Can I just replace the thermal fuse?

It may get the dryer working, but if the vent is blocked, the new fuse will blow too. Fix the cause.

Is it safe to run a dryer with a clogged vent?

No. Lint is flammable. Clear it before you use the dryer again.

Dryer Not Heating

If the drum turns but there’s no heat, an electric dryer usually has a bad element, thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat. A gas dryer usually has a bad igniter or gas valve coils. A clogged vent is often what killed the part.

Common causes

Thermal fuse. Blows when the dryer overheats, often because of a blocked vent.
Heating element. On electric dryers, the coil breaks.
Igniter or valve coils. On gas dryers, the igniter glows but the gas doesn’t light, or it doesn’t glow at all.
Cycling or high-limit thermostat. Shuts the heat off too early.
Half a breaker. An electric dryer can tumble on one leg of the 240-volt breaker but won’t heat.

Checks you can do safely

Turn off power (and water or gas where it applies) before you reach inside any appliance.

Reset the dryer breaker fully off and back on.
On a gas dryer, make sure the gas valve behind it is open.
Clean the lint screen and check the vent hose behind the dryer.
Go outside while it runs and see if the vent flap opens.

When to call us

Call if it still doesn’t heat after the breaker and vent check, or if it heats some but takes forever. We work Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis and Johnson counties. The service call is $150 and we waive it if you go ahead with the repair. Parts and labor are covered for 90 days.

Service page: dryer repair.