Is your dryer struggling to heat clothes efficiently or not producing any heat at all? One of the most common culprits is a faulty heating element. Knowing how to test dryer heating elements can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration. In this comprehensive guide, BlueStars Parts walks you through step-by-step instructions to safely check your dryer’s heating element, and ensure your appliance is working at its best.
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Key Takeaway: What you’ll do in this guide:
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1. Signs your heating element may be faulty
Before starting any repair, it’s important to confirm whether the heating element is the actual cause. Here are some common signs to look for:
• Dryer runs but no heat: The drum spins normally, but clothes remain cold, which often indicates a failed heating element.
• Clothes take longer to dry: If drying time increases even with small loads, the heating element may be weakening.
• Burning smell during operation: A burnt odor can signal that the heating element is overheating or damaged.
• Dryer overheats or shuts off mid-cycle: This may occur when the heating element malfunctions and triggers safety protection.
• Inconsistent heating: The dryer produces uneven heat, suggesting the element is starting to fail.
These symptoms can also be caused by airflow problems, a blown thermal fuse, or a faulty thermostat, so testing is the best way to confirm the issue.
2. Tools and safety steps before testing
Take a quick moment to prepare the right tools and follow basic safety steps. This will help you test the heating element accurately and avoid potential risks.
2.1. Must-have tools
| Tool | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Multimeter | Test continuity and resistance |
| Screwdrivers | Remove panels |
| Nut driver | Loosen fasteners |
| Gloves | Protect hands |
| Manual | Model-specific guidance |
2.2. Safety checklist
Before testing the dryer heating element, take 5-10 minutes to complete these basic safety steps. This helps reduce risk and makes the testing process safer and easier:
• Unplug the dryer from the power source
• Turn off the circuit breaker for added protection
• Allow the dryer to cool completely before testing
• Keep the workspace dry and free of clutter
• Handle wires and internal parts with care
On many dryer models, you only need to remove the rear or lower access panel to reach the heating element
Essential tools and safety preparation before testing a dryer heating element (Source: BlueStars Parts)
3. How to check a dryer heating element
If your dryer is not heating, a faulty heating element may be the cause. Follow the steps below to check it safely and find out whether it needs to be replaced.
Step 1: Disconnect the power
Before doing anything else, unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and switch off the circuit breaker. This is the most important safety step, as it helps prevent electric shock while you work around internal components. Never test or handle the heating element while the dryer is still connected to power.
Unplug and turn off before testing the dryer heating element (Source: Freepik)
Step 2: Locate the heating element
On most electric dryers, the heating element sits inside a metal housing near the rear panel, though the exact location may vary by brand and model. Remove the necessary screws or panels to access it, and be careful not to damage any wires or nearby parts. Once you find the element, you can move on to testing it properly.
Step 3: Disconnect the wires
Carefully remove the wire connectors from the heating element terminals. This helps isolate the heating element so you can get a more accurate multimeter reading without interference from other dryer components. If needed, take a quick photo before disconnecting the wires so you can reconnect them correctly later
Remove the wire connections from the dryer heating element (Source: BlueStars Parts)
Step 4: Test the heating element for continuity
Set your multimeter to the continuity setting or the lowest resistance setting. Then place one probe on each terminal of the heating element to check whether the coil still has a complete electrical path. This step helps confirm whether the heating coil is still electrically intact before you check for other possible issues.
• If the multimeter shows continuity or a low resistance reading: the heating element is likely still working properly.
• If the multimeter shows OL, no reading, or no continuity: the heating element is likely faulty and should be replaced.
Step 5: Check for a short to ground
Keep the multimeter on the continuity or resistance setting. Place one probe on either terminal of the heating element and the other probe on the metal housing or element body. This checks whether the element is shorted to ground. A grounded heating element can create a safety risk and may cause the dryer to overheat.
• If there is no continuity: the heating element is properly insulated and in normal condition.
• If the multimeter shows continuity or beeps: the heating element may be shorted to ground and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Test for a short to ground between the terminal and the element body (Source: BlueStars Parts)
Step 6: Look for visible damage
Carefully inspect the heating coil for any obvious signs of damage. Look for broken wires, burn marks, or sections of the coil that are sagging and touching the metal housing. Even if the heating element still passes the electrical test, physical damage like this can affect how well it heats and reduce the dryer’s overall performance.
