Tumble Dryer Not Heating Up
If your tumble dryer is not heating up, the drum will turn and the cycle will run but the air inside will remain cold, leaving your laundry damp at the end of the cycle. This is one of the most common tumble dryer faults and there are several checks you can carry out before calling an engineer.
View all tumble dryer error codes
Find Your Brand
Select your tumble dryer brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Tumble Dryer Not Heating Up?
When a tumble dryer fails to heat up, the drum will still turn and the cycle will run but clothes will remain damp or wet at the end. The most important first step is always to clean the lint filter — a blocked filter is the single most common cause of heating faults on all types of tumble dryer. Most modern machines will display an error code when a heating fault is detected — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance.
Common Causes
Blocked lint filter
The most common cause. A blocked lint filter restricts airflow through the machine, which prevents the heating system from working correctly. The lint filter must be cleaned after every single drying cycle without exception.
Blocked condenser (condenser and heat pump dryers)
On condenser and heat pump dryers, a clogged condenser unit restricts airflow and prevents the machine from generating or retaining heat effectively. The condenser should be cleaned regularly.
Full water tank (condenser and heat pump dryers)
A full condensate water tank can prevent the dryer from operating correctly and can contribute to heating faults. Always empty the tank before starting a new cycle.
Tripped thermal overload cutout
If the dryer has overheated — usually due to a blocked filter — the thermal overload cutout will trip to protect the appliance. On some vented dryers this is a resettable device located at the back of the machine.
Faulty heating element (vented and condenser dryers)
On vented and condenser dryers, a failed heating element will prevent the machine from generating any heat at all.
Faulty heat pump (heat pump dryers)
On heat pump dryers, a fault within the sealed heat pump circuit will prevent the machine from heating. This requires professional diagnosis.
Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor
A faulty thermostat can cause the machine to cut out the heat prematurely or not activate it at all.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Clean the lint filter
Remove the lint filter and clean it thoroughly. Remove all fluff and debris and rinse under water if needed. Allow to dry before refitting. This should be done after every single cycle.
Empty the water tank
Pull out the condensate water tank, empty it fully and refit it firmly.
Clean the condenser
Remove the condenser unit, rinse it thoroughly under running water, allow it to dry completely and refit it firmly.
Check the thermal overload cutout
On some vented dryers there is a small reset button on the back of the machine. If the machine has overheated this button will have popped out — press it back in to reset. Check your user manual for the location on your specific model.
Reset the machine
Unplug the appliance from the mains and wait at least two minutes. Plug back in and retry the cycle.
When To Contact A Professional
If the dryer still fails to heat after cleaning the filters and resetting the machine, the heating element, thermostat or heat pump circuit is likely faulty and will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Tumble Dryer Fault Guides
Tumble Dryer Not Drying Clothes Properly
Tumble Dryer Stopping Mid-Cycle
Tumble Dryer Taking Too Long To Dry
Related Guides
Tumble dryer error codes — all brands
Washing machine not heating water
🔧 Need a spare part? Find compatible parts for your appliance on Amazon with next day Prime delivery. Please double-check the part is compatible with your specific model before ordering. Find parts on Amazon
♻️ Not worth repairing? If your appliance has had its day, eco-friendly refurbished appliances are available at Renew 2 U — better for your wallet and the planet.