Dryer repair guides for no-heat, long cycles, and error codes. Covers gas and electric models, vent safety, and thermal fuse diagnosis.
A dryer that takes two cycles to dry a load or shuts off mid-cycle is more than an inconvenience — it wastes energy, wears out clothes faster, and in the case of gas dryers, can signal a safety hazard. Our troubleshooting guides start with the most statistically likely cause for each symptom: no heat is a thermal fuse 60% of the time, long dry times point to a blocked vent in 70% of service calls, and a drum that tumbles but produces no warmth usually means a failed heating element or gas valve coil.
We break down diagnosis separately for gas and electric dryers because the repair process differs at every step. Gas dryers require igniter and flame sensor testing with a multimeter, while electric dryers need element continuity checks and high-limit thermostat diagnosis. Each guide includes the specific resistance readings you should expect and the exact replacement part numbers for the five most common models we service in the Sacramento and Bay Area markets.
Dryer venting deserves its own section in every guide because lint-clogged vents cause an estimated 2,900 house fires per year in the US. California building codes require rigid metal ducts (not foil flex) for new installations, and our maintenance guides walk you through a full vent inspection with the tools most homeowners already own.
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Repairs run $80-$450 against a $450-$1,300 replacement, so the part you were quoted and the age of the dryer decide it together. Find the pair, and the two faults you should not be paying for at all.
Whirlpool dryer not heating? On Whirlpool it is usually heating element open circuit at terminal, not the generic cause. Brand-specific fixes.
Whirlpool dryer not heating? Diagnose and fix the 7 most common causes, from blown thermal fuses to bad heating elements. Step-by-step repair guide.
Drum capacity, combined energy factor and annual energy use across 518 catalogued vented dryers from 22 brands: median 7.4 cubic feet and 608 kilowatt-hours a year. A certified-product census, not a market survey.
Drum capacity, combined energy factor, annual energy use and voltage across 114 catalogued ventless dryers from 32 brands: median 4.2 cubic feet and 299 kilowatt-hours a year.

What a dryer blower wheel replacement costs, why the price ranges as it does, and whether the fix is worth it over buying new.

What a dryer control board replacement costs, why the price ranges as it does, and whether the fix is worth it over buying new.

What a dryer cycling thermostat replacement costs, why the price ranges as it does, and whether the fix is worth it over buying new.

Dryer door switch replacement cost in parts and labor, the signs it is failing, and the point where a new dryer is the smarter buy.

The cost to replace a dryer drum bearing, the symptoms that flag it, and how the repair stacks up against a new machine.

The cost to replace a dryer drum belt, the symptoms that flag it, and how the repair stacks up against a new machine.

Dryer drum roller replacement cost in parts and labor, the signs it is failing, and the point where a new dryer is the smarter buy.

What a dryer flame sensor replacement costs, why the price ranges as it does, and whether the fix is worth it over buying new.

What a dryer gas valve coils replacement costs, why the price ranges as it does, and whether the fix is worth it over buying new.

A dryer heating element runs $130–$280 fitted, but only an electric dryer has one. Check which dryer you own, match your no-heat symptom, and see whether that quote is even for your machine.

An idler pulley runs $90-$180 fitted, but three different parts make a noisy dryer and they are not priced alike. Match what you hear, and when you hear it, before anyone opens the machine.

The cost to replace a dryer igniter, the symptoms that flag it, and how the repair stacks up against a new machine.

Dryer moisture sensor replacement cost in parts and labor, the signs it is failing, and the point where a new dryer is the smarter buy.

A dryer motor runs $230-$450 fitted, but a dead-looking dryer is more often a thermal fuse, a door switch or a jammed blower. Match what yours does at the start button before you pay for a motor.

Repairs run $80-$450 against a $450-$1,300 replacement, so the part you were quoted and the age of the dryer decide it together. Find the pair, and the two faults you should not be paying for at all.

Dryer thermal fuse replacement cost in parts and labor, the signs it is failing, and the point where a new dryer is the smarter buy.

Heat-pump dryer struggling to dry in a cold room? These machines need a warm enough space to work. Ranked causes, safe DIY checks and when it is a fault, not the cold.

Heat-pump dryer not tumbling the drum? Usually a snapped or slipped drive belt, but a motor, capacitor, or seized bearing can do it. Ranked causes and when to call a pro.

Heat-pump dryer leaking water onto the floor? Usually an overfull or cracked condensate tank, or a blocked drain path. Ranked causes, safe DIY checks and when to call a pro.

Heat-pump dryer smelling musty or damp? Usually mildew on the cool heat exchanger or a standing condensate tank. Ranked causes, safe DIY checks and when to call a technician.

Heat-pump dryer making a loud noise? Some sounds are the normal compressor and pump; others point to a roller or debris. Ranked causes, safe checks and when to call a pro.

Heat-pump dryer stopping partway through a cycle? Usually a full condensate tank, an airflow trip on choked filters, or an over-temperature pause. Ranked causes and DIY checks.

Heat-pump dryer tripping the breaker? Often an overloaded or shared circuit, but a failing compressor or moisture in the wiring can also do it. Ranked causes and when a pro is needed.

Heat-pump dryer not starting? Usually the door is not fully latched, the water tank is full, or a lock is set. Ranked causes, safe DIY checks and when to call a technician.

Heat-pump dryer ending the auto cycle too early? Usually a film on the moisture-sensor contacts reading the load as dry too soon. Ranked causes, safe checks, and when to call a technician.

Heat-pump dryer beeping repeatedly? Usually a full water-tank alert or the finish chime, not a fault. Ranked causes, safe checks, and when a beep means a technician.

Heat-pump dryer giving off a burning smell? Usually lint scorching on warm parts, but stop and unplug it first. Ranked causes, safe checks, and when to call a technician.

Heat-pump dryer clean-filter light still on after cleaning? Usually a damp or misfitted filter, or the condenser also needs a rinse. Ranked causes, safe checks, and when to call a technician.