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Dryer Not Heating? Gas vs Electric Troubleshooting

By HomeFixCodes Editorial TeamPublished 8 min read

Illustrated front-load clothes dryer with laundry in the drum and an exhaust vent duct at the back, a blue thermometer showing a low temperature and an amber warning sign beside it

Quick Answer

When a dryer tumbles but stays cold, start with the supply, not the parts: an Air Only cycle, one tripped breaker on an electric dryer, or a closed gas shutoff valve on a gas dryer. Whirlpool lists those checks first. Then clean the lint screen and vent. If heat still doesn't return, a failed part such as the heating element, igniter or thermal fuse is likely, and that is a technician's job.

On this page
  1. Is your dryer gas or electric, and why does it matter?
  2. What should you check first on any dryer that won't heat?
  3. Why is my electric dryer not heating?
  4. Why is my gas dryer not heating?
  5. Why do thermal fuses blow, and can you bypass one?
  6. When should you call a technician for a dryer that won't heat?
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Our Take
  9. Sources

Key Takeaways

  • Run an empty heated timed cycle for 5 minutes. If it stays cold, check that the dryer is not on Air Only or Air/Fluff, which never heat.
  • Electric dryers need 240 volts, fed through two breakers or fuses. The drum can turn on one leg of that supply, but the heater needs both, so one blown fuse or tripped breaker can leave it cold.
  • Gas dryers turn but don't heat when the gas shutoff valve is closed. It is open when the handle runs parallel to the pipe.
  • A blown thermal fuse often points to a blocked vent. Never bypass a thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat; fix the airflow and have the part replaced.
  • Gas valve, igniter and gas line work, and 240-volt wiring, belong to a licensed technician or electrician. If you smell gas, leave the house first.

Is your dryer gas or electric, and why does it matter?

An electric dryer heats air with a coiled heating element and plugs into a large 240-volt outlet. A gas dryer burns natural gas or propane in a burner, has a gas pipe with a shutoff valve behind it, and plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet because it still needs power for the drum, controls and igniter.

That difference changes the first check. Whirlpool says electric dryers need a separate 30-amp circuit "fused on both sides of the line," so two breakers serve the dryer, and Whirlpool says one runs the motor and one runs the heating element [2]. For gas models, Whirlpool says the drum will turn but the dryer will not heat if the gas shutoff valve is closed [3].

Electric vs gas dryer heatElectric dryers run on a 240-volt circuit with two breakers and heat with a heating element. Owner checks: both breakers, the cycle setting, the lint screen and vent. Common failed parts: heating element, thermal fuse, thermostats. Gas dryers plug into a 120-volt outlet and heat with a gas burner lit by an igniter. Owner checks: gas shutoff valve open, breaker or fuse, cycle, lint screen and vent. Common failed parts: igniter, gas valve coils, flame sensor, thermal fuse. Part replacement: unplug first; 240-volt parts and all gas work go to a technician. Electric Gas Power240 V circuit,two breakers120 V outletplus a gas line HeatHeating elementBurner lit byan igniter You checkBoth breakers,cycle setting,lint screen, ventGas valve open,breaker, cycle,lint screen, vent PartsHeating element,thermal fuse,thermostatsIgniter, valve coils,flame sensor,thermal fuse Repair240 V parts:technicianAny gas work:licensed technician
Electric and gas dryers share the same airflow checks but make heat in different ways, so their supply checks and failed parts differ.

This guide covers conventional vented gas and electric dryers; ventless heat pump and condenser dryers work differently and have their own manufacturer troubleshooting. For brand-specific steps, see our guides to a Samsung dryer not heating and a Whirlpool dryer not heating.

What should you check first on any dryer that won't heat?

Confirm the problem first. Whirlpool's test is to choose a heated timed cycle, run it empty for 5 minutes, then open the door and feel inside [1]. Warm air means the heater can work; look next at airflow, load size and the cycle you use.

  1. Check the cycle. Air Only and Air/Fluff Only cycles never add heat, Whirlpool notes. Pick a heated setting.
  2. Clean the lint screen. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says clothes that are still damp after a normal cycle, or drying that takes longer than usual, may mean the lint screen or exhaust duct is blocked [9].
  3. Check the outside vent. With the dryer running, go outside and make sure air is coming out and the flap opens. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) says to check that the venting behind the dryer is not damaged, crushed or restricted [8].
  4. Check the load and sensor cycles. In our reading, an overfilled drum or a sensor (auto-dry) cycle that ends early can leave clothes damp even when the heater works, so test with a normal load on a timed heated cycle before blaming a part.
  5. Read the display. Many dryers show a code that points at heat, gas or voltage. Look it up in our error code lookup.
CodeBrand and dryer typeWhat the manufacturer says
nPLG electricNo current detected at the heater; a home wiring or outlet problem
gAS (may read 9A5)LG gasThe dryer is not receiving gas
d80LG (Flow Sense models)A blocked exhaust duct; on gas dryers it may also mean no gas supply
L2Whirlpool electricLow or no line voltage keeping the heater from turning on (shown at installation)
HC2Samsung gasGas ignition error
hE / tESamsungTemperature errors; Samsung says to clean the lint screen and vent first

The LG codes come from LG's dryer code list [5], L2 from Whirlpool's dryer code page [4], and the Samsung codes from Samsung's dryer error code page [6]. Our LG dryer D80 code guide covers the vent warning in detail.

