can cause uneven drying and make the appliance work harder.
- Check for Odd Noises or Smells: Address unusual noises, burning smells, or other irregularities immediately.
- Use Appropriate Settings: Match the drying cycle to your load to avoid excessive wear on the heating element.
- Perform Routine Inspections: Periodically check the dryer’s components, including the heating element, for signs of wear or damage.
What to Remember
Fixing a dryer’s heating element may sound tough, but it’s actually easier than it seems. With just a few basic tools and a little time, you can get your dryer working again without having to call a repair service. This guide walks you through the steps to do it yourself.
The key point here? You don’t have to replace your entire dryer when it stops heating. A simple fix, like swapping out the heating element, can solve the problem. Plus, regular maintenance can help keep your dryer in good shape for longer.
Next time your dryer isn’t warming up, you’ll know what to check. Grab your tools and give it a go—you might surprise yourself with how easy it is!