Top 5 Reasons Your Dryer is Overheating and Shutting Off (And How to Fix Them)

Experiencing your dryer overheating and shutting off can be frustrating and potentially hazardous. This issue often stems from common problems like a clogged vent, a faulty thermostat, a blocked lint filter, overloading, or a broken heating element. Fortunately, these issues can be easily addressed with regular maintenance and a few simple fixes. Understanding these top reasons and how to solve them, you can keep your dryer functioning efficiently and safely.

1. Restricted Airflow

Restricted airflow is one of the most common reasons why a dryer overheats and shuts off. It happens when the air can’t move freely through the dryer and out the exhaust vent. This makes the dryer get too hot, which can cause it to turn off by itself to prevent damage.

There are a few different things that can restrict airflow and lead to your dryer overheating:

1. Clogged lint filter: The lint filter catches pieces of fabric that come off your clothes during drying. If it gets clogged up, air can’t flow through it easily.
2. Blocked exhaust vent: The exhaust vent is the pipe or hose that carries hot air and moisture outside your home. If it gets blocked by lint, debris, or something else, the hot air will get trapped in your dryer.
3. Kinked or obstructed transition hose: The transition hose connects your dryer to the exhaust vent in the wall. If it gets kinked or smashed, or if something is blocking it, air won’t be able to move through it well.
4. Lint buildup in internal ductwork: Over time, lint can build up inside the ducts and hoses inside your dryer, making the space for air to flow narrower.

The good news is that you can fix restricted airflow and stop your dryer from overheating and shutting off. Here are some simple solutions:

• Clean the lint filter after every load of laundry. This will help keep air flowing freely.
• Check the exhaust vent outside of your home once a year. Remove any lint, debris, or objects blocking it.
• Ensure the transition hose behind your dryer is straight, not kinked or squished. Remove anything that might be sitting on or pushing against it.
• Clean the inside of your dryer, including the ductwork and hoses, every so often. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a special brush for this purpose.

2. Faulty Heating Element

The heating element is the part of your dryer that generates the heat used to dry your clothes. It’s usually located near the back of the dryer and looks like a big coil or a set of strips. When electricity flows through the heating element, it gets hot and warms up the air inside the dryer.

But what happens when the heating element stops working properly? Two main things can go wrong:

1. The heating element can partially short out. This means that electricity flows through the element in a way it’s not supposed to. The element can produce too much heat when this happens, causing your dryer to overheat and shut off.
2. The heating element can touch other parts inside the dryer. If the element shifts out of place or gets damaged, it might contact other metal parts. This can also produce too much heat in one spot, making your dryer too hot.

So, how can you tell if your heating element is faulty? Here are a couple of key symptoms to watch out for:

• Your dryer produces a lot more heat than normal. The air inside the drum feels much hotter than it usually does.
• The dryer doesn’t heat evenly. You may notice hot spots or areas that don’t get any heat at all.

If you suspect that your heating element is the reason your dryer is overheating and shutting off, don’t worry. You can test the element and replace it if needed. Here’s how:

1. Unplug your dryer and locate the heating element, usually near the back.
2. Test the element for continuity using a multimeter (a tool that measures electrical current). If the multimeter shows no continuity, the element is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
3. If you need to replace the heating element, get the right replacement part for your dryer model. To install the new element properly, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual or from the manufacturer.
4. When installing the new heating element, pay attention to its position. Make sure it’s not touching any other metal parts and is securely in place.

3. Malfunctioning Cycling Thermostat

The cycling thermostat is like your dryer’s brain when it comes to temperature control. It’s a small device near the heating element that tells your dryer when to heat up and when to cool down. The thermostat constantly measures the temperature inside the dryer and turns the heating element on and off to maintain the right heat level.

But what happens when this little temperature boss stops working correctly? A couple of things can go wrong:

1. The thermostat can wear out over time. Like any other part in your dryer, the cycling thermostat can get old and stop working as well as it used to. When this happens, it might not accurately measure the temperature inside the dryer.
2. The thermostat can give incorrect temperature readings. If the thermostat is faulty, it might tell your dryer that it’s cooler inside than it is. This can cause the heating element to stay on longer than it should, leading to overheating.

So, how can you tell if your cycling thermostat is why your dryer is overheating and shutting off? Keep an eye out for these key signs:

• Your dryer doesn’t turn off when it reaches the desired temperature. If your clothes are coming out super hot or the dryer keeps running even after the cycle should be done, the thermostat might be to blame.
• The heat in your dryer needs to be more consistent. If you notice that the temperature inside the dryer fluctuates a lot, going from really hot to cool and back again, a faulty thermostat could be the cause.

If you think your cycling thermostat might malfunction, don’t sweat it! You can test it and replace it if needed. Here’s how:

1. First, unplug your dryer for safety. Then, find the cycling thermostat, usually near the heating element.
2. Test the thermostat for continuity using a multimeter, a tool that measures electrical current. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the thermostat is not working correctly and must be replaced.
3. If you need to replace the thermostat, get the right one for your dryer model. You can usually find this information in your owner’s manual or by searching online using your dryer’s make and model number.
4. When installing the new thermostat, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Make sure everything is connected properly and securely.

