Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating? Fix Tips

Doing laundry is a chore that most homeowners have to deal with on a regular basis. Having a fully functioning clothes dryer makes finishing loads of wet clothes much easier and faster. However, when a Whirlpool dryer stops heating properly, it can turn laundry day into a frustrating experience. In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we will walk through the most common issues that can cause a Whirlpool dryer to stop heating and provide step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and repairing the problem.

How Does a Whirlpool Dryer Work?

Before jumping into troubleshooting, it helps to have a basic understanding of how a Whirlpool dryer functions. There are both gas and electric models, but the general components and heating process are similar.

The drum is the large cylindrical container that holds the wet clothing. It rotates back and forth, tumbling the clothes to promote even drying. At the back of the drum is the blower housing which contains the heating element, usually shaped like a large cylinder or coil.

In an electric dryer, the heating element generates heat when electrical current passes through the coils. The air in the dryer is heated by the element and then blown through the blower housing into the drum. In a gas dryer, heat is produced when natural gas or propane is ignited at the burner.

A thermostat and sensors control the air temperature inside the drum. They turn the heating element or gas burner on and off to maintain the desired temperature setting. The air is circulated from the drum through the blower housing and then re-heated in a continuous cycle until the clothes reach the target dryness.

Common Causes of Whirlpool Dryers Not Heating

There are several parts of the dryer that can malfunction and cause problems with heat generation. Here are some of the most common issues:

Heating Element – The heating element is one of the most likely culprits if your Whirlpool dryer is not heating properly. It may be partially or fully burned out. Elements may last 5-10 years before needing replacement.
Thermal Fuse – This is a safety device that cuts power to the dryer if temperatures exceed safe limits. If the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer won’t heat at all.
Cycling Thermostat – This part measures air temperature and engages the heating element. If it malfunctions, it may not send voltage to the heating element.
High-Limit Thermostat – The high-limit thermostat shuts off power to the heating element if the dryer overheats. If defective, it can prevent the element from heating.
Gas Valve Coils – In a gas dryer, coils open and close the gas valve. If burned out, the gas supply will be cut off from the burner.
Igniter – The igniter lights the gas burner in a gas dryer. If it fails, the burner won’t ignite and heat the air.
Motor and Blower – If the blower motor fails or the blower wheel is stuck, the air won’t properly circulate to heat the drum.
Lint Buildup – Excess lint accumulating in the blower housing can prevent the element from heating air efficiently.
Vent Blockage – A blocked exhaust vent prevents proper air circulation and can cause overheating.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps to diagnose and address the most common Whirlpool dryer heating issues:

Step 1: Confirm the dryer is getting power

Make sure the dryer is plugged in and check your home’s breaker box to confirm the circuit is on.
Test the outlet with a multimeter or by plugging in another appliance.
If the dryer has no power, the thermal fuse may have blown or internal wiring may be damaged.

Step 2: Check exhaust venting

Disconnect the vent hose and inspect it for lint buildup. Clean out any blockages.
Confirm the vent hose is not kinked or crushed. Straighten or replace if necessary.
Make sure the exterior vent hood opens freely and is clear of obstructions.

Step 3: Do a visual inspection of the interior

Remove the front panel and inspect the inside of the dryer for visible issues.
Check for obstructions around the blower housing, heating element, and thermostats.
Look for signs of overheating like discolored wires or melted plastic components.
Check for lint accumulation around components and clean as needed.

Step 4: Diagnose heating element circuit

Access the heating element wiring by removing the rear panel.
Check for visible signs of damage like burnt or melted wires.
Use a multimeter to test each heating element circuit for continuity. Refer to the wiring diagram.
If there is no continuity, it indicates a broken heating element that needs replacement.

Step 5: Test cycling thermostat

Remove the cycling thermostat housing. It is near the heating element ductwork.
With a multimeter set to RX1, check the thermostat contacts for continuity when the dryer is cold.
During a heated cycle, the contacts should open as they cut power to the element once the target temp is reached.
If the thermostat fails these tests, replace it.

Step 6: Test high-limit thermostat

The high-limit thermostat is often found near the blower housing.
With a multimeter, check for continuity. If none, the thermostat needs replacement.
If it has continuity but the dryer still doesn’t heat, press the reset button on the thermostat if equipped.

Step 7: Check thermal fuse

The thermal fuse is normally located within the blower housing near the heating element duct.
Test for continuity using a multimeter. No continuity means the fuse is blown and should be replaced.

Step 8: Test gas valve coils (gas models)

Remove the rear panel to access the gas valve coils.
Check the coils for signs of damage. Use a multimeter to test for continuity.
If damaged, replace both coils as a set.

Step 9: Check igniter (gas models)

Remove the blower housing cover to access the igniter.
Check for cracks along the igniter ceramic and metal leads.
Use a multimeter to confirm continuity between the two igniter leads.
If there is no continuity or visible damage, replace the igniter.