Why is my electric dryer not heating?

On an electric dryer, a common no-heat cause you can check yourself is the 240-volt supply: if one of its two legs is lost, the drum can still turn while the heater gets no power. Whirlpool says that if either of the two breakers is tripped, the dryer may not heat [2]. One blown fuse, a tripped or failing breaker, or a loose connection can each cause it, and a tripped breaker handle often rests in a middle position that is easy to miss.

Reset the breaker. Switch the dryer breaker fully off, then back on. LG suggests turning the dryer's breaker off for at least 10 seconds [5]. If your home has fuses, check both. A breaker that trips again right away points to a wiring or appliance fault; leave it off and call an electrician or technician.

Low voltage. Whirlpool says an electric dryer needs a 240-volt supply and will not operate correctly without it [2]. Samsung says low voltage can leave an electric dryer's heater not hot enough, and that an electrician should check the supply [6]. LG's nP and Whirlpool's L2 codes point to the same kind of problem. Testing a 240-volt outlet or rewiring a cord is a job for an electrician.

Failed heating parts. If power is fine, the usual suspects are:

  • Heating element: the coil that heats the air. iFixit's GE electric dryer guide lists it among the parts to test [11].
  • Thermal fuse: a one-time safety fuse that opens if the dryer overheats.
  • High-limit thermostat: a safety switch that cuts the heat when the air gets too hot.
  • Cycling thermostat: switches the heat on and off to hold the drying temperature; iFixit says it can stick open so no heat is sent [10].

These parts sit inside the cabinet on the 240-volt heater circuit, so testing and replacing them is a job for a qualified technician. Unplug the dryer before any panel comes off.

Why is my gas dryer not heating?

Start with the gas and power supply, which you can check without opening anything.

  1. Gas shutoff valve. Whirlpool says the valve is open when its handle runs parallel to the gas pipe, and that the dryer must be connected to the gas supply [3]. Check that the valve was not bumped closed after the dryer was moved. Do not disconnect or adjust the gas line yourself.
  2. Household power. A gas dryer still needs electricity for the igniter. Whirlpool says to check for a blown fuse or tripped breaker.
  3. Codes. LG's gAS code means the dryer is not receiving gas [5]. For Samsung's HC2 gas ignition error, Samsung says to power the dryer off for 2 to 3 minutes, restart it, and contact its support center if the code returns [6].
  4. Propane. On a propane (LP) dryer, an empty tank stops the heat too; call your propane supplier.

If you smell gas, do not touch light switches or the dryer; leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

If the supply is fine, the fault is usually in the burner's ignition sequence.

Gas burner ignition sequenceOn many gas dryers, heat comes in four stages. 1: the igniter glows. If there is no glow, suspect the igniter or its circuit, the thermal fuse or power. 2: the flame sensor detects the igniter's heat. If the igniter glows for several minutes with no flame, suspect the flame sensor. 3: the gas valve coils open the valve. If the igniter glows briefly and goes out with no flame, suspect the coils or a closed gas supply. 4: the gas lights and the burner heats the air. All part checks and repairs are for a licensed technician. Stage If it stops here, suspect 1Igniter glowsorange hotNo glow: igniter or itscircuit, fuse or power 2Flame sensorfeels the heatGlows for minutes,no flame: flame sensor 3Valve coilsopen the gasBrief glow, goes out:coils or gas shut off 4Gas lightsburner heats airHeat on Part checks and repairs: licensed technician
What a stalled ignition looks like on many gas dryers. Use it to describe the symptom to a technician, not to open the burner yourself.

iFixit's gas dryer guide describes these symptoms: no glow points to the igniter; a glow that lasts about five minutes with no flame points to the flame sensor; and a glow that goes out after up to about two minutes with no flame points to the gas valve coils [10]. In our reading, a closed gas supply looks the same as failed coils, because the igniter does its job and no gas arrives, which is why the shutoff valve comes first. Designs vary by brand and model. Any work on the igniter, gas valve, coils or gas line is for a licensed technician, because a mistake can cause a gas leak.

Why do thermal fuses blow, and can you bypass one?

No. A thermal fuse and a high-limit thermostat are there to stop a dryer from overheating, and a dryer with a bypassed thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat has lost its overheat protection, which raises the risk of fire. A blown fuse should be replaced with the correct part, and the reason it blew should be found.

That reason is usually airflow. iFixit says lint in the exhaust duct or blower wheel, or a stray item such as a sock, restricts airflow and causes overheating, and is often the underlying cause when the thermal fuse has blown. It adds that a failed high-limit thermostat can also blow the fuse, and that a new fuse may blow again if the cause is not fixed [10].

