Replacing the heating element in your dryer is an important repair that will restore its ability to dry loads efficiently. While it may seem intimidating, this repair is quite straightforward with the right guidance.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire heating element replacement process with step-by-step instructions and detailed explanations. Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Chapter 1: Dryer Heating Element Basics
Before jumping into the repair, let’s go over some background on how dryer heating elements work and why they may need to be replaced.
What Does the Heating Element Do?
The heating element is responsible for generating the heat needed to dry loads in an electric dryer. It converts the electrical current from the power supply into heat.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- Electric current flows through the heating element.
- Resistance in the coils causes the current to convert to heat.
- The heating element gets extremely hot, reaching temperatures of 500°F to 800°F!
- Hot air from the element circulates in the drum to dry the wet clothes.
Why Would the Element Need Replacement?
There are a few common reasons why a dryer’s heating element may fail and need replacing:
- Normal wear and tear: The heating element contains fragile components that degrade over time after years of use. The average lifespan is 5-10 years.
- Electric shorts/faults: Short circuits or ground faults can damage the heating element.
- Lint buildup: Excess lint around the element can lead it to overheat and fail prematurely.
- Other failures: Issues with thermal fuses or thermostats can indirectly cause element failure.
Signs like longer drying times, inability to get hot enough, or no heat at all typically indicate it’s time for a new heating element.
Element Designs
There are two main heating element types:
Coil design:
- Made of coils of wire sealed inside ceramic and metal tubes
- Lower wattages around 4-5 kW
- Less expensive but don’t last as long
Solid design:
- Solid metal bars sealed in ceramic
- Higher wattages 5-6+ kW
- More heavy duty and longer lifespan
Now let’s get into the step-by-step heating element replacement guide!
Chapter 2: Gather the Right Tools and Supplies
Replacing your heating element will be much easier if you gather all the necessary tools and new part ahead of time.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Needlenose pliers
- Multimeter (to test element)
- Work gloves & eye protection
- Flashlight
- Vacuum brush attachment
- Socket wrench set
Supplies
- Replacement heating element kit
- Wire nuts
- Shop vacuum
Safety tip: Be sure to UNPLUG THE DRYER before starting this repair!
Okay, with the right gear in hand, let’s move on to the hands-on work!
Chapter 3: Step-by-Step Heating Element Replacement
Follow these steps to safely remove your old heating element and install a new one:
Step 1: Access the Back Panel
The heating element is located in the back of the dryer, so you’ll need to remove the rear panel first:
- Unplug the dryer from the power source!
- Use Phillips screwdriver to remove all screws from back panel.
- Carefully pull the panel away and set aside.
Step 2: Locate Heating Element
Look inside the back of the dryer to spot metal heating element bars:
- Mounted to the housing on the right side
- Connected by white and black wires with ceramic wire terminals
Use a flashlight to illuminate if needed.
Step 3: Detach Wiring
The wiring must be safely disconnected:
- Take detailed photos of connections for reference later.
- Use needle nose pliers to loosen/unscrew the wing nuts from wire terminals.
- Once wing nuts are freed, carefully pull the wiring off the heating element terminals.
Step 4: Remove Mounting Screws
With wiring off, the element can be unsecured:
- Locate left and right element mounting screws
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to fully remove both screws
- Carefully extract screws and set aside
Step 5: Remove Old Element
You’re now ready to take out the old heating element:
- Wear gloves for protection from heat or sharp edges
- Slowly pull the element away from the right housing side
- Fully remove and place on a non-flammable surface
Inspect the old element closely and look for any visible damage.
Step 6: Clean Element Compartment
Before installing the new element, use a shop vac to thoroughly clean the area:
- Remove lint buildup on the heating element bracket and housing
- Use brush nozzle attachment to loosen debris
- Double check area is clear of dirt, lint, dust
This will reduce fire hazard and overheating risk.
Step 7: Install New Element
Time to put your fresh heating element in place:
- Reference old elements to ensure the same shape and size
- Gently insert tabs of new element into slots on the right housing side
- Align screw holes on element with those in housing
- Apply firm pressure until properly seated in bracket
Ensure the element is flush and secured properly in the mounting bracket.
Step 8: Reattach Wiring
Reconnect the white and black element wires:
- Use earlier photos to correctly match wires to terminals
- Attach white to left terminal, black to right
- Secure terminals with wing nuts, tightening firmly by hand
- Gently tug wires to verify a tight connection
Step 9: Secure Mounting Screws
Lock the heating element firmly back into place:
- Line up left and right element holes with those on the housing
- Reinsert mounting screws in each hole and tighten using a screwdriver
- DO NOT overtighten but check screws are snug
This completes the physical heating element installation.
Step 10: Power Up Dryer
You’re ready to fire up the dryer! But confirm proper operation first:
- Carefully reattach the dryer back panel with screws
- Plug the power cord back in
- Turn on the dryer to test the heat – Do not run empty!
- Hold your hand inside drum to feel the strong heat
- If successful, dry a wet test load
If issues, recheck the wiring and connections on the element before operation.
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Common Problems
Despite best efforts, you may encounter issues either during or after the repair. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer powers on but does not heat up at all | Incorrect/loose wiring to element | Redo wiring between element and input terminals |
| Heating element gets warm but does not get hot | Partially failed element | Replace element with properly working new one |
| Dryer runs very hot, element overheating | Thermostat/thermistor failure | Test and replace thermostat/thermistor |
| Heating element fails immediately | Inadequate voltage/amperage | Have electrician inspect power supply |
| Frequent blown fuses when running | Short circuit | Inspect element carefully for shorts |
| Burning smell after element replacement | Improper positioning causing friction | Check orientation against diagram, realign |
If problems persist after troubleshooting, expert repair assistance may be needed.
Read More: How to Repair a Dryer That Won’t Start: A DIY Guide
Chapter 5: Preventative Maintenance
To maximize your new heating element’s lifespan and prevent future issues, be sure to perform regular dryer maintenance.
Clean Lint Filter
- Check before every load
- Wash monthly with soap and water
Clean Vent Ducts
- Inspect venting yearly
- Remove built-up lint using a vacuum
- Ensure ducting is smooth, not kinked
Leave Door Open
- After finishing using the dryer, leave the door ajar
- Allows humidity release preventing moisture damage
Level Dryer Properly
- Use a level to confirm appliance is properly balanced
- Unevenness causes unnecessary vibration/wear
Avoid Overloading
- Do not exceed the maximum dryer drum capacity
- Overloading causes element strain risking damage
With proper use and care, your new heating element can last 5-10 years!
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to safely replace the heating element in your dryer!
The repair steps were covered in detail along with troubleshooting tips and maintenance recommendations. Let me know if you have any other questions as you tackle this repair.
Just take your time, use caution, follow all safety advice, and you’ll have your dryer’s heat restored in no time. You got this!