A Hotpoint dryer not heating can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially when you need to dry your wet clothes quickly.
This problem can have several causes, from a faulty heating element to a broken thermostat or timer. Ignoring the issue can lead to prolonged drying times, wasted energy, and even damage to your clothes.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common causes of a Hotpoint dryer not heating, troubleshoot the problem, and offer solutions to get your clothes dryer up and running again.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, this guide will help you diagnose and fix the issue and get back to drying your clothes efficiently.
Why is your Hotpoint Dryer Not Heating?
There are several reasons why your Hotpoint dryer may not be heating up. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Heating Element failure.
The heating element in your Hotpoint tumble dryer can fail over time, causing your Hotpoint dryer to stop producing heat.
A heating element failure is caused by several factors, including power surges (electrical issues), normal wear and tear, overheating due to clogged vents, or a malfunctioning thermostat.
If it turns out that your heating element is faulty, you’ll have to replace it for the dryer to function correctly.
2. Thermostat Malfunction.
The thermostat in a Hotpoint tumble dryer regulates the dryer’s temperature to ensure that it doesn’t underheat or overheat. If the thermostat in your dryer starts malfunctioning, it can prevent your dryer from producing heat or intermittently.
Various reasons, including a clogged lint filter or vent or malfunctioning heating, can cause a faulty thermostat in a dryer.
If you find out your thermostat is faulty, you must replace it to keep your dryer in perfect condition.
3. Thermal Fuse failure.
The thermal fuse in your Hotpoint dryer was made to prevent the dryer from overheating and catching fire. If the thermal fuse in your appliance fails, it can make your dryer stop producing heat.
There are several reasons behind a faulty thermal fuse, and some of the most common ones include power surges (electrical issues), malfunctioning heating elements, and clogged vents.
If your thermal fuse is faulty, you’ll have to replace it.
4. Clogged vents or Lint filter.
The vents or lint filter in your Hotpoint dryer can get clogged, and when it does, it can cause the dryer to overheat, often stopping it from producing heat.
A clogged vent or lint filter can be caused by many factors, such as irregular cleaning (i.e., it’s not frequent), using a dryer with a partially or fully blocked vent, or using a dryer with a clogged lint filter.
It’s essential to clean the dryer’s filter after each use and have the vents of the dryer professionally cleaned at least once a year.
5. Power Supply issues.
If you have a problem with the power supply to your dryer, such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, it can cause your Hotpoint dryer to stop producing heat.
This results from several reasons, including electrical storms, power surges, or old or faulty wiring.
To troubleshoot power-related issues, you’ll have to check your circuit breaker and fuse box; if you can’t do that yourself, you can consult an electrician.
6. Malfunctioning timer.
The timer in your Hotpoint dryer is responsible for controlling the dryer’s drying cycle duration. If the timer in your appliance starts malfunctioning, you can stop the device from producing heat altogether or intermittently.
Wiring issues, a faulty timer motor, or normal wear and tear can cause a faulty timer. If the timer is the culprit, you must replace it to keep it in perfect working condition.
How to Fix a Hotpoint Dryer Not Heating
If your Hotpoint dryer isn’t heating up, several possible reasons exist. Here are some common fixes to try:
1. Reset the Thermal overload cutout.
In most cases, if your Hotpoint dryer stops heating, it’s usually because the fuse in the heater tripper or the thermal overload has cut out. In this case, all you have to do is reset the mechanism, and you can do it by pressing the reset button.
In some Hotpoint dryer models, the red reset button is located on the back panel, and in others, you can find it inside the rear panel.
In newer models, you can expect to find the reset button inside the casing underneath the back panel; in this case, you’ll have to unscrew and remove the casing to access the reset button.
Once you have successfully located the reset button, press it; if it clicks, then the thermal overload cutout tripped, and it has been reset.
2. Clean the Exhaust vent.
If your dryer’s vent is full of lint and other debris, it can prevent it from heating properly.
To fix this problem, regularly clean out the dryer’s vent to ensure air flows through it easily. To clean it, disconnect the vent from the dryer and use a vent cleaning brush to remove all the lint or debris you can find built up inside.
Once you have properly cleaned the vent, reattach it to the dryer and ensure it is tightly secured.
3. Replace the Heating element.
If you discover that your Hotpoint dryer no longer