BEST Fix for a Dryer Not Heating: Lint Might Be the Culprit
Simple Maintenance Tips That Can Save You a Costly Repair
The Truth About Dryer Heating Issues
When your dryer is not heating, it’s easy to assume the worst. Most people immediately think it’s the heating element, and sometimes that’s true, but not always. In many cases, the real issue is something much simpler: lint buildup.
At Dial An Applianceman, we’ve helped hundreds of customers around Edmonton get their dryers back up and running with nothing more than a deep clean and a few quick fixes. Before you spend hundreds on a replacement part or a new machine, let’s look at the more common (and more avoidable) problems.
The Lint Problem (And Why It’s Worse Than You Think)
Lint doesn’t just collect in the lint trap. It can also build up:
- Inside the dryer cabinet
- Around the heating element
- In the aluminum vent that leads outside
- At the exterior vent cap (we’ve even found bird nests in there!)
Over time, this buildup restricts airflow. When hot air can’t move freely through the system, the dryer either overheats and shuts off, or it stops heating altogether to prevent a fire hazard.
We once had a call where the customer thought the heating element was gone. We opened up the machine and found lint packed around the element and vent. A quick vacuum job and duct cleaning later—and their dryer was working like new.
The Wildest Dryer Clog We’ve Seen
Yes, a bird’s nest. A customer called us out because their dryer had completely stopped heating. When our technician inspected the exterior vent, there was no screen protecting it—and sure enough, a bird had made it home. The blockage was stopping hot air from escaping, causing the dryer to overheat and fail. Once we cleared it and installed a proper vent cap, everything was back to normal.
Dryer Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
To prevent heating issues, here are the DIY dryer fixes that we recommend to all of our customers:
1. Clean the Lint Trap After Every Load
Not once a week—after every load. Even one cycle can leave behind a surprising amount of lint. It’s the easiest thing you can do to extend the life of your dryer.
2. Check the Vent Hose Monthly
Disconnect the hose from the back of your dryer and vacuum it out. Make sure it’s not crushed or kinked, which can also restrict airflow.
3. Inspect the Exterior Vent
Make sure the flap opens freely and that there’s a screen installed to prevent animals or debris from getting inside. Especially important in colder months when snow can block the outlet.
4. Vacuum the Dryer Cabinet Yearly
If you’re comfortable doing it, unplug your dryer and remove the back panel to clean out the internal components. Or call us—we’re happy to do it for you.
5. Use a Surge Protector
Surge protection is crucial for any modern appliance with an electronic display. If your dryer stops heating after a power outage or lightning storm, it may not be a lint issue—it could be a fried control board. A surge protector helps prevent that.
When It’s Time to Call Us for Dryer Repair
If you’ve done the cleaning and your dryer still isn’t heating, it might be a failing heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat, or control board. Don’t guess—give us a call. We’ll come out and diagnose the issue quickly.
Our pricing is always flat-rate:
- $109 service call
- If you go ahead with the repair, that fee is waived
- $209 flat labor fee, plus parts if needed
- No hourly charges, no surprise markups.
Honest Service You Can Trust
We work 7 days a week. Whether it’s Sunday, a holiday, or just a regular weekday, someone from our team is available. We know how frustrating a broken dryer can be—especially in households with kids, work uniforms, or busy schedules. Our goal is always the same: Get it fixed fast, and fix it right the first time.
If you’re in Edmonton, Calgary or the surrounding areas and your dryer isn’t heating, let’s take care of it before it turns into a bigger problem.
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