Dryer Not Heating — 2026 Brand-by-Brand Fix Guide

This guide answers the most common questions about dryer not heating with 2026 Twin Cities pricing, brand-specific fixes, and when to call a factory-trained tech.

Quick answer: Dryer runs but won't heat — order: (1) clean the vent from the back of the dryer all the way to the exterior cap (70% of no-heat calls), (2) test the thermal fuse (blown means the vent was/is blocked — replace the fuse AND clean the vent or it blows again), (3) on electric: heating element coil burned out; on gas: igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve coils. Most repairs $245–$385 all-in. Gas valve coils run $285–$425.

Reviewed by Central Minnesota Appliance Repair — Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Maytag, GE factory-trained. 4.5/5 across 600+ reviews. Updated June 27, 2026.

Electric vs gas: completely different failure paths

Electric dryers heat by running 240V through a coiled wire element ($85 part). Gas dryers heat by spark-igniting a small natural-gas burner controlled by two solenoid coils on a gas valve. The thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and cycling thermostat exist on both. Vent blockage destroys both equally — and it's the root cause behind 70% of no-heat calls.

Step 1 — Clean the vent (yes, really)

Disconnect the foil/rigid duct from the back of the dryer. Run a leaf blower into the duct from outside the house. Look at the cap — if lint pours out, you've found your problem. Restricted vents overheat the dryer cavity, blow thermal fuses, kill heating elements early, and are the #1 dryer-fire cause in Minnesota. Clean annually, no exceptions.

Step 2 — Test the thermal fuse

The thermal fuse is a small white ceramic cylinder on the blower housing. Test continuity with a multimeter. If it's blown, replace it — but do not skip the vent cleaning. A blown thermal fuse with a clear vent means it's time to also inspect the high-limit and cycling thermostats.

Step 3a — Electric: heating element

If thermal fuse, high-limit, and cycling thermostat all pass, the heating element coil has burned through. Visible break, fails continuity test. $245–$345 installed.

Step 3b — Gas: igniter, flame sensor, gas valve coils

Pull the front panel and watch a cycle. The igniter should glow bright orange for ~10 seconds, then gas should ignite. No glow = igniter failed ($245–$345). Glow but no flame = gas valve coils failed ($285–$425) or — rare — flame sensor failed. Always check the gas shut-off and the LP/NG conversion plug if it's a moved appliance.

Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid

The 27" cabinet platform has a known thermal fuse failure when the vent is even slightly restricted. Whirlpool's W10131800 fuse is a $15 part but the underlying issue is always vent flow. We replace the fuse AND clean the full vent run on every Whirlpool no-heat call.

Samsung dryer not heating

Samsung DV models throw HE (heating error), tS / tO (thermistor), or 9E1 (gas valve). The most common Samsung no-heat repair is the heating element kit (DC97-14486A) plus a vent cleaning. On gas Samsungs, the 9E1 gas valve coil pair runs $285–$425.

LG dryer not heating

LG DLE / DLG models throw D80 / D90 / D95 (vent restriction percentage — clean the vent, the dryer self-tests). True no-heat throws nothing visible — we test the heater assembly and the thermistor in that order. LG heater assemblies run $285–$385 installed.

GE Profile and Café

GE dryers fail most often at the heating element coil on electric models and at the igniter on gas. GE thermistors fail at about half the rate of competitors — they're usually not the answer.

Why does my dryer run but not heat?

The motor circuit and the heat circuit are separate. The motor can run perfectly while the thermal fuse, heating element, or gas valve has failed. This is normal and tells you the failure is in the heat path, not the motor.

How much does it cost to fix a dryer that won't heat?

Most no-heat repairs land $245–$385 all-in including the flat $149 trip fee (credited toward the repair on approval). Gas valve coil pairs run $285–$425. Every repair ships with a 1-year written parts-and-labor warranty.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

Once a year minimum. Twice a year if you do more than 6 loads a week, have pets, or have a long vent run (over 25 feet). A clogged vent is the #1 cause of dryer fires in Minnesota and shortens dryer life by 30–40%.

Is it cheaper to fix or replace a dryer?

Repair almost every time on a dryer under 10 years old. New dryers run $600–$1,500; repairs run $245–$425. The tipping point toward replacement is a failed drum, bearings, or motor on a 12+ year-old unit.

Can I use my dryer if it's not heating?

No. Running a no-heat cycle wastes electricity and, on gas dryers, can leak unburned gas. Stop using it until diagnosed.

Twin Cities dryer not heating? We stock thermal fuses, heating elements, gas valve coils, igniters, and thermistors for Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Maytag, and GE on every truck. Same-day windows when you call before 2pm. Dryer repair or call (651) 364-7466.