The fire risk is real. The USFA says failure to clean was the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires from 2018 to 2020, at 31% [7]. To keep airflow healthy:

  • Clean the lint filter before or after every load, and never run the dryer without it [8].
  • Replace plastic or foil accordion duct with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, which CPSC says most manufacturers specify because flexible duct traps lint and kinks more easily [9].
  • Have the vent to the outside cleaned every 1 to 2 years, or sooner if drying slows, as Whirlpool recommends [1].

When should you call a technician for a dryer that won't heat?

Call once the supply checks are done and the dryer is still cold, or sooner if you see a warning sign.

Dryer not heating decision flowFirst: if you smell gas at any point, do not touch the dryer or any switches; leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Otherwise, step 1: run an empty heated timed cycle for 5 minutes. If it is warm, the heater can work, so check the lint screen, vent and load. If it is cold, step 2: make sure the cycle is not Air Only. Step 3, electric: reset both dryer breakers or fuses; gas: check the shutoff valve is open and the breaker is on. Step 4: if it is still cold, a breaker trips again, or you smell burning, stop, unplug the dryer and call a technician; a licensed technician for gas parts, an electrician for wiring. Smell gas? Do not touch the dryer or switches.Leave, then call the gas utility or 911 from outside. 1. Empty heated timedcycle, 5 min: warm? Yes Heater can work.Check lint, ventand load size No 2. Not on Air Only orAir/Fluff? Pick heat. 3a. ElectricReset both dryerbreakers or fuses;look for a code 3b. GasValve handle parallelto pipe; breaker on;look for a code 4. Still cold? Breaker trips again?Burning smell?Stop here. Do not open the dryer. Unplug and call a technicianGas parts: licensed gas appliance technicianOutlet or wiring: licensed electricianHeater parts: appliance technician
A gas smell overrides every other step. Owner checks end at step 3; anything inside the cabinet, on the gas line or in the wiring goes to a professional.
SituationWho to call
Gas smell near the dryerLeave the house, then call your gas utility or 911
Gas dryer still cold with the valve open and power onLicensed gas appliance technician
No 240 volts, a code like nP or L2, or a breaker that trips againLicensed electrician
Electric dryer still cold with both breakers onAppliance technician (heating element, fuse, thermostats)
Thermal fuse keeps blowingVent cleaning, then a technician to find the cause
Burning smell or scorch marksStop using the dryer; call a technician

The USFA also recommends having your dryer installed and serviced by a professional [8]. If your dryer is under warranty, start with the manufacturer: browse our Whirlpool appliance guides, Samsung appliance guides and LG appliance guides, or all dryer repair guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dirty vent stop a dryer from heating?

Yes, indirectly. A blocked vent traps hot air, and the dryer's safety devices cut the heat to prevent overheating. A thermal fuse that blows because of poor airflow stops the heat until it is replaced, so clean the vent before replacing the fuse.

Is it safe to replace a thermal fuse myself?

It is a common part, but it sits inside the cabinet, near the blower and heat source, and on an electric dryer close to 240-volt wiring. We recommend a technician, who can also find why it blew. Never bypass the fuse, even as a test.

How do I know if my gas valve is open?

Look at the shutoff valve on the gas pipe behind the dryer. Whirlpool says it is open when the handle runs parallel to the pipe. If it is crosswise, it is closed. If you are unsure, or the valve is stiff, call a licensed technician.

Our Take

We think most owners should spend the first fifteen minutes on supply checks, not parts. Whirlpool's no-heat pages start with the cycle, the breakers and the gas valve, LG's and Samsung's code lists point to the same supply checks, and those cost nothing to check. In our view the two-breaker detail on electric dryers saves the most confusion, because a turning drum makes the dryer look powered when the heater is not. Past that point, we would stop: the igniter, gas valve and 240-volt heater parts are where a mistake turns a cold dryer into a gas leak or a fire risk. We would also treat a blown thermal fuse as a vent problem first, because USFA and CPSC both tie dryer fires to lint buildup.

Sources

  1. Dryer is Not Heating. Whirlpool, 2026.
  2. Not Heating - Electric Dryer. Whirlpool, 2026.
  3. Not Heating - Gas Dryer. Whirlpool, 2026.
  4. Error Codes in Dryers. Whirlpool, 2026.
  5. LG Dryer - Error Code List. LG Electronics, 2026.
  6. Samsung dryer displays an error code. Samsung Electronics America, 2026.
  7. Appliance and Electrical Fire Safety. U.S. Fire Administration, 2023.
  8. Clothes Dryer Fire Safety. U.S. Fire Administration, 2017.
  9. Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2012.
  10. Gas Dryer Not Heating. iFixit.
  11. How to Troubleshoot a GE Dryer Not Heating. iFixit, 2026.

Repair information is general guidance. Unplug the appliance and shut off water or gas before working on it, follow your owner's manual, and call a qualified technician for gas, refrigerant or high-voltage work. Spotted an error? Tell us.