You know that moment when you pull clothes out of the dryer and they're still damp? Yeah, I've been there too. Last winter, my own dryer stopped heating right before hosting family for the holidays. Nothing like wet towels when you've got guests arriving. Let's figure out why dryers quit heating and what you can actually do about it.

Top Reasons Your Dryer Stopped Working

Dryers are simpler than you'd think. When heating fails, it's usually one of these culprits. I'll skip the textbook jargon and explain like we're chatting over coffee.

The Silent Killer: Thermal Fuse Failure

This little $5 part causes more dryer stopped heating issues than anything else. It's a safety device that blows when things get too hot. Find it near the exhaust duct inside the back panel. Test it with a multimeter for continuity – if it's dead, replace it. Honestly, this is where I'd start every time.

Vent Blockages – The Hidden Problem

Last year, I visited my sister who complained about her dryer taking 3 hours per load. Turned out her vent duct looked like a lint raccoon's nest. Here's how to check:

• Disconnect the dryer from the wall vent
• Shine a flashlight – can you see daylight?
• Run a leaf blower backward through the duct (weird trick that works)

If airflow is restricted, your dryer overheats and shuts down heating components. Clean that vent!

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Don't call a repair tech yet. Try these steps first when your dryer stopped heating:

1. Check power sources: Is the dryer plugged in? Breaker tripped? For gas dryers, is the gas valve open?
2. Test the lint filter: Hold it up to light – if you can't see through it, wash it with soapy water.
3. Inspect the vent duct: Pull dryer from wall. If more than a tablespoon of lint falls out, you've found part of the problem.
4. Access the thermal fuse: Unplug dryer. Remove back panel. Locate the small white rectangle near the exhaust. Test with multimeter (should show continuity).
5. Examine the heating element: Remove drum belt (takes about 20 mins). Look for broken coils or scorch marks.

When Repair Costs Don't Make Sense

My neighbor spent $280 fixing a 12-year-old dryer when a new one cost $500. Bad call. Here's my repair vs. replace cheat sheet:

Real Repair Costs You Should Know

Repair companies aren't always transparent about pricing. Here's what actual parts cost versus what you'll pay:

• Thermal fuse: $4-$8 at appliance stores (not the $50 some charge!)
• Heating element: $25-$45 online
• Service call fee: $80-$120 just for showing up
• Labor per hour: $90-$150 in most cities

My appliance repair buddy admits most dryer stopped heating fixes take under an hour. If they quote over $250, get a second opinion.

The Gas Dryer Wildcard

If you have a gas dryer that stopped heating, the igniter might be bad. You'll hear clicking but no flame. Replacement igniters cost $30-$60. But honestly? Gas valves fail too and are pricier to fix. If your dryer is gas and won't heat, weigh repair costs carefully.

Prevent Future Dryer Heating Failures

After fixing my own dryer, I implemented these habits:

• Clean lint filter after every load (not just emptying – scrub it monthly)
• Vacuum the dryer vent quarterly using a skinny hose attachment
• Run dryer on air-only cycle for 10 minutes monthly to clear dust
• Check external vent flap opens freely during operation

Funny story – after I started doing this, my energy bill dropped $9/month. Dryers work harder when vents are clogged.

FAQs: Dryer Stopped Heating Solutions

Why would my dryer suddenly stop heating?

Usually either a failed thermal fuse (from overheating) or a clogged vent system. Both cause safety shut-offs. Less commonly, the heating element itself burns out.

Can I run my dryer if it stopped heating?

Technically yes, but it's pointless. Without heat, clothes won't dry properly. You'll waste hours and still have damp laundry. Fix the issue instead.

How long do dryer heating elements last?

Typically 8-12 years with proper maintenance. But heavy use or restricted airflow can kill them in 5 years. Replacement takes 1-2 hours for most DIYers.

Is a dryer not heating dangerous?

Potentially. Blocked vents cause 15,000+ fires annually. If your dryer stopped heating due to a thermal fuse blowout, that's a safety feature working. But ignoring vent blockages creates fire hazards.

Why does my dryer heat sometimes but not always?

Intermittent heating usually means a failing thermostat or loose wiring connection. Both require internal inspection. Don't ignore this – inconsistent operation often precedes complete failure.

Parting Thoughts From Experience

Most dryer heating failures are fixable. But here's my controversial take: manufacturers make thermal fuses too sensitive. They blow when vents are slightly restricted instead of just reducing heat output. Planned obsolescence? Maybe. Either way, keep those vents clean.

Last month, my mother-in-law's dryer stopped heating. I replaced the $6 thermal fuse in 20 minutes. She thought I was a wizard. Truth is, anyone with a screwdriver and YouTube can do this. Unless it's a complex electronic control board issue (rare for heating problems), you've got this.