How do I know if the heating element is bad on my Samsung dryer?

If you’ve noticed that your clean laundry isn’t coming out as warm and dry as it should, you might be wondering if your Samsung dryer’s heating element is bad. Don’t worry — we’re here to help you recognize the signs of a bad heating element so you can get back to your laundry routine.

If you need any replacement parts for your Samsung dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Common symptoms of a faulty heating element

• Clothes are still damp or partially dry after a drying cycle
• Clothes take much longer than usual to dry
• A burning odor during a cycle
• Breaks, burn marks, corrosion or other damage to the element
• Frequent tripping of circuit breakers

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

How to test the heating element

Before you start changing out the element, you’ll want to test it to make sure it’s the faulty part. Here’s how to do it.

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the back panel or front access panel — depending on your Samsung dryer model — to find the heating element.
3. Look over the element for any obvious signs of damage, like breaks or burn marks on the heating coil. If you find any damage, you’ll need to replace the element.
4. Carefully remove the wires attached to the heating element’s terminals.
5. Switch your multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
6. Place the meter probes on the heating element’s terminals.
7. Check the meter reading. A reading between 10 and 50 Ohms (refer to the manufacturer’s technical information for the most accurate resistance guidelines) means the heating element is working. If the multimeter shows “OL” or infinite resistance, then the element is faulty.

Read more: Samsung Dryer Not Heating Help

FAQs

Looking for more? Check out these frequently asked questions about Samsung dryers.

What would cause my Samsung dryer to not heat up?

Several factors can prevent your Samsung dryer from heating up, including:

• A faulty heating element
• A blown thermal fuse
• A malfunctioning thermostat
• Lack of airflow due to clogged ventilation
• Power supply issues

How long do Samsung dryer heating elements last?

Samsung dryer heating elements can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on regular use and maintenance. Some heating elements can last for 15 years if the unit is well-cared for.

How do I keep my dryer heating element in good shape?

You can increase a heating element’s lifespan by keeping as much lint out of your dryer as possible to maintain airflow.

• Clean the lint trap after each drying cycle
• Clean the dryer vent and entire length of the ducting at least 2-3 times each year
• Avoid overloading the dryer
• Pay attention to any signs of problems — such as longer drying times or unusual smells — and fix them promptly to avoid bigger issues

Read more: Samsung Dryer Repair Help

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you fix your Samsung dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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