Dryer running but no heat? Here's what's wrong
The drum is spinning, the timer is counting down, but your clothes come out just as wet as they went in. A dryer that runs without heating is one of the most common appliance repair calls in the country — and one of the most fixable.
The cause is almost always one of seven things. Several of them cost under $150 to fix. A few require a professional. One could be a fire hazard if you ignore it.
This guide covers every likely cause, exact repair costs for both gas and electric dryers, what you can safely check yourself, and when to stop and call a technician.
Critical warning: Check this first
Before anything else — when did you last clean your dryer vent?
A clogged vent is the single most common cause of dryer heating problems AND the leading cause of dryer fires in the U.S. If your dryer is taking two or three cycles to dry clothes and now has stopped heating entirely, a blocked vent is the likely culprit — and a fire risk.
Pull the dryer away from the wall. Disconnect the vent hose. Check for lint buildup. If the hose is packed, clean it before doing anything else. Professional vent cleaning costs $100–$180 and should be done annually.
Gas vs. electric: Why it matters for diagnosis
Before diagnosing, know what you have. Check the plug:
- 4-prong outlet (240V): Electric dryer
- 3-prong outlet (120V) + gas line: Gas dryer
This matters because the causes and costs differ significantly. Electric dryers use a heating element. Gas dryers use an igniter and gas valve coils. A repair that costs $150 on an electric dryer can cost $250+ on a gas model because gas work requires licensed technicians.
7 common causes — from cheapest to most expensive
1. Clogged Dryer Vent or Lint Trap
- What it is:
- Restricted airflow causes the dryer to overheat, which triggers the thermal fuse (a safety device) to blow and cut off heat entirely.
- DIY or Pro:
- Clean the lint trap yourself every load. Vent cleaning — DIY or Pro
- Repair cost:
- $0 (lint trap) — $100–$180 (professional vent cleaning)
- Signs:
- Clothes take multiple cycles to dry, dryer feels hot on the outside, burning smell, dryer shuts off mid-cycle
2. Blown Thermal Fuse
- What it is:
- The thermal fuse is a one-time safety device that permanently cuts power to the heating circuit if the dryer overheats. Once it blows, it must be replaced — and the root cause (usually a clogged vent) must be fixed or it will blow again.
- DIY or Pro:
- The part is cheap and replacement is DIY-possible, but you need a multimeter to confirm diagnosis
- Repair cost:
- $80–$150 parts and labor
- Signs:
- Dryer runs normally but produces zero heat — this symptom points directly to the thermal fuse
Important: If your thermal fuse blew, it blew for a reason. Always clean the vent before replacing the fuse or the new one will blow too.
3. Faulty Heating Element (Electric Dryers Only)
- What it is:
- Electric dryers use a coiled metal element to generate heat. Over time — especially if the dryer has overheated repeatedly — the element burns out or breaks.
- DIY or Pro:
- Pro recommended
- Repair cost:
- $150–$250 parts and labor
- Signs:
- No heat at all, or heat that cuts in and out during a cycle. A multimeter test for continuity confirms a broken element.
4. Failed Igniter (Gas Dryers Only)
- What it is:
- The igniter lights the gas that heats the drum. When it fails, the gas valve opens but nothing ignites — so no heat is produced.
- DIY or Pro:
- Pro only — gas appliance work requires proper training and equipment
- Repair cost:
- $100–$250 parts and labor
- Signs:
- You can hear the gas valve click open but the dryer never heats up
5. Gas Valve Coils / Solenoid Failure (Gas Dryers Only)
- What it is:
- The gas valve coils (also called solenoids) control the flow of gas to the burner. When they fail, the igniter may glow briefly and then go out without the gas igniting — a distinctive symptom.
- DIY or Pro:
- Pro only
- Repair cost:
- $150–$300 parts and labor
- Signs:
- Igniter glows orange then goes out, dryer starts warm then goes cold mid-cycle
6. Bad Cycling Thermostat
- What it is:
- The cycling thermostat regulates temperature during the drying cycle — turning the heat on and off to maintain the correct temperature. When it fails, the dryer may produce no heat or inconsistent heat.
- DIY or Pro:
- Pro
- Repair cost:
- $100–$260 parts and labor
- Signs:
- Clothes partially dry, heat cuts in and out, dryer shuts off before the cycle ends
7. Control Board Failure
- What it is:
- On newer electronic dryers, the control board manages all functions including heat. A failed board can cause erratic behavior — no heat, random shutdowns, error codes.
