Dryer not heating: causes for electric and gas dryers, and repair cost
The drum turns, the timer runs, but nothing gets warm. It is almost always one of five parts — and often caused by a clogged vent.
On an electric dryer, no heat is usually the heating element (burnt coil), a blown thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat, or one leg of the 240V supply down (a tripped half-breaker). On a gas dryer, it is the igniter, the flame sensor or the gas valve coils. Most no-heat repairs cost $100–$300. The root cause behind many of them is a restricted vent — a good repair clears it too.
Which symptom do you have? Quick checks and what they mean
Safe checks only — anything involving line voltage, gas or refrigerant is for the technician.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Electric: no heat at all | Heating element open, thermal fuse blown, or half the 240V supply lost. | Reset the breaker fully off then on; if no heat, call |
| Electric: warm then cold | Cycling thermostat or vent restriction causing overheat shut-off. | Clear lint filter and check the outside vent flap; then call |
| Gas: igniter glows, no flame | Gas valve coils failed, or flame sensor. | Call |
| Gas: no glow at all | Igniter, thermal fuse, or gas supply off. | Confirm the gas valve is open; then call |
| Very long dry times, hot exterior | Blocked vent duct — the #1 cause and a fire risk. | Clean the vent; if still slow, call |
What each repair typically costs
| Repair | Typical cost (parts + labor) |
|---|---|
| Thermal fuse + vent clearing | $100 – $220 |
| Heating element (electric) | $150 – $300 |
| Cycling / high-limit thermostat | $100 – $250 |
| Igniter (gas) | $150 – $280 |
| Gas valve coils / flame sensor | $150 – $300 |
| Control board | $200 – $400 |
Repair or replace?
Repair if the quote is under half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is not near the end of its typical lifespan. The repair-or-replace calculator gives a quick answer for your appliance and age.
What happens when you call
Brand, model, what it does and does not do — two minutes.
An independent repair company covering your ZIP code.
Visit fee confirmed up front; repair on approval, often the same visit.
Common questions
My dryer runs but never heats — is that dangerous?
A no-heat dryer is not dangerous in itself. What is dangerous is the clogged vent that often causes it. Stop using it if you smell burning; otherwise book a repair and mention how long the vent has gone uncleaned.
Why does the thermal fuse keep blowing?
Because the dryer keeps overheating — restricted vent, failed cycling thermostat or a blower problem. Replacing the fuse alone is a temporary fix; the visit should include the vent.
Gas dryer igniter glows but no flame?
The igniter is not the problem — the gas valve coils or flame sensor are. Still a routine one-visit repair.
Same-day dryer repair?
Often. Elements, fuses and igniters are stocked on most trucks. Availability for your ZIP is confirmed when you call.
Published 2026-09-22 · Updated 2026-09-22