Step 10: Test motor and blowers

The motor should run when initially powered on and during the heated cycle.
Check that the blower wheel turns freely and is not obstructed.
Test the motor windings with a multimeter for continuity. Replace if defective.

Step 11: Monitor during heated cycle

Once components are repaired or replaced, run the dryer through a timed heated cycle.
Monitor the inlet and exhaust temperature using an infrared thermometer and compare.
Uneven heat or failure to reach normal temperatures indicates further issues.

Step 12: Reset and test operation

Heat a load of wet towels to confirm proper dryer operation.
If the issue persists, recheck wiring connections and component testing.
For stubborn problems, consider replacing the control board or having a technician service.

Following these troubleshooting steps should help identify and resolve the most common causes of a Whirlpool dryer not heating. Always exercise caution when conducting DIY electrical repairs. If the issue appears complex, do not hesitate to call an appliance repair technician.

When to Call a Professional for Dryer Repairs

While the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide can resolve many basic Whirlpool dryer heating issues, there are certain situations when it is advisable to instead call a professional:

If the dryer emits a burning smell, immediately stop using it and call an appliance technician. This could indicate a dangerous electrical issue.
If you observe blackened, melted wires, the dryer likely experienced significant internal damage requiring expert service.
If the dryer repeatedly blows fuses or trips the breaker, the internal electrical system needs diagnosis by a pro.
If you determine the control board is defective, replacement should be done by a qualified technician.
If the drum blower is not turning and motor testing is inconclusive, the technician can best evaluate the situation.
If exhaust temperature testing reveals uneven or inadequate heating, complex thermostat or heating element problems may be at fault.
For gas dryer repairs involving the igniter, coils or burner, a certified technician should handle service calls.

While DIY dryer repairs can certainly save money, more complex electrical or gas issues require the skills of a trained appliance repair technician. Their expertise can diagnose hard-to-identify faults and ensure proper operation and safety after servicing Whirlpool dryers.

Preventing Dryer Heating Problems

Taking preventative measures can help minimize the chances of experiencing dryer overheating issues or other heating failures:

Clean the lint screen before and after each load to prevent blockages.
Remove lint from the interior ductwork, blower housing and vent hood annually.
Check the cycling thermostat and high-limit thermostat for proper operation yearly.
Do not overload the dryer which can cause overheating from insufficient airflow.
Clean the exhaust vent regularly to remove blockages and ensure adequate ventilation.
Level the dryer properly to prevent uneven wearing of components.
Avoid excessive heat settings that can overwork the heating elements.
Have a technician inspect gas lines and igniters annually in gas models.
Use rigid metal ducting that won’t collapse or accumulate lint like flexible plastic venting.

Following usage and maintenance guidelines, cleaning the dryer regularly, and replacing aging parts can significantly extend the operational life of your Whirlpool dryer.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

Repairing a Whirlpool dryer not heating properly is usually cheaper than replacing the entire appliance. However, once a dryer reaches a certain age and experiences repeated problems, retirement may be the most cost-effective option.

Consider replacing an old Whirlpool dryer if:

It is more than 10-12 years old. The repetitive repairs may outweigh the cost of a new machine.
Significant parts of the heating system need replacement like the heating element, thermostats, motor and blower. The collective repair costs add up.
The drum bearings are failing, making loud noises during operation. This indicates age-related wear and tear.
You discover pervasive rust and corrosion on the drum and interior that impairs performance.
It is simply cheaper to purchase a brand new energy-efficient model rather than sink more money into constantly fixing an outdated dryer.

For the average household, a clothes dryer has a useful lifespan of 10-13 years. Extensive repairs required on an old machine may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade to a shiny new dryer free of recurring issues. Consult with appliance repair experts on your options before investing in costly component replacements.

Key Takeaways on Fixing a Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating

Having a Whirlpool dryer that suddenly stops heating up is undoubtedly inconvenient. But armed with this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, many common heating problems can be identified and fixed yourself. The key takeaways include:

Heating issues often stem from a defective heating element, blown thermal fuse, faulty thermostat or gas valve/igniter failure.
Thorough inspection and testing using a multimeter can isolate the defective component.
Carefully follow all safety precautions when conducting DIY electric or gas dryer repairs.
Lint buildup and venting issues can mimic heating failures; always clean and inspect ductwork.
Complex heating system or control board problems are best left to qualified appliance technicians.
Preventative maintenance greatly reduces dryer overheating and heating element failures.
At a certain point, replacing an aging dryer may be wiser than continually repairing it.

Don’t let laundry pile up from a dryer that won’t heat properly. With patience, precaution and this advice, you can troubleshoot the problem and restore proper functioning to your Whirlpool dryer.

Troubleshooting Guide for Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating