One of the most common problems with dryers is when the heating element fails. The dryer will power on, tumble and do everything else, but it won't heat up. If your clothes are coming out cold and wet after the cycle is complete, you might need to order a new heating element and install it yourself. Luckily, this is a job that you can usually do in less than an hour.
Ordering the Right Heating Element
Most dryer manufacturers use the same heating element for all of their dryers. However, make sure you get the right element for your make and model because there can be some variations. In some cases, the only difference will have to do with a different mounting system. So, if you order the wrong replacement heating element, it will be impossible to install.
Removing the Old Element
First, make sure that you unplug the power supply before you try to remove the heating element. When removing the old element take special care and remember the order of operations. Installing the new heating element will basically be repeating these steps in reverse.
With a handheld screwdriver, you can remove the screws that attach the access panel to the back of the dryer. On most dryers, the heating element is in an easy-to-access location. It is a metal device which has copper coils that essentially look like springs. In some dryers, it is hard to identify the element because it is an encasement. You might need to pop the encasement off to make sure you found the right part.
Now, unplug the designated power supply that runs into the heating element. Then, loosen the nuts along the mounting brackets with a wrench. At this point, you should be able to remove the broken heating element and install the new one. Make sure you use all the same screws in the right spots when remounting. Also, you might also want to clean out the dryer compartment while the access panel is off. With a hose vacuum, you can remove dust build up that could be affecting your dryer's operation.
Finally, put everything back in place and plug in the power. Test your dryer immediately. If hot air is still not being produced, take it apart and check all of the connections to the heating element. If this still does not fix the problem, it might be time to call an appliance professional, such as one from Lewis Appliance Service LLC.
