How To Replace The Heater Of The Tumble Dryer ? If you are finding that your tumble dryer is not heating up, then the likely cause is a faulty or damaged element. The element plays a key part in the functioning of your tumble dryer, as this is what provides the heat to ultimately dry your clothes. If it is not working correctly, then your clothes can remain damp.
Tumble Dryer Heater Replacement
If you need to replace the heating element for your tumble dryer, then you will be pleased to know that you have come to the right place! We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the heating element without damaging your tumble dryer.
How To Replace The Heater Of The Tumble Dryer ? An electric dryer that tumbles but doesn’t heat up probably has a burnt out heating element. Replacing it isn’t a difficult task, but it does involve removing the back cover of the dryer. Before you do that, you have to be very sure that the power is off. Before replacing the element, check the continuity of the thermal fuse, because if it’s blown, you probably won’t have to replace the element. The dryer element isn’t hard to locate, but a quick look at your owner’s manual before starting can head off potential problems.
Unplug the dryer. If it’s hardwired into the house circuitry, turn off the circuit breaker that controls it. After turning off the breaker, try the dryer to make sure it’s off.
Test the dryer terminals with a voltage tester before you begin removing the element, even if you’re sure the power is off. Dryers operate at 240 volts, and a shock can be fatal, so it’s best to play it safe. Touch the red lead of the tester to either brass terminal on the dryer and the black lead to the ground terminal. The tester should read 0, or the light should stay off. If you get a reading, then you turned off the wrong breaker.
Pull the dryer far enough from the wall to allow you to get to the vent. Remove the vent pipe, then pull the dryer far enough from the wall to give you room to work behind it.
Unscrew the back cover with a Phillips screwdriver, and remove it. Follow the wires from the main dryer terminal to locate the heating element. The wires are connected to the element either with spade connectors or ring lugs.
Unscrew the screws holding the metal guard covering the element, and remove the guard. Disconnect the element by pulling apart the spade connectors or unscrewing the screws holding the ring lugs.
Pull the element out of the housing. The elements on some models fit tightly and require a fair amount of force for removal.
Slide in a new element, and connect it, then screw on the element guard. Replace the back of the dryer, slide it back toward the wall and replace the vent hose. Slide the dryer back into position, and plug it in or turn on the breaker.