GoTech Appliance Repair in Edmonton states that Whirlpool offers a variety of dryers, including electric, gas, front-loading, and top-loading options tailored to different household needs. If your dryer heats but not effectively, the issue is likely a lint blockage that hinders airflow. Conversely, if there is no heat, the problem may lie with a faulty heating element or thermal fuse. These parts should be tested with a multimeter and replaced if necessary.
For detailed instructions on troubleshooting and other potential causes of heating issues in your Whirlpool dryer, refer to this guide. The information provided applies to the following Whirlpool models:
1CWED4900DW0, 1LE4900XKW0, 1LE4930XKW0, 1LE5700XKW0, 1LE5920XKW0, 1LE7800XKW0, 1LG5701XKW0, 7EWED1510YM0, 7MWED1800EM0, 7MWED1900EW0, WED4616FW0, WED4810EW1, WED4915EW1, WED4916FW0, WED4950HW0, WED5000DW2, YWED4616FW0, YWED4815EW1, YWED4915EW1, YWED4916FW0, YWED49STBW1
1 Tripped Circuit Breaker: A Common Cause of Dryer Heating Issues
If your dryer has stopped heating, begin by checking your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Electric dryers use two different breakers: one for power and another for heating. It’s common for the heating breaker to trip, which means the dryer may run but not generate heat.
- Here’s how to identify and fix the problem:
- Examine your electrical panel for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
- Reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses to restore function.
- Use a multimeter to test the dryer’s breakers for a detailed assessment. Each circuit needs to deliver 120 volts (or 110 volts for some models) for proper dryer operation.
By taking these steps, you can often fix heating issues caused by electrical problems without needing further help. If the issue continues, seeking professional assistance is advisable to ensure your dryer operates safely and efficiently.
2 Gas Supply Issues: An Essential Check for Whirlpool Gas Dryers
If your Whirlpool gas dryer is not heating, the problem could be due to a gas supply interruption. Check the following:
- The gas valve must be on and supplying gas to the dryer.
- The gas line should be properly connected and free of leaks or obstructions.
Confirming the gas connection is a vital yet straightforward step toward restoring your dryer’s functionality. Should the problem continue, a professional technician may need to conduct a more thorough inspection.
3. Ventilation Blockage: A Frequent Source of Dryer Inefficiency
Blocked vents can greatly affect your dryer’s efficiency, leading to longer drying times and increasing the risk of lint damaging internal parts. Moreover, lint accumulation in the ventilation system presents a significant fire risk. To determine if the ventilation is working correctly, check the external vent for warm, consistent airflow. Cleaning the ventilation system can boost your dryer’s efficiency and enhance safety.
To resolve a ventilation blockage, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the power and gas supply: Unplug the dryer from the outlet, and if it’s a gas dryer, shut off the gas valve.
- Remove the ventilation hose: Take off the hose from the back of the dryer by removing the metal tape or unscrewing/unclipping it. You might need to take off the surrounding panel for better access.
- Clean the ventilation hose and area: Remove any lint or debris from the hose and the connection area.
- Clean the duct system: Utilize a ventilation cleaning kit, vacuum attachment, or leaf blower to eliminate lint buildup in the duct.
- Reattach the hose: Fasten the ventilation hose back onto the dryer, ensuring it is straight and unobstructed to facilitate proper airflow.
Regularly cleaning your dryer’s ventilation system not only enhances drying efficiency but also aids in maintaining safety and extending the life of your appliance.
4. Defective Heating Element (Electric Dryers)
A malfunctioning heating element is one of the most common reasons for a lack of heat in an electric dryer. This component consists of a wire coil situated in a metal chamber responsible for producing heat. If the coil is broken, the heating element stops working and needs to be replaced.
Steps to Diagnose and Replace:
- Ensure the dryer is unplugged from the power source for safety.
- Consult your dryer’s manual to find the heating element, which is accessible by removing either the front or rear panel, depending on your model.
- Check the heating element for any visible damage, such as burn marks or a broken coil.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the heating element does not pass the test, it must be replaced with a new one.
5. Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a crucial safety component that prevents overheating by shutting off the dryer’s heating element when temperatures exceed safe limits. In newer models, a blown thermal fuse will entirely disable the dryer, while older models might continue to run without heating.
Diagnosis and Replacement Steps:
- First, disconnect the dryer from the power source, and for gas models, make sure the gas supply is turned off.
- Next, locate the thermal fuse by removing the top, front, or rear panel as indicated in your user manual. Typically, its position is on the blower housing or the heat source.
- Carefully remove the fuse and use a multimeter to check for continuity.
If the thermal fuse is faulty, replace it with a new one. Also, it’s important to fix any underlying issues that caused the fuse to blow, such as blocked ventilation or insufficient airflow.
6. Defective Gas Valve Solenoid (Gas Dryers)
In gas dryers, the gas valve solenoids regulate the gas flow to the burner assembly. A faulty solenoid will stop the burner from igniting, leading to a lack of heat.
Steps to Diagnose and Replace:
- Unplug the dryer from the power source and shut off the gas valve.
- Consult your manual to find the gas valve solenoids and remove the correct access panel.
- Take out the solenoid coils from the gas valve.
- Using a multimeter, check the coils for continuity and replace any that are defective.
- Examine the igniter to confirm it is operating correctly. If the igniter glows and then goes out without lighting the gas, this suggests a solenoid failure.
Promptly tackling these issues can enhance your Whirlpool dryer’s functionality and prolong its lifespan. If troubleshooting these parts seems daunting, it’s advisable to reach out to a certified technician – GoTech Appliance Repair In Edmonton, for safe and effective repairs.