Dryer is tumbling but not heating — electric vs. gas

The drum spins, the cycle runs to completion, but the clothes come out damp and cold. The cause depends on whether your dryer is gas or electric — different parts, different prices, same symptom.

If it's an electric dryer

Three common causes, in order of likelihood:

• Heating element — the coil that gets hot to dry the clothes. The most common failure on an electric dryer. Repair runs $170–$240 in Akron.
• Thermal fuse — a one-time-use safety device that blows when the dryer overheats. Cheap part ($20), $140–$190 with labor. Note: if the thermal fuse blew, something else is wrong — usually a clogged vent. We replace the fuse and tell you to clean the vent before it blows the next one.
• Cycling thermostat or hi-limit thermostat — controls the on/off of the heating element. $160–$220.

If it's a gas dryer

Different parts list:

• Igniter — the part that sparks to light the gas. The most common failure on a gas dryer. $180–$260.
• Flame sensor — confirms there's a flame so the gas valve stays open. $160–$220.
• Gas valve coils — the solenoids that open the gas valve. Usually replaced as a kit. $200–$280.
• Thermal fuse — same story as electric, usually means a clogged vent.

Why most of Akron has gas dryers

Most older homes in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Tallmadge have a 4-prong dryer outlet plus a gas line at the laundry hookup, and the previous owners chose gas because it dries faster and runs cheaper per load. Newer subdivisions in Stow and Fairlawn tend to be electric-only.

The thing nobody tells you

Heating-element failures and igniter failures often happen on dryers with restricted airflow. The element runs too hot, the metal fatigues, and eventually it breaks. So when we replace the element on a 7-year-old dryer, we also recommend cleaning the vent run from the dryer to the outside of the house. Otherwise the new element will fail in 18 months instead of 7 years.

Need a dryer repair visit in Summit County? Get a quote or call (330) 426-0384.