Dryer heating element converts electrical power into controlled heat. Related symptoms include no/weak heat, heater codes or heat continuing incorrectly. Those symptoms do not prove the component failed: prove airflow, cycle and supply voltage before internal testing. Feel the airflow at the outside hood and check the lint screen and the vent run.
What this covers
- electric dryers
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Dryer heating element”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The exhaust is restricted and the dryer's safety cuts the heat
What separates it The dryer runs but heats weakly or stops heating after a few minutes, and airflow at the outside hood is weak.
How to confirm Feel the airflow at the outside hood and check the lint screen and the vent run.
- 2
The wrong cycle or a no-heat setting is selected
What separates it The dryer tumbles with cold air on an air-fluff or delicate setting.
How to confirm Run a timed dry on normal heat and see whether the air warms.
- 3
One leg of the 240-volt supply is missing on an electric dryer
What separates it The drum turns and the controls work but there is no heat, and a breaker pole has tripped or a fuse has blown.
How to confirm Check the double-pole breaker once and have the outlet voltage measured by a qualified person.
- 4
The element or its thermal fuse has failed
What separates it The dryer has good airflow and supply and still gives no heat, and the fuse or the element tests open.
How to confirm This is internal testing with a meter and belongs to a technician.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the air is cold or briefly warm and how long the dryer runs before it stops heating.
- The state of the breaker and the airflow at the outside hood.
- Any burning smell and the cycle used.
Try in this order
0 of 2 completedTest before you replace
ReversibleProve airflow, cycle and supply voltage before internal testing.
Weigh the repair
ReversibleReplacement difficulty for the dryer heating element is high for consumers because of high voltage.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Disconnect power before any panel is removed; a dryer element carries high current and replacement is high difficulty for most owners.
- !Stop and call a technician for a burning smell, arcing or a hot cord.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I know whether the element or the vent is at fault?+
Check airflow first. A restricted vent makes the dryer trip its thermal fuse, and the element is often fine. Replace only what a meter test shows to be open.
What does the heating element do?+
It heats the air on an electric dryer. A failed element leaves the drum turning without heat.
How can I tell it is bad?+
Clothes stay damp with a working motor and blower. A technician can test the element with a multimeter with the power off.
Is it the fuse instead?+
A tripped thermal fuse also stops heat, so both should be tested. Clean the vent to prevent repeats.