There’s nothing more troublesome than a dryer that refuses to heat up, especially when you need your laundry cleaned and dried urgently!
The most frustrating aspect is when you take your clothes out of your dryer to find that they are still wet. This can happen with any machine out there, but today we’re going to explain why Whirlpool dryers don’t have heat, along with its causes and possible solutions to the problem.
So, the next time your dryers don’t heat up, you’ll be able to find a lasting solution for this technical glitch.
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Top Causes And Solutions For Malfunctioning Dryers
When your Whirlpool dryer malfunctions, there might be several causes behind the problem. Let’s take a look at some of the common problems that occur with these dryers and a few solutions for the same.
Heating Element Malfunction
One thing to understand about electronic dryers is that they need a heating element that will heat the air within the machine’s drum. Depending on the model you use, the heating element is likely to be in a casing that heats the air passing through the blower mechanism.
If that is not the case, it could be directly inside the drum, which could result in the air getting too hot while it is there. The heating element in your Whirlpool dryer can burn out over time, causing the heat to cease from rising. If this is the problem, you need to identify the element’s location and get it tested for continuity.
Another solution for this problem is to find out if the dryer’s heating element has been overheated and damaged. You can do this by checking to see if the wires are damaged or separated from the machine. If any broken wires are found or the machine fails the continuity test, then the only solution is to replace the damaged part.
Damaged Thermal Cut-Off Fuse
Thermal cut-off fuses in the Whirlpool dryer are safety precautions in place that keep the dryer from overheating and leading to accidental fires. The thermal cut-off unit usually controls the heating element. This means that if the fuse has broken, the dryer will not work.
To replace the thermal cut-offs without a handyman’s assistance, you need to disconnect the dryer’s power and remove the dryer vent. Once that is done, make sure to pull the dryer away from the wall and access the machine’s back.
Once the rear panel has been removed, locate the fuse and remove the wire terminals along with the screw holding the fuse securely. Pull the damaged fuse out and replace it with the new one. Secure the machine and then check the dryer to see if the problem has been solved.
Issues With Power Supply
Sometimes, the problem might be quite common. If the dryer seems to work but doesn’t heat up, it could be related to the power supply. When it comes to electronic dryers, they might need at least 240V to function properly. There are chances of the breaker or fuse tripping, which could cause the dryer to tumble but not heat up as you need it to.
So, you need to have a complete check of the circuit breaker and fuse box for problems. You could try checking the circuit breaker or fuse box and test the voltage coming from the outlet, but it is safer to get professional help if you’re not sure how to go about it.
Problem Of Burnt Ignitor
This is a problem that occurs if you have a Whirlpool gas dryer. It’s common for electric current to flow through ignitors of gas dryers. This can sometimes heat up the burner assembly of the dryer, bringing about damage to the machine.
The flame heats up air flowing through the blower and right into the drum. Ultimately, it damages the heater, so you need to test the ignitor’s continuity. If the test fails, the only option for you is to replace the part.
That said, if you’re doing it manually, follow all the instructions carefully. If you’re unsure of how to do it, we recommend hiring a professional to do it.
Defective Control Board
Another problem that can occur is a defective control board, but it should be noted that this is a rare occurrence. Before you replace the control board, check the more commonly defective parts that we mentioned earlier.
If they are all working properly, then you might need to replace the main control board. We strongly recommend calling an electrician if this is the case because it might be impossible for you to identify where the defect is.
Damages To The Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat’s main purpose is to regulate the air temperature on the dryer and control the heat. If your Whirlpool dryer’s cycling thermostat is defective, this can lead to it not working. However, this is also a rare occurrence.
Either way, you need to check the machine thoroughly for defective parts and also test the thermostat using the multimeter for the continuity test before replacing the cycling thermostat. If it fails the test, you need to replace the machine.
To replace the machine, you need to identify the damaged one within the dryer, unscrew it and replace it with the new one. After that is done, we recommend testing the machine to see if it works. That way, if the problem persists, you can get professional help.
Conclusion
Attempting to repair a Whirlpool dryer with no heat is not necessarily a project for everyone. It takes a level of expertise to understand and identify the problem and then fix it, irrespective of whether the dryer runs on electricity or gas.
Long story short, you need to identify the problem areas and find solutions accordingly. In some cases, simple troubleshooting can solve the problem, but there are instances where you need to follow specific instructions.