There are many reasons for a gas dryer not heating. I have encountered endless instances of my dryer not drying, only to find out that I simply forgot to connect the power plug to the outlet and this was the reason why my dryer won’t heat. Unlike an electric dryer, gas dryers have far less mechanical parts and use a lot less energy. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re infallible. People need to check the parts of the dryer to make sure that all of them are intact and properly connected, since a loose part could be the cause for a problem. A common cause for a gas dryer not heating would be if there were not enough voltage for the dryer, or if the dryer is not connected to the power source. Aside from this problem, the most common sources of the problem of dead dryer comes from several areas:
- Igniter and Thermal Fuse
- Thermostat and Radiant flame sensor
- Power Issues
- Heating coils for gas valve
- Overloading
- Wrong Settings
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of these issues.
A common igniter
Broken Igniter and/or Timer
A common cause for gas dryer not heating is a broken igniter. When the igniter is not working properly, it will not ignite the heater. Therefore, you aren’t going to get any heat going within the dryer unit to dry your clothes. Check for blown fuses, as well as other broken elements, as these could also be contributing to the problem. A broken timer could also cause the heater and the blower to stay inactive.
Defective Thermostat and Sensors
Another cause for a gas dryer not heating is a defective thermostat. This could be because the thermostat is not fitted under the lint trap or attached to the blower housing. In cases like these, you will need to replace the broken thermostat. The sensors could also experience this problem. Sensors are the round, silver discs located under the drum. If these aren’t working then the unit will fail to dry clothes or in some cases be totally inoperable.
No Connection to Power
You will need around 110 volts in a gas dryer in order to heat-dry clothes. Check to see if the appliance is plugged in and then check the wires and connections. In some cases, a dryer may fail to power up due to overheating during the previous use. Try and look to see if there are any overheated parts that could be the reason for a dryer not drying. The power cords could also be burnt out and this would require a service technician visit to correct the problem.
Gas Valve Coils
Defective Gas Valve Coils
Another reason for a dryer not heating would be when there is a defect on the gas valve coils or in the electric igniter. In most cases, the electric igniter heats up but does not ignite the gas. Gas valve coils, which normally let the valve open and allow the gas to pass through, may need to be replaced or perhaps you just need to give the valves and the vents a thorough cleaning. Clogged vents often prevent airflow and will raise the temperature higher than what is set.
Overloaded Gas Dryer Not Heating
An overloaded dryer will often block the flow of the air through the drum, which will prevent the dryer from drying the load completely. Avoid filling the dryer with excess clothes and make sure that the air can flow freely inside the drum. Check your manual for the appropriate capacity for your dryer to avoid overloading.
Choosing the Wrong Drying Option
Most people mistakenly think that the reason for a gas dryer not heating properly is due to mechanical or electrical problems. However, sometimes the problem lies with the one operating the dryer. In many cases all you need to do is set the correct drying setting. Most gas dryers have the DRY setting, which will leave the unit on for a longer period of time. Having the setting at NORMAL, which most people choose to use, will actually leave your clothes a bit damp. However, NORMAL is the right setting for delicate fabrics, which would otherwise be damaged if you choose a warmer setting.
Quick Troubleshooting Steps for a Broken Clothes Dryer
Check for any blown or broken parts. Telltale signs include smoky odors or a charred appearance in some dryer areas. You will need to open the dryer up in order to see what is inside. This means you have to use adequate safety gear (goggles or safety glasses and safety gloves) and you need to have a voltmeter handy in order check the voltage of the dryer. If you aren’t willing or able to perform a visual inspection then you’ll need to call a service technician in your area to help.
Also, check if the dryer vent is clogged with lint. In some cases, clogged vents can easily cause dryer parts to overheat. As a preventive measure, clean up the dryer vent once every couple of months.
Troubleshooting Tips for Whirlpool Dryer Problems
The Whirlpool Corporation is the maker of various brands and models of dryers, including the Whirlpool Duet gas dryer, Maytag gas dryers, and the Kenmore gas dryer. Among the common problems with Whirlpool appliances include a heating element that easily breaks down. You will need to replace the element in order to have the unit running again.
Just like other brands, Maytag dryers often fail to dry due to a number of reasons. Some people often experience problems if the exhaust systems in their Maytag dryers are too long. Unlike a ventless dryer, gas dryers have to be ducted to the outside air. The exhaust duct should be kept straight and short, since long and curved ducts can extend drying times.
A common problem with a Kenmore gas dryer is often failure to start. A blown fuse, tripped breaker, or loose wires could cause this. For a blown thermal fuse, it is important to clean, change, and adjust the venting system and to replace the thermostat.
Gas Dryer Not Heating? Don’t Be Afraid to Look Inside
As much as we want appliances to be a magical black box that “just works”, sometimes we have to maintain them. Check to make sure all parts are intact, look for dead or blown parts, and remove dirt and lint from the vents on a regular basis. It is also advisable to check the manuals for your dryers to check for heating problems, which could be specific only to your model and brand of dryer. There are various ways to deal with the problem of a gas dryer not heating, so please check out our site for more help to fix your dryer.
