A dryer that runs normally but no longer heats, or doesn’t heat enough, is one of the most common breakdowns we see at Service 2000. Out of 699 recent service calls for this exact symptom, here’s what our technicians find most often, and what you can check yourself before booking an appointment.

Basic checks you can do yourself

  • The breaker: an electric dryer typically runs on two 120V breakers. If only one trips, the drum can keep turning with no heat at all. Check your electrical panel first.
  • The lint filter and exhaust duct: restricted airflow can trigger a safety cutoff that prevents the heating element from working. See our full maintenance guide for how often to clean it.
  • Gas dryers: never attempt to check or adjust the gas valve or pilot yourself; this should only be done by a certified technician.

The most common causes

These are the three causes behind the vast majority of the 699 cases analyzed (72.7% combined), along with their one-visit resolution rate. Pulley and belt, which appeared in an earlier version of this analysis, have been removed: neither part is connected to the heating function, and their replacement was generally bundled with another part during the same visit rather than being the actual cause.

  • Heating element: 42.2% of cases resolved in one visit 85.4% of the time. Repair: replacing the element and a full cleaning of the dryer.
  • Thermostat: 22.6% of cases resolved in one visit 83.5% of the time. Repair: thermostat replacement.
  • Blower fan: 7.9% of cases resolved in one visit 67.3% of the time. Repair: replacing the control board or the blower motor, generally a harder case to diagnose.

The heating element and thermostat alone account for nearly two out of three breakdowns, making this one of the more predictable symptoms to diagnose.

When to call a technician

Testing a heating element or thermostat requires a multimeter and partially disassembling the appliance, which carries a risk of electric shock if not done correctly. If the basic checks (breaker, filter, duct) don’t fix the issue, it’s time to call a technician.

Every year, our technicians service thousands of dryers across Quebec; the Montreal region alone accounts for over 3,200 of these service calls. Request an estimate to book a visit.

Is your dryer showing a different symptom? Check out our guides What to Do When My Dryer Is Noisy and What to Do When My Dryer Won’t Start.

FAQ

Why does my dryer run but not heat?

In most cases, the cause is the heating element or the thermostat. A partially tripped breaker (on dryers with two 120V circuits) can also leave the drum turning with no heat at all.

Is it dangerous to keep using a dryer that isn’t heating?

Not necessarily a fire risk on its own, but if the cause turns out to be a blocked exhaust duct rather than a faulty part, that’s a safety issue worth fixing promptly.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?

This repair usually falls in a moderate cost range (roughly $150 to $250, parts and labour included); the exact price depends on the brand and model.

My dryer runs on gas, can I check it myself?

No. Any work on the gas valve or ignition system should only be performed by a certified technician, for your safety.