JAY Appliances – appliance repair in St Albert
When a dryer spins like normal but the clothes stay damp and cold, it can be frustrating. We expect dry, warm laundry when the timer ends. But when heat is missing, there’s a specific list of things to check. This isn’t just about guessing which part failed. Instead, it’s about understanding how your dryer generates heat and what stops that process. Every issue we explain below is based on real-world cases we’ve worked on during appliance repair in St Albert, and each one can be fixed with the right approach.
Heating Element Burnout Is a Common Cause
A working dryer relies on a heating element to generate hot air. This coil or wire heats up when electricity flows through it. Over time, it can wear out or break completely. When that happens, the dryer will still run, but it won’t produce any heat.
We often find that this damage is caused by overloading, poor airflow, or age. If the heating element fails, it won’t trigger an error code. That makes it harder to notice right away. You’ll hear the drum turn and feel air moving, but it stays cool.
In most cases, testing the element with a multimeter shows whether it’s still functional. If there’s no continuity, it means the element is broken and must be replaced. During every dryer repair service in St Albert, we inspect the full heating circuit—not just the element—to make sure no other part caused the failure in the first place.
For more help with this issue, we’ve explained it clearly on our dryer repair St Albert page.
Thermal Fuse Interruptions Cut Off Heat
Some dryers include a thermal fuse that protects the system from overheating. This fuse reacts to extreme temperatures and cuts power to the heating element when things get too hot. Unfortunately, once it blows, it doesn’t reset.
So even after the dryer cools down, it still won’t produce heat. That’s why your machine might be running just fine but failing to warm up.
We usually find that restricted airflow or blocked vents are behind fuse issues. If lint builds up inside the exhaust duct or the back of the dryer, it traps heat in the system. As a result, the fuse trips to protect other components.
Replacing the thermal fuse is straightforward. However, if we don’t fix the underlying airflow problem, it will happen again. Our technicians always clean out the ducts and vents during a full appliance repair in St Albert so the issue doesn’t repeat.
Circuit Issues and Power Problems Can Be Overlooked
Electric dryers rely on 240 volts to power the heat. That comes from two separate breakers or fuses that each carry 120 volts. If one of those lines fails, your dryer might still turn on, light up, and spin—but it won’t get hot.
This issue often gets missed because the machine appears to be working. But without the full 240 volts, the heating system remains inactive. We always test both legs of the power supply when we arrive. If voltage is missing on one side, it could be a tripped breaker, a bad outlet, or damaged wiring.
In homes where outlets are older or exposed to moisture, we often find corroded contacts or weakened wiring. These can reduce current or cause arcing, which shuts off the heating function. During each service, we check not only the appliance but the full path back to the panel.
To see how we manage this kind of issue during a full service, visit our appliance repair in St Albert page for more detail.
Temperature Sensors and Thermostats May Be Off
Modern dryers use several sensors to monitor temperature inside the drum. These include thermostats, thermistors, or cycling sensors. When one of them fails, the machine may decide it’s already warm enough—and shut the heating element off.
That means your dryer still runs and completes the cycle, but everything inside stays cold.
We find this issue more common in digital models that rely on logic boards. When a sensor provides bad data or no data at all, the control board responds by cancelling the heat. Testing these parts requires heat-simulated resistance checks, not just visual inspection.
Replacing a faulty sensor isn’t expensive, but misdiagnosis leads to wasted time. That’s why we test the readings before changing parts. In some models, the sensors also tie into the moisture detection circuit. If your dryer also stops early or leaves clothes damp, those signs point to sensor problems.
If you’re seeing similar issues, don’t wait to get help. You can book a technician directly using our contact form.
Control Board Malfunctions Are Less Common But Critical
Although rare, a faulty control board can cause the heating cycle to fail. The board sends power to the heater relay, opens the motor circuit, and watches for signals from sensors.
If the board develops burned traces, cracked solder joints, or software errors, it might not engage the heater properly. In some cases, we’ve seen dryers that power on, display normal settings, and spin like usual—yet never produce any heat.
Diagnosing a bad board involves checking for correct output to the heating circuit and testing relay function. We don’t replace boards unless every other part checks out. That’s because control boards are one of the most expensive parts and should only be replaced after full verification.
Boards sometimes fail due to voltage surges or water leaks near the control panel. If your dryer recently experienced a power outage or flood, it may be worth checking the control logic.
Blocked Dryer Vents Stop Heat from Building
Dryers need clear exhaust paths to function properly. If your vent pipe is clogged, crushed, or kinked, the hot air cannot leave. This leads to sensors triggering early shutoff or fuses blowing.
More importantly, dryers detect pressure and heat buildup. If the exhaust system fails to clear out the air, the heating cycle might shut off to prevent fire hazards. That’s why your dryer might turn and push cool air only.
We often find long vent runs with elbows or debris buildup that slow down air movement. Cleaning out the vent and checking airflow with a pressure meter often restores normal operation.
For most homeowners, cleaning the lint trap isn’t enough. That’s only one step. A full duct cleaning every 12 to 18 months helps avoid overheating, long dry times, and component failures.
Gas Dryers: Ignition Problems and Flame Sensors
Gas dryers use igniters and flame sensors instead of electric coils. If your gas dryer runs but never gets warm, the issue is likely in the ignition system.
We check if the igniter glows during the cycle. If not, it may be broken or disconnected. If it glows but no flame appears, the gas valve coils or the flame sensor may have failed.
Gas dryers include multiple safety checks. Any failed sensor or valve prevents ignition, so the drum keeps turning with no heat. We follow a step-by-step process to confirm ignition, flame sensing, and valve control.
If you use propane or natural gas and your unit hasn’t been cleaned in a while, debris around the burner can block ignition. Keeping this area clean ensures safe and reliable operation.
5 Helpful FAQs
What should I check first if my dryer runs but has no heat?
Start by checking the lint trap and exhaust vent. Then confirm your dryer is getting full 240-volt power before moving on to internal parts.
Can I replace a heating element myself?
If you’re comfortable with tools and basic electrical checks, it’s possible. But you need to unplug the unit, check continuity, and confirm no other parts are causing the failure.
Why does the dryer heat for a few minutes, then stop?
That often means a sensor is misreading the temperature or the vent is clogged. Airflow problems cause early shutoff to avoid overheating.
How often should I clean the dryer vent?
We recommend cleaning it once a year. If you have long vent runs or pets, consider doing it every six months.
Is it worth fixing an old dryer that stopped heating?
That depends on the problem and the cost of parts. Many repairs are under $200 and help extend the life of your dryer by years.
For fast help with any of these issues, reach out through our Contact Us form. We’re ready to diagnose, fix, and restore the heat so your dryer works the way it should.