• If there is no visible damage: the heating element is likely still in usable condition.
• If you notice any physical damage: it is best to replace the heating element, even if it still shows continuity.
4. What to do after testing heating element
Once you have finished testing the heating element, the next step is to decide whether it needs to be replaced or if another part may be causing the problem.
4.1. If the heating element fails any test
If the heating element shows no continuity, an unusual resistance reading, or a short to the metal housing, replacement is required. In that situation, the DC47-00019A Dryer Heating Element Kit can be a suitable replacement option for many popular dryer brands, including Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, and Amana. The exact installation process may vary by model, so always check your dryer manual or a model-specific guide before replacing the part.
• Step 1: Disconnect the power and open the dryer by unplugging it, turning off the circuit breaker, and removing the necessary panels.
• Step 2: Remove the faulty element and install the new one by taking out the damaged part, noting the wire connections, and fitting the replacement correctly.
• Step 3: Reassemble the dryer and test it by putting the panels back, restoring power, and running a test cycle.
DC47-00019A Dryer Heating Element Kit (Source: BlueStars Parts)
4.2. If the heating element passes all tests
If the heating element passes all tests, it is likely not the cause of the heating problem. In that case, the issue may be coming from another dryer component, so checking the parts below can help you find the real cause:
• Thermal fuse: If it is blown, the dryer may stop heating even though the heating element is still working.
• Thermostat and high-limit switch: If either part is faulty, it can prevent power from reaching the heating element.
• Wiring and connections: Look for loose, burnt, or damaged wires that could interrupt the electrical flow.
• Lint trap and vent: Blocked airflow from lint buildup can cause overheating and reduce heating performance
4.3. If a new heating element fails again
If a new heating element fails again soon after replacement, another issue inside the dryer may be causing repeated overheating. Before installing another replacement, check the following components to identify the root cause:
• Clogged vent or lint buildup: Poor airflow can cause the dryer to overheat and damage the heating element.
• Faulty thermal fuse: If it is not working properly, it may fail to protect the system from overheating.
• Wiring or electrical problems: Loose, damaged, or burnt connections can affect how the heating element operates.
4.4. What your test results mean
Use the table below as a quick guide to understand your test results and decide what to check or replace next.
| Test result | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| No continuity | Replace element |
| Normal but no heat | Check fuse |
| Short to housing | Replace immediately |
| Burn marks | Replace |
5. Prevent future heating element failures
Heating elements often fail because of repeated overheating or restricted airflow rather than random wear. After replacing the part, a few simple maintenance habits can help keep your dryer running efficiently and reduce the risk of future damage.
• Clean lint traps and vents regularly: Blocked airflow can cause overheating and put extra strain on the heating element.
• Avoid overloading the dryer: Heavy loads can make the heating system work harder than necessary.
• Maintain proper electrical supply: Proper voltage helps the heating element operate safely and consistently.
• Schedule periodic inspections: Checking the wiring, fuses, and internal parts can help you spot wear or damage early.
These simple steps can help maintain steady heating performance and reduce the chance of future heating element failure.
Clean lint traps and vent regularly to maintain dryer heating element (Source: Freepik)
6. FAQs
6.1 How often should you check your dryer’s heating element?
You should check your dryer’s heating element every 6 to 12 months. Regular inspection helps prevent heating problems and keeps the dryer running efficiently. You should also check it sooner if the dryer is not heating, takes too long to dry, produces unusual smells, or shuts off unexpectedly.
6.2 Can you fix a broken dryer heating element, or does it need replacement?
A broken dryer heating element usually cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Once the coil is damaged, it is no longer safe or reliable to use. Replacing the heating element is the best way to restore proper heating performance.
6.3 Why does a dryer heating element fail repeatedly?
A dryer heating element usually fails repeatedly due to overheating or airflow problems. Common causes include clogged vents, poor airflow, faulty thermostats, unstable voltage, overloading the dryer, or using low-quality replacement parts. Fixing these issues is important to prevent the new heating element from failing again.
Testing your dryer’s heating element can help you identify heating problems early and keep your dryer running efficiently. By following the steps above, you can check the part safely and determine whether it needs to be replaced. If you need a reliable replacement, BlueStars Parts offers compatible dryer heating element kits for major appliance brands.
Contact information:
8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
Website: https://bluestarsparts.com/