A dryer that tumbles but doesn’t heat is most often a venting or lint problem, or a safety fuse that tripped because of one.
What usually causes it
- The lint trap or exhaust vent is clogged, restricting airflow
- A tripped thermal fuse — often caused by restricted venting overheating the unit
- Gas dryers: an ignition problem (see the note below)
- Electric dryers: a tripped breaker feeding only one of the two circuits it needs
What you can check yourself
- Clean the lint trap before every load if you don’t already
- Check that the exhaust vent behind the dryer isn’t crushed, and that the outside vent flap opens freely
- For electric dryers, check both breakers feeding the dryer circuit — one can trip and still let the drum tumble without heat
- Confirm nothing loaded could be blocking the drum vents
When to call
⚠️ Gas dryer ignition and burner issues are not a DIY repair — if you smell gas or suspect an ignition problem, that’s a call, not a check. For electric dryers: if venting is clear and both breakers are on and it’s still not heating, that’s a heating-element or thermostat issue — a repair visit.