Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

Is your dryer turning into a runaway heat machine, risking your clothes and safety? Discover the primary culprits behind overheating dryers, from clogged vents to faulty thermostats, and save your laundry day from disaster. Watch our step-by-step how-to video below to tackle and fix these issues like a pro!

Clothes dryers are designed to dry clothes efficiently and quickly using hot air, but what happens when they overheat and what causes it? A range of factors could be responsible, including issues with heating elements and thermostats. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll break down the common causes of overheating in a dryer and provide easy solutions so you can get back to doing laundry without worrying about damaged clothes or house fires.

Restricted Venting Airflow

Restricted venting is one of the most common causes of dryer overheating. If your dryer is not getting enough air movement, it can cause the unit to overheat and put you at risk of a potential fire. There are several different components that can become blocked and restrict ventilation, including the blower wheel, lint trap, heating element, thermal fuse, blower housing, and motor shaft. Additionally, if there is any kinking or crimping in the exhaust hose leading out of your dryer to the outside venting system, then this could also be restricting airflow and cause your dryer to overheat.

Here are a few external things to check for when troubleshooting restricted airflow:

• Clean the lint filter: The lint filter should be cleaned before or after every load (yes, every single load!). A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow, causing the dryer to overheat. A clean lint filter will save you money on utility bills over time and help prevent fires.
• Clean the exhaust vents: The exhaust duct attached to the dryer should be cleaned at least once a year to remove any lint buildup. This will help to improve energy efficiency and can also prevent the dryer from overheating and potentially catching fire. You can learn to clean your dryer vent here.

If all these components are clear and functioning properly but your clothes dryer still seems to be overheating, then it may be time to inspect it further. Keeping an eye on these components will help ensure that you don’t experience any more issues with your dryer overheating due to restricted airflow.

Damaged Or Clogged Lint Filter

It’s possible that the culprit of your dryer’s overheating issue is a damaged or clogged lint filter. The filter works to capture lint and other debris from your clothes as they tumble in the dryer drum. Without a functioning filter, these items can become trapped inside your dryer where they can become a big problem. You should inspect and clean the filter regularly and also use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to clean out any debris build-up in the filter housing. If the filter is damaged or missing, it may seem okay to continue to use your dryer, but you should replace it with an appropriate OEM part immediately

If all of these components appear to be working normally but your clothes dryer still seems to be overheating, then it may indicate an issue with the heating element itself.

Faulty Heating Element

A faulty heating element can also be the cause of overheating. There are a few common signs to look for:

1. The heating element is getting too hot. This is an indication that the heating element needs to be replaced.
2. If you smell burning or other strange odors coming from your dryer, this may be due to a malfunctioning heating element.
3. If you see scorching or damage on the heating element it should be replaced. 
4. Check for loose wiring connections at the control board that may cause a short.

If you see these signs, you can learn to replace your dryer heating element here.

Faulty Cycling Thermostat Bias Heater

Another common cause of an overheating dryer is a faulty cycling thermostat bias heater. The bias heater is attached to the cycling thermostat and works by regulating the amount of heat produced by the heating element.

If you suspect that your cycling thermostat bias heater is causing the problem, there are a few signs to look out for. For example, if your dryer runs for an extended period of time or if clothes take longer than usual to dry, you may need to test and replace the cycling thermostat and bias heater assembly.

High-Limit Thermostat Issues

The dryer high-limit thermostat is a safety component that prevents the dryer from overheating. It monitors the temperature inside the dryer drum and if it reaches a certain limit, the thermostat will shut off power to the heating element. This helps prevent fires and damage to your clothes by ensuring that the dryer doesn’t get too hot. So, essentially, it’s a crucial part of your dryer’s safety system! 

An overheating dryer could mean that the dryer’s high-limit thermostat has failed. If you experience any overheating symptoms, it’s important to diagnose the issue and replace any faulty parts before continued usage, including the high-limit thermostat if necessary.

Failed Blower Wheel

Another potential cause of a clothes dryer overheating is the blower wheel. The blower wheel is in a housing and attaches to the motor to move the hot air through the drum and out of the dryer vent. If it becomes damaged or clogged with lint or other debris, it can cause your dryer to overheat. Unusual noises during the drying cycle may be due to damage or blockage in the blower wheel.  If you think this is the source of your problem, it’s important to check it right away in order to avoid additional damage to the motor. Learn to disassemble a dryer here to check whether your blower wheel is blocked or damaged.

Is It Safe To Use A Dryer If It Is Overheating?

The old adage, “better safe than sorry,” certainly applies when dealing with an overheating dryer. While there can be various reasons for overheating, the top offenders are often a clogged vent or excessive heat generated by the unit. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly and properly as they can pose significant safety hazards. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your dryer and home’s safety!

To stay safe, here are some tips to consider if your clothes dryer is overheating:

• Don’t use the dryer until you’ve determined the root cause of the problem and fixed it.
• Make sure your exhaust vent is clear. A vacuum cleaner can be used if needed. 
• Clean the lint filter before or after each use to ensure proper airflow.
• Inspect the exhaust hose for any damages or kinks and replace if necessary.
• Avoid overloading the dryer by only loading it with the recommended amount of clothing
• Dry large items like bedding separately
• Select the correct setting for your clothes dryer using the use and care instructions

In short, never operate a clothes dryer that’s overheating – it’s not worth the risk! Take steps to identify what’s causing it and take measures to eliminate or reduce its impact before using it again. This will help ensure that your dryer operates safely and efficiently for many years to come.

Conclusion

We’ve discussed the common causes of overheating, from clogged vents to faulty blower wheels and heating elements. It’s important to give your dryer the proper maintenance in order to keep it running safely and efficiently. If any dryer parts fail, it’s important to replace them promptly to stop further damage and get it running efficiently again.

To prevent your dryer from overheating, make sure you clean the filter after every cycle, check for any loose parts that could be causing an obstruction, and periodically check for any signs of wear and tear. 

Need more help? Check out our blog’s other guides! Learn all about your dryer settings and how to use them here. And if you find any parts that need replacing, don’t worry – AppliancePartsPros.com has got you covered. Our friendly and helpful staff are always happy to assist you and we can even have our genuine OEM parts delivered right to your doorstep in as little as two days. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any help you may need!