Why Your Dryer Is Not Getting Hot Enough (and How to Fix It)

If your dryer is getting warm but not hot enough to dry your clothes properly, this article will help you troubleshoot the issue. A dryer needs two key things to dry clothes effectively: airflow and heat. If there’s a problem with either of these, it’s likely why the drum isn’t getting hot enough.

Below, we’ll look at the most likely causes and solutions for a dryer that’s not getting hot enough. Go through them one by one until you find the one that fixes your dryer’s heating issue.

Airflow-related issues

A dryer needs good airflow to ensure hot air circulates evenly and carries moisture away from the clothes and out of the dryer. Restricted airflow can make a dryer seem like it’s not getting hot enough, either because the laundry stays damp or because it triggers the dryer’s built-in safety mechanisms, which reduce heat to prevent overheating.

Clean the lint filter and its housing

This is the best place to start when troubleshooting this issue since a clogged filter can restrict airflow.

It’s best practice to clean the lint filter after every load of laundry. However, many people forget or skip this step. Simply remove the lint filter and pull off the lint with your fingers. Once every few months, give the lint filter a deep clean by soaking it in warm water with mild detergent, then gently scrub it with a soft brush to remove any residues that can clog the mesh.

You should also clean inside the lint filter housing (the slot where the filter sits). Lint can build up in this area over time, restricting airflow and reducing the dryer’s efficiency. To clean it, first unplug the dryer for safety. Then, remove the lint filter, and use a vacuum with a narrow attachment to reach inside the housing and suck out any lint.

Clean the dryer vent

If you have a vented dryer, a blockage in the vent system can also restrict airflow and cause heating issues. A handy tip to see if this might be the cause is to disconnect the dryer vent hose from the back of the dryer and then run the dryer to see if the issue persists.

If the dryer works fine with the vent hose disconnected, it’s likely a clogged vent causing the problem. To clean a dryer vent, you can either hire a professional service or use a vent cleaning kit by following these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer and, if it’s a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply.
2. Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent hose from the back. Check the vent hose hasn’t been crushed or kinked.
3. Head outside and find the vent hood where the dryer releases the hot moist air. Remove the hood and clean it if it’s clogged.
4. Grab a dryer vent cleaning kit. It usually comes with a brush head and extension rods that you can attach to a drill.
5. Feed the brush into the vent and turn on the drill to spin the brush as you push it through.
6. Make sure to clean the entire length of the vent by running the brush in and out several times until it feels clear and you’re not pulling out any more lint.

Check the load size

An overloaded dryer can also restrict airflow. If the dryer is packed full, try removing some items to see if that helps. For best results, fill the drum no more than three-quarters full.

Extra tip: Make sure the load isn’t soaking wet. Clothes should be damp but not dripping, or the dryer will have a hard time drying them efficiently.

Heat-related issues

If you’ve ruled out airflow-related issues, there’s likely a problem with one of the heat-related components, such as the heating element or cycling thermostat.

Check the dryer settings

You’ve probably already tried adjusting the settings, but it’s worth a quick check if you haven’t. If the dryer is set to “Air Fluff” or “No Heat,” it won’t get hot. Make sure you’ve selected a heat setting, and if there’s an “Eco Mode,” try turning it off to see if the dryer heats up more.

Test the heating element

If your dryer is getting warm but not hot enough, a partially damaged heating element might be the cause. For example, if part of the coil is broken, the element may still produce some heat, but not as much as it should.

However, it’s more common for a broken coil to cause the dryer to stop producing heat altogether. Since the heating element is the main heat-producing component in electric dryers, it’s definitely something you’ll want to check.

To check the heating element, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Remove the back panel (for most dryers) or the front or other panels (for some models) to access the heating element. Refer to your dryer’s manual if needed.
3. Locate the heating element, usually inside a metal housing near the blower.
4. Disconnect the wires connected to the heating element’s terminals.
5. Remove the heating element by unscrewing any mounting screws and sliding it out of the housing.
6. Visually inspect the heating element for signs of damage, such as breaks in the coils or burn marks.
7. Use a multimeter to test the element for continuity.
8. If damaged or faulty, replace the heating element.

Inspect the cycling thermostat

The cycling thermostat is responsible for maintaining the dryer’s temperature by turning the heating element or burner on and off as needed. If it’s faulty, it might shut off the heat too soon, preventing the dryer from reaching a hot enough temperature.

To check the cycling thermostat, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Remove the back panel (for most dryers) or other panels (check manual) to access the thermostat.
3. Locate the cycling thermostat, which is typically mounted on or near the blower housing.
4. Disconnect the wires connected to the thermostat’s terminals.
5. Remove the thermostat by unscrewing any mounting screws holding it in place.
6. Test the thermostat using a multimeter set to the continuity or resistance setting (ohms).
7. If there’s no continuity (the reading is zero or shows “OL”), the thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.