Is Your Dryer Heating Element Bad? Here’s How To Know

A dryer is a common household appliance that is used to dry clothes. It works by blowing hot air over the clothes, which evaporates the water and makes them dry. The heating element is a key component of the dryer, as it is responsible for generating the hot air. If the heating element is bad, the dryer will not be able to dry clothes properly.

There are a few signs that can indicate that the heating element in your dryer is bad. One sign is if the dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes. Another sign is if the clothes are not coming out of the dryer completely dry. If you notice either of these signs, it is possible that the heating element is bad.

To test the heating element, you will need a multimeter. A multimeter is a device that can measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. To test the heating element, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the back panel of the dryer.
3. Locate the heating element. It is usually located at the bottom of the dryer, behind the drum.
4. Set the multimeter to measure resistance.
5. Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element.
6. The multimeter should read a resistance of between 10 and 20 ohms. If the resistance is significantly higher or lower than this, the heating element is bad.

If you have determined that the heating element is bad, you will need to replace it. Replacing the heating element is a relatively simple repair that can be done in about an hour. To replace the heating element, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the back panel of the dryer.
3. Locate the heating element. It is usually located at the bottom of the dryer, behind the drum.
4. Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
5. Remove the heating element from the dryer.
6. Insert the new heating element into the dryer.
7. Connect the wires to the heating element.
8. Replace the back panel of the dryer.
9. Plug the dryer into the electrical outlet.

Once you have replaced the heating element, the dryer should be working properly again.

Other Causes of Dryer Problems

If you have tested the heating element and it is not bad, there may be another problem that is causing the dryer to not work properly. Some other common causes of dryer problems include:

• Defective thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the dryer. If the thermostat is defective, the dryer may not be able to reach the correct temperature to dry clothes properly.
• Clogged vent: The vent is responsible for exhausting the hot air from the dryer. If the vent is clogged, the dryer will not be able to remove the moisture from the clothes and they will not dry properly.
• Faulty motor: The motor is responsible for turning the drum of the dryer. If the motor is faulty, the drum may not turn properly and the clothes will not dry evenly.

How to Prevent Dryer Problems

There are a few things you can do to help prevent dryer problems, including:

• Clean the lint trap regularly. The lint trap is responsible for catching lint from the clothes. If the lint trap is not cleaned regularly, it can become clogged and restrict the airflow in the dryer.
• Clean the vent hose regularly. The vent hose is responsible for exhausting the hot air from the dryer. If the vent hose is not cleaned regularly, it can become clogged and restrict the airflow in the dryer.
• Do not overload the dryer. Overloading the dryer can put a strain on the motor and cause it to overheat.
• Do not dry clothes that are too wet. Drying clothes that are too wet can cause the dryer to overheat.

Wrap-Up

If you are having problems with your dryer, it is important to troubleshoot the problem and determine the cause. If the heating element is bad, you will need to replace it. If the heating element is not bad, there may be another problem that is causing the dryer to not work properly. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent dryer problems and keep your dryer running smoothly for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my dryer heating element is bad?

A: There are a few signs that can indicate that the heating element in your dryer is bad. One sign is if the dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes. Another sign is if the clothes are not coming out of the dryer completely dry. If you notice either of these signs, it is possible that the heating element is bad.

Q: How do I test the heating element in my dryer?

A: To test the heating element in your dryer, you will need a multimeter. A multimeter is a device that can measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. To test the heating element, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the back panel of the dryer.
3. Locate the heating element. It is usually located at the bottom of the dryer, behind the drum.
4. Set the multimeter to measure resistance.
5. Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element.
6. The multimeter should read a resistance of between 10 and 20 ohms. If the resistance is significantly higher or lower than this, the heating element is bad.

Q: How do I replace the heating element in my dryer?

A: To replace the heating element in your dryer, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the back panel of the dryer.
3. Locate the heating element. It is usually located at the bottom of the dryer, behind the drum.
4. Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
5. Remove the heating element from the dryer.
6. Insert the new heating element into the dryer.
7. Connect the wires to the heating element.
8. Replace the back panel of the dryer.
9. Plug the dryer into the electrical outlet.