Your dryer’s temperature controls help regulate heat during a cycle. If clothes stay damp, there is no heat or the dryer becomes unusually hot, a thermostat may be involved—but the symptoms can also come from restricted airflow, settings or other faults.
Damp clothes or no heat
Check the selected cycle and load size against the care guide. Clean the lint filter and note whether drying times have increased. A technician may need to check airflow, heating components, sensors and safety devices; replacing the thermostat without diagnosis may not solve the problem.
Overheating needs prompt attention
Stop using a dryer that is overheating or gives off a burning smell. Do not keep running cycles to see whether the problem clears. Have the dryer and its exhaust path assessed before using it again. If there is smoke or fire, leave the area and call emergency services.
Keep lint and airflow under control
Clean the lint filter before or after each load, and do not run the dryer without it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the exhaust system and keeping the outside vent unobstructed. Arrange professional cleaning or repair if the duct is difficult to access or the dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes.
Do not bypass safety devices
Temperature controls and thermal safety devices are not interchangeable. Never bypass a thermal fuse or safety control to restore heat. Internal testing and replacement should follow the service procedure for the exact model.
Make maintenance a habit
Keep the area around the dryer clear, follow the recommended loading instructions and pay attention to changes in sound, heat and drying time. Regular care can help reduce avoidable problems, while professional diagnosis addresses faults that routine cleaning cannot fix.
Further reading
Originally published by Appliance Rescuers.
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