Dryer · Symptom guide

Tumble dryer not heating

The dryer drum turns but clothes stay cold and damp, or cycles end very quickly.

Severity: Medium · Typical repair cost: £15–£150 depending on whether a thermostat, element or sensor needs replacing.

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Smart overview

This summary gives a quick feel for how serious this issue usually is and what to check before calling for help.

Appliance type Dryer
Risk level Medium
Typical repair cost £15–£150 depending on whether a thermostat, element or sensor needs replacing.

Checks you can try yourself

  1. Clean the lint filter and ensure there is no heavy lint build-up.
  2. For vented dryers, check the vent hose and outside vent for blockages.
  3. For condenser or heat pump dryers, empty the water tank and clean the condenser if it is user-removable.
  4. Try a timed heat program and see if any warmth is produced from the exhaust or drum.

Always unplug the appliance and switch off the power at the mains before accessing internal parts, and do not work on gas appliances yourself.

Advanced checks

  • Many dryers have resettable thermostats under a small cover on the back. Only reset if the cause of overheating has been fixed.
  • If the drum turns but never warms, the heating element or control relay may have failed.

How to prevent this problem

  • Clean the lint filter after every cycle and keep vents and ducts clear.
  • Avoid over‑loading the dryer, which can overheat elements and thermostats.
  • Have the dryer deep‑cleaned periodically if you use it heavily, to remove hidden lint from internal passages.

When to call a professional

If the dryer still does not heat after cleaning filters and vents, or trips the electrics, stop using it and have an engineer test the heating circuit and safety thermostats.

Helpful tools & parts

The link below searches for tools and replacement parts commonly used when fixing this type of problem. Always confirm compatibility with your exact model before ordering.

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FAQs

What is the most common cause of "Tumble dryer not heating"?

In most cases it comes down to a blockage, a worn component, or a sensor/setting issue. Start with the quick checks, then move to the step-by-step fixes in this guide.

Is it safe to keep using the dryer with this symptom?

You can usually do basic checks safely, but stop if you notice leaks, burning smells, tripped electrics, or unusual grinding/banging noises.

What is the first thing I should check?

Check for the simplest causes first: filters, hoses/vents, door seals, obvious blockages, and any recent changes (new detergent, overloaded drum, wrong programme).

When should I call a professional?

If the dryer still does not heat after cleaning filters and vents, or trips the electrics, stop using it and have an engineer test the heating circuit and safety thermostats.

About this guide

This guide was created by the CodeSolveAI Appliance Help Team. We use manufacturer information, typical engineer reports and safe DIY practice to keep these pages up to date and practical.

Last reviewed: March 2026.