4. Damaged or Worn Felt Seal

When you think about your dryer overheating and shutting off, a damaged or worn felt seal might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But believe it or not, this small part can cause some big problems if it needs to be in better shape.

The felt seal is a thin strip of felt material that goes around the edges of your dryer’s drum. Its job is to create a tight seal between the drum and the rest of the dryer cabinet. This seal helps to keep the heat inside the drum where it belongs so your clothes can dry efficiently.

But what happens when the felt seal gets damaged or wears out over time? A couple of issues can pop up:

1. Heat can escape from the drum. If the seal isn’t tight, hot air can leak out of the drum and into other parts of the dryer. This can cause the dryer to overheat and shut off to protect itself.
2. Your clothes might dry unevenly. When heat is escaping from the drum, it means that not all your clothes get the same amount of heat. You might find that some items are still damp while others are completely dry.

So, how do you know if a faulty felt seal is why your dryer is overheating and turning off? Here are a couple of clues to look for:

• You can feel the heat coming from places it shouldn’t, like the sides or back of the dryer. This could mean that the seal isn’t keeping the heat inside the drum where it belongs.
• Your clothes come out of the dryer with damp patches or take longer to dry than usual. This could indicate that heat is escaping and not drying your clothes evenly.

If you suspect that your felt seal might be the culprit, don’t worry. You can check it and replace it if needed. Here’s how:

1. Unplug your dryer for safety. Then, open up the dryer cabinet so you can access the drum.
2. Look at the felt seal around the front and back of the drum. Is it worn, torn, or missing in spots? If so, it needs to be replaced.
3. If you need a new seal, get the right one for your dryer model. You can usually find this information in your owner’s manual or by searching online using your dryer’s make and model number.
4. When installing the new seal, take your time and make sure it’s positioned correctly. The seal should create a tight, even barrier around the drum.

5. Blower Wheel Issues

When your dryer overheats and shuts off, the blower wheel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this small, fan-like part can cause some big problems if it needs to be fixed.

The blower wheel is located inside your dryer, usually near the bottom. It is to pull air through the dryer and blow it out the exhaust vent. This air movement is what helps your clothes dry quickly and evenly.

But what happens when the blower wheel isn’t doing its job? A few different issues can come up:

1. Lint buildup on the blower wheel. As your clothes dry, little bits of fabric and fiber (called lint) can get caught on the blower wheel. Over time, this lint can build up and make it harder for the wheel to turn and move air.
2. Small objects are getting stuck in the blower wheel. Sometimes, small items like coins, buttons, or even socks slip past the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel, which can stop the wheel from turning altogether.
3. The blower wheel can wear out or get damaged. Just like any other moving part, the blower wheel can get old and worn down. It can also crack or break if something gets caught in it.

So, how can you tell if blower wheel issues are why your dryer is overheating and shutting off? Here are a couple of signs to watch for:

• You notice that your dryer is drying slower than it used to. If the blower wheel isn’t moving air well, it can take longer for your clothes to dry.
• Your dryer makes strange noises, like squealing, scraping, or thumping. These could be signs that something is caught in the blower wheel or that the wheel itself is damaged.

If you think blower wheel problems might be the culprit, don’t worry! You can take a look and see what’s going on. Here’s what to do:

1. Always start by unplugging your dryer for safety. Then, find the blower wheel, which is usually accessible from the front or back of the dryer, depending on the model.
2. Check the blower wheel for any lint buildup or objects stuck in it. Carefully remove anything you find.
3. Give the blower wheel a spin by hand. Does it turn smoothly, or does it wobble or make noise? If it’s not turning smoothly, it might be damaged and must be replaced.
4. If you need to replace the blower wheel, get the right one for your dryer model. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or by searching online using your dryer’s make and model number.

Also read DIY Guide: How to Deep Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap and Vent

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look for, you’re well on your way to keeping your dryer running smoothly and safely. But there are a couple more things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, always put safety first when working on your dryer. Make sure to unplug it before you start any repairs or maintenance. This will protect you from electrical shocks and keep you safe while you work.

Second, remember that regular maintenance is key to preventing overheating and other problems. Make it a habit to clean your lint filter after every load, check your exhaust vent for blockages, and inspect your dryer’s hoses and seals from time to time. A little bit of prevention can go a long way in keeping your dryer running well.

If you do run into an issue with your dryer overheating and shutting off, don’t panic! This article has given you the knowledge and tools you need to troubleshoot the problem. Whether it’s cleaning out a clogged vent, replacing a faulty part, or simply cleaning the lint off your blower wheel, you now know what to do.

And if you’re ever unsure about a repair or just don’t feel comfortable tackling it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional. They have the experience and expertise to diagnose and fix any dryer issue quickly and safely.

In the end, the key to avoiding a dryer that overheats and shuts off is a combination of knowledge, regular maintenance, and a willingness to tackle problems when they arise. With the information in this article, you’re now equipped to keep your dryer running smoothly for years to come.