Dryer troubleshooting

Whirlpool dryer not heating – 7 fast fixes

Before calling a technician, try these safe steps in order.

DIY-friendly No guesswork Last updated:

If your Whirlpool dryer tumbles normally but produces no heat, don’t panic. Most “no heat” service calls come from simple issues like airflow, settings, or a tripped breaker — not a major failure.

These 7 steps are written in plain English for homeowners — not technicians.
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1. Check heat mode & cycle settings

Make sure the dryer is not in Air Fluff / No Heat / Eco Dry mode. Switch to Normal or Timed Dry with heat.

2. Reset the breaker (common fix)

  1. Locate dryer breaker (often a double switch).
  2. Flip both parts OFF for 10+ seconds.
  3. Switch both back to ON.

Dryer drum can still turn even if only one breaker is tripped.

3. Clean the lint filter

  • Remove filter & shake off lint.
  • If coated, rinse in warm water.
  • Let it dry fully before reinstalling.

4. Check vent hose & outside exhaust

Poor airflow makes dryers turn off heat to protect themselves.

  • Pull dryer away from wall — check for kinks.
  • Go outside during a cycle — is air strong & warm?
Weak or cool airflow = likely blockage.

Helpful tools for Whirlpool dryer heating issues

  • Vent cleaning brush kit
  • Moisture sensor cleaning pads
  • Heating element repair kit

These links will activate once this page gets real search traffic.

5. Thermal fuse (very common failure)

If overheated, the fuse blows — drum spins but no heat.

  • Located behind rear panel (varies by model)
  • Requires screwdriver + multimeter
  • Typical cost: $15–$40 CAD

6. Heating element

Signs it’s failing:

  • No heat during Timed Dry
  • No burning smell
  • Breaker doesn’t trip

Replacement cost: $70–$120 CAD + labour

7. Moisture sensor cleaning

Sensors detect wetness and can stop heat early if coated.

  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Locate 2 metal bars inside drum
  3. Wipe gently with vinegar dampened cloth

Later, FixifyHome will add an interactive diagnosis tool to detect heat / airflow / sensor issues.

When to call a technician

  • Burning or electrical smell
  • Breaker trips repeatedly
  • Drum struggles to turn
  • Error codes on display

FAQ – Whirlpool dryer not heating

Can blocked vents stop heat?
Yes — blocked airflow is the most common reason dryers stop heating.

Is it worth fixing my dryer?
Often yes — one repair under $300 can extend the life of a good dryer.

Does unplugging reset the dryer?
Yes — unplug or flip breaker for 5 minutes, then try again.

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