How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element

If your dryer is tumbling but not producing heat, a failed heating element is the most likely culprit. While it might sound like a major repair, replacing a dryer heating element is actually one of the easier DIY fixes. With basic tools and proper safety precautions, you can handle it at home, and if not, it’s an easy job for any appliance repair technician.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding how the heating element works to safely installing a new one and testing the repair.

What are Dryer Heating Elements?

The heating element produces the hot air that dries your clothes. It’s made from a high-resistance metal coil that heats up when electricity passes through it. A blower fan pushes air over the heated coil and into the drum, allowing moisture to evaporate from your laundry.

Most electric dryers use one of two designs:

• Coil-style heating elements housed in a metal canister (most common)
• Elements are integrated into the blower housing on some models

Over time, heating elements fail due to normal wear, repeated heating and cooling cycles, restricted airflow, or lint buildup. When the coil breaks at any point, the circuit opens, and heat production stops entirely.

Safety Precautions (Read This First)

Dryers operate on 240 volts, which can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Safety should always be your top priority.

Before starting:

• Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet
• If hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker
• Use a voltage tester to confirm no power is present
• Work in a well-lit area with adequate space
• Wear safety glasses and work gloves
• Avoid working alone if possible

Never rely on the dryer’s control panel alone to cut power; it does not disconnect electricity to internal components.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gather everything before starting:

• Socket or nut driver set (¼″ and 5/16″ common)
• Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Multimeter (for testing continuity)
• Replacement heating element (model-specific)
• Vacuum or soft brush (for lint cleanup)
• Phone or camera (for reference photos)

Heating elements are usually a reasonably priced part, with costs varying by brand and model.

Confirm the Heating Element Is the Problem

Before replacing the element, confirm it has failed. Other parts, like thermal fuses or thermostats, can cause similar symptoms.

How to test the element:

1. Access the heating element housing
2. Disconnect the wires from the element terminals
3. Set your multimeter to resistance (ohms)
4. Touch probes to the two terminals

Expected reading: usually between 10-50 ohms

• If the meter reads OL or infinite resistance, the element is broken
• If resistance is present, the issue lies elsewhere

Accessing the Heating Element

Access depends on your dryer’s design:

Front-access dryers:

• Remove the lint screen and the screws beneath it
• Release the top panel clips and lift the top
• Disconnect wire harnesses
• Remove screws securing the front panel
• Disconnect the door switch wiring

Rear-access dryers:

• Pull the dryer away from the wall
• Remove rear access panel screws

Once open, locate the heating element housing, a metal enclosure with electrical terminals.

Tip: Take photos before disconnecting anything.

Removing the Old Heating Element

1. Disconnect all wires from the element terminals
2. Remove screws or brackets securing the housing
3. Carefully slide out the heating element assembly
4. If replacing only the coil, remove it from the housing

Inspect the housing for lint buildup and clean it thoroughly. Excess lint can cause overheating and premature failure.

Installing the New Heating Element

Before installation:

• Compare the new element to the old one
• Confirm terminals and mounting points match

Installation steps:

1. Position the new element exactly as the old one
2. Ensure the coil does not touch the housing walls
3. Secure the housing with mounting screws
4. Reconnect all wires to their original terminals
5. Confirm ground wires are properly attached
6. Route wires away from moving parts

A misaligned element will short out and fail immediately, so proper positioning is critical.

Reassembling the Dryer

Reassemble in reverse order:

• Reattach panels securely
• Reconnect all wire harnesses
• Ensure no wires are pinched
• Reinstall the lint screen

Before pushing the dryer back:

• Vacuum behind and beneath the unit
• Inspect and clean the exhaust vent hose
• Check for kinks or airflow restrictions

Testing the Repair

1. Restore power
2. Run a short heated cycle with damp towels
3. Wait 5-10 minutes

You should feel warm air from the exhaust, and clothes should begin drying normally. If heat is present, the repair was successful.

If not:

• Recheck wire connections
• Inspect the thermal fuse
• Test thermostats and sensors

Preventing Future Heating Element Failure

Proper maintenance significantly extends heating element life:

• Clean the lint screen after every load
• Clean the exhaust vent at least once a year
• Avoid overloading the dryer
• Inspect drum seals periodically
• Ensure strong airflow from the vent outlet

Restricted airflow is the leading cause of repeated heating element failures.

When Calling a Professional Makes Sense

While replacing a dryer heating element is generally manageable, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional:

• You’re uncomfortable working with electricity
• The new element fails quickly
• The dryer still won’t heat after replacement
• Access requires extensive disassembly
• Control board or sensor issues are suspected

Final Thoughts

Replacing a dryer heating element is one of the easier DIY fixes you can do, so as long as you follow the steps in this article carefully, your dryer should work normally again. If you’re unsure about attempting the repair yourself, or you don’t have time, don’t hesitate to call a professional. It’ll save you time, and ensure you replace the heating element correctly.