- DIY or Pro:
- Pro only
- Repair cost:
- $150–$400 parts and labor
- Signs:
- Error codes on display, inconsistent or no response to temperature settings, multiple functions failing at once
Repair cost summary
| Problem | Gas or Electric | DIY possible? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clogged vent / lint trap | Both | Yes (lint trap) | $0–$180 |
| Blown thermal fuse | Both | Sometimes | $80–$150 |
| Heating element | Electric only | No | $150–$250 |
| Igniter failure | Gas only | No | $100–$250 |
| Gas valve coils | Gas only | No | $150–$300 |
| Cycling thermostat | Both | No | $100–$260 |
| Control board | Both | No | $150–$400 |
Electric vs. gas: Which costs more to repair?
Electric dryers are generally cheaper and simpler to repair. Parts are widely available and most technicians can service them without specialized certification.
Gas dryers cost more to repair across the board. Any repair involving the gas supply line, igniter, or valve requires a licensed technician — and those labor rates are higher. Budget 20–40% more for the same repair on a gas dryer versus an electric.
The clogged vent + thermal fuse trap
This is the most common and most mishandled dryer repair. Here's how it plays out:
- Dryer vent gets clogged with lint over months or years
- Dryer overheats → thermal fuse blows → no heat
- Homeowner replaces the thermal fuse ($80–$150)
- Dryer works for a few weeks
- Thermal fuse blows again because the vent is still clogged
The fix isn't just the fuse — it's the fuse plus a full vent cleaning. If a technician replaces your thermal fuse without mentioning the vent, ask them directly.
When to repair vs. replace
Average dryer lifespan is 13 years for electric, slightly less for gas. Use the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of what a comparable new dryer would cost, replacement is usually the smarter long-term decision.
Quick math example
- Your electric dryer is 11 years old
- Control board replacement quote: $380
- A comparable new electric dryer: $600
- The repair is 63% of replacement cost
- Verdict: Replace
Run your own numbers with our free Repair vs. Replace Calculator.
What a service call costs
Most appliance technicians charge a diagnostic fee of $75–$150 to come out and identify the problem. This is usually applied toward the repair if you proceed.
Typical total repair costs:
- Minor repairs (thermal fuse, vent cleaning): $80–$200
- Mid-range repairs (heating element, thermostat, igniter): $150–$300
- Major repairs (control board, motor): $250–$450
Gas dryer repairs run 20–40% higher than electric for the same problem. Urban markets add another 20–35% over national averages.
Find a dryer repair pro near you
A dryer that isn't heating can become a dryer that's a fire risk if the underlying cause is a clogged vent. Don't run it repeatedly hoping it fixes itself.
Find a vetted dryer repair technician →All technicians in the Appliance Repair Advisor directory are background-checked, license-verified, and reviewed by confirmed customers. Most offer same-day or next-day appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
The most common causes are a blown thermal fuse, a clogged dryer vent, or a failed heating element (electric) or igniter (gas). Start by checking the vent for blockages — it's free and often the root cause.
Can I use my dryer if it's not heating?
Technically yes, but it won't dry clothes and you're wasting electricity or gas. More importantly, if the cause is a clogged vent, running the dryer repeatedly creates a fire hazard. Get it diagnosed first.
How do I know if my thermal fuse is blown?
The clearest sign is a dryer that runs completely normally — drum spins, timer counts down — but produces absolutely no heat. A multimeter test on the fuse will confirm it. If you don't have one, a technician can confirm in minutes.
Is it worth fixing a dryer that's 10 years old?
Depends on the repair. A $150 thermal fuse replacement on a 10-year-old dryer is almost always worth it. A $400 control board replacement on the same unit is borderline — use the 50% rule and factor in that most dryers last 13 years.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
Once a year minimum — more often if you do large loads frequently or have pets. The lint trap should be cleaned after every single load.
Why does my dryer start heating then stop?
This is usually a cycling thermostat problem or a partially clogged vent causing the dryer to overheat and trigger a safety shutoff mid-cycle. Both need professional diagnosis.
Data based on national service-call averages from verified technicians. Costs are estimates and vary by region, brand, and model. Last updated June 2026.