If your clothes are coming out of the dryer still damp, it’s likely because the dryer isn’t heating up. This can be really frustrating, but there are a few things that could be causing the problem. It could be a faulty heating element, a broken thermostat, or a problem with the thermal cutoff.

When your dryer won’t heat, it’s important to take a closer look to figure out what’s going on. It’s usually a problem with one of the parts that controls the heat. We’ll need to go through a few steps to find the culprit, but don’t worry, we’ll get to the bottom of this together!

• Common Things We Test: Bad Heating Element, Thermal Cutoff, Thermostat, Proper Voltage at the Terminal Block

We’ve fixed a lot of dryers over the years, and I can tell you that those loud noises usually mean something’s loose or worn out inside. A noisy dryer isn’t just annoying – it’s a sign that something needs fixing, and it’s usually best to address it sooner rather than later to avoid more damage.

Here are a few common culprits:

• Scraping or grinding: Could be a worn-out drum seal letting metal rub against metal.
• Screeching: Might be a worn belt struggling to stay on the pulley.
• Rattling or banging: Often means something’s loose or caught in the blower wheel, which can cause airflow problems.
• Growling or rumbling: Could be a sign of bad bearings that need to be replaced.
• Thumping: Sometimes caused by something stuck in the drum, like a coin or button.

I know it’s beyond frustrating when you have a pile of laundry waiting, and your dryer won’t turn on. We’ve seen this countless times, and while it’s easy to assume it’s just a power issue, it’s often not that simple. Sometimes, the problem is with the electrical system or a broken start switch, so you’ll need to bring a pro to figure it out.

Imagine your dryer is like a merry-go-round that won’t stop spinning. That’s not just annoying; it can actually wear out your clothes and damage your dryer. This usually happens because the timer, which is like the ride operator, has gotten stuck or the thermostat, which is like the ride’s safety sensor, isn’t working right.