How To Fix an Amana Dryer That Is Not Heating 

Amana is a budget-friendly, reliable appliance brand known for ease of use and their simplistic appliance designs. However, problems can also arise when dealing with an Amana dryer. 

One of the most common problems for homeowners is a dryer that doesn’t heat properly. This can result in longer drying cycles and overheating, both of which can wear down the dryer components and lead to long-term damage. Are you wondering why your Amana dryer is not heating properly? Here are some factors to consider and how to go about fixing them.  

Why Is My Amana Dryer Not Heating? 

If your Amana dryer is not heating, it’s likely due to several common causes: 

• A faulty heating element 
• A faulty thermal fuse
• A faulty thermostat
• Power failure (tripped circuit breaker)

If you suspect your Amana is not drying properly but want confirmation, you can carry out an easy test, as recommended by Amana themselves:

1. Choose any heated timed cycle setting on your dryer. 

2. Run the cycle for 5-10 minutes with an empty dryer. 

3. Open the door after 5-10 minutes and feel the inside of the drum. 

If the dryer drum is completely cold with no heat being produced at all, continue to the following troubleshooting steps. 

How To Fix an Amana Dryer That Is Not Heating: 5 Solutions 

Here is how to troubleshoot and fix your Amana dryer that is not heating, that can be done as DIY fixes or with the help of a repair technician. 

1. Check The Power Supply 

First, check that your Amana dryer is properly plugged in and the wiring and connections are not frayed or damaged. Insufficient power supply to your dryer is one of the more common reasons that your dryer is not heating up as well as it should. 

Most Amana dryers will require 240V of electricity, but this can be dependent on whether it’s a standard vented electric type, heat pump, or ventless. Test the power supply to the unit with a multimeter—if the reading is significantly different than the recommended 120V per leg, you may need to contact a technician to address the electrical issue. You can also check the circuit breaker to see if it has blown or needs to be reset. 

2. Check The Thermostats

Amana dryers are equipped with both the cycling thermostat and the high-limit thermostat. These thermostats are crucial to maintain the heat in the dryer, so if either of these thermostats are faulty, the dryer will either run too hot or not produce heat at all. 

Both thermostats are located at the back of the dryer, usually behind the rear panel. You will need to test both for continuity with a multimeter to determine if it needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, it should also be able to switch off when the temperature rises above the shut-off temperature listed. 

3. Check The Thermal Fuse 

Every Amana dryer has a thermal fuse which prevents the dryer from overheating. This fuse can blow from lint buildup or restricted airflow which will stop the dryer from producing heat. In this case, the thermal fuse will need to be fully replaced. 

The thermal fuse should be located close to the heating element casing or close to the burner if you have a gas Amana dryer. Test this fuse for continuity using a multimeter. You may also notice darkened spots or visible cracks on the body of the fuse. 

4. Check The Heating Element 

The heating element is one of the most critical components of your Amana dryer, as it enables the air to be heated before it gets distributed throughout the dryer drum. The heating element can become damaged or broken from regular wear and tear or old age, constant overheating, or restricted airflow from clogged vents. 

You can typically find the heating element on the lower back corner of your Amana dryer inside a metal casing. After disconnecting power to the unit, disconnect the wiring harness on the casing and check for visible broken coils or burns. You can also test for continuity using a multimeter to confirm diagnosis. 

5. Check The Lint Filter and Vent 

The lint filter should be checked and cleaned after every load. If this lint filter is not cleaned regularly, it can be a major fire hazard and even cause vents to be clogged, which in turn prevents hot air from being distributed properly inside the dryer.  

The vent leading from the dryer to the outside must be checked and cleaned at least once a year or when performance is affected. Use a vacuum with a hose or specialized vent cleaning kit. Remember to clean the lint filter after every dryer load. 

How To Take Care of Your Amana Dryer 

It’s normal for issues to arise now and then with household appliances. However, there are several best practices you can incorporate to significantly reduce the likelihood of poor performance and heating in the long-term. 

• Avoid overloading: Ideally, your dryer should only be maximum ⅔ full of laundry. Overloading more than this limits how well the hot air can be distributed in the drum which can damage components over time. 
• Clean the lint filter and drum regularly: Keeping your dryer clean and free from lint or debris can improve the longevity and performance of your appliance. 
• Follow user guidelines: Your dryer will have different recommendations and user settings depending on the manufacturer and model. Follow the unique user manual for better troubleshooting.  

Final Thoughts

Amana dryers are one of the most reliable, popular dryers on the market. However, they can still run into issues like insufficient heating capabilities. There are several components you should check to troubleshoot and fix this issue, including the heating element and thermal fuse. By incorporating regular maintenance and best practices around dryer use, you can reduce the likelihood of your Amana dryer underperforming again.