Written by Purple Heart » Updated on: July 02nd, 2025
There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling out cold, damp clothes from your dryer. You expect your dryer to heat up and dry your laundry quickly, but sometimes it just doesn't work the way it should. If your dryer is running but not heating, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common dryer problems.
In this article, we’ll explain the most common reasons why your dryer might not be heating and what you can do about it. We'll also show you why calling Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair, a trusted Dryer Repair service in Mesa AZ, is the smartest way to solve the issue safely and quickly.
Before understanding the cause, it’s important to know what type of dryer you own—electric or gas. While both work similarly, they heat differently. Electric dryers use heating elements, while gas dryers use a gas burner to create heat.
The reasons your dryer isn’t heating may depend on the type you have, but many problems are common for both.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes that might stop your dryer from heating up:
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
For electric dryers, a tripped circuit breaker is a simple reason that’s often overlooked. Electric dryers usually need two breakers—one for power and one for heat. If one of these trips, the dryer may still run but won’t heat.
Go to your home's breaker box and check if one of the dryer breakers has flipped. If it has, switch it off and then back on. If it keeps tripping, call a professional to check for deeper electrical problems.
2. Blown Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is a safety part that stops your dryer from overheating. If the dryer gets too hot, the fuse will blow, cutting off the heat. This is very common, especially in dryers that haven’t been cleaned regularly.
You can’t reset a thermal fuse. It must be replaced. Also, you need to fix the reason it blew in the first place, usually lint build-up. Call a professional Dryer Repair service in Mesa AZ like Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair to safely replace the fuse and clean out the dryer.
3. Clogged Dryer Vent
If your dryer’s vent is blocked, hot air can’t escape. This can make your dryer overheat or stop heating to protect itself. A clogged vent is also a fire hazard, so it needs attention right away.
Dryer is hot to the touch
Clothes take longer to dry
Burning smell while running
Excess lint behind the dryer
Unplug the dryer and check the vent hose for lint. You can remove some of the build-up yourself, but for deep cleaning, it’s best to call the experts at Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair. They offer full vent inspections and cleaning to keep your dryer running safely.
4. Faulty Heating Element (Electric Dryers)
In electric dryers, a heating element is what creates the heat. If it breaks, the dryer will spin but won’t warm up. This part can wear out over time or get damaged by a power surge.
Testing and replacing a heating element requires tools and electrical knowledge. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Call a qualified Dryer Repair service in Mesa AZ to test the part and replace it if needed.
5. Broken Igniter or Gas Valve (Gas Dryers)
Gas dryers use a part called an igniter to light the gas flame. If the igniter fails, or if the gas valve doesn't open, your dryer won’t heat. These problems are common in older dryers or those used very often.
You should never try to repair gas parts on your own—it’s dangerous and could lead to a gas leak. Always call a trained technician like the team at Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair to fix gas dryer problems safely.
6. Thermostat Problems
Dryers have thermostats that help control the temperature. If a thermostat breaks, it may tell the dryer the wrong temperature, causing it to shut off the heat too early—or not heat at all.
A technician can test the thermostat with a special tool. If it’s not working right, it needs to be replaced.
7. Defective Timer or Control Board
Some newer dryers use a digital control board, while older ones have a timer. If these parts fail, they may not send power to the heating system.
If your dryer is behaving strangely, like stopping too early or not heating on certain settings, it might be a control issue. A professional repair technician can test the controls and replace them if needed.
While it may be tempting to fix your dryer yourself, many heating problems involve electricity or gas. Trying to repair it without the right tools or knowledge can lead to injury, fire, or further damage to the dryer.
That’s why it’s always smarter and safer to call an expert Dryer Repair service in Mesa AZ like Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair.
When your dryer stops heating, you need help fast. That’s where Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair comes in. They’ve been helping families in Mesa, AZ for years with quick, honest, and professional appliance repair services.
Fast same-day or next-day service
Experts in all dryer brands—electric and gas
Fair pricing with no surprise fees
Fully licensed and insured
Respectful and friendly technicians
Also offers refrigerator and other appliance repairs
Whether your dryer needs a small part replaced or a full inspection, Rick Bishop and his team are the go-to solution for dryer repairs in Mesa.
Once your dryer is working again, there are simple things you can do to stop the problem from coming back.
Clean the lint filter after every load
Check the vent hose for lint every few months
Get your dryer vent professionally cleaned once a year
Don’t overload the dryer—it makes it harder to heat
Have your dryer inspected yearly by a professional
Following these steps helps your dryer last longer, work better, and stay safe.
A dryer that won’t heat can ruin your day, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. By understanding the possible causes and calling a reliable Dryer Repair service in Mesa AZ, you can have your dryer fixed fast and get back to your routine.
Rick Bishop Refrigeration and Appliance Repair is a name Mesa homeowners trust for fast, affordable, and expert service. Whether it’s a blown fuse, a bad heating element, or a blocked vent, they’ll find the problem and fix it the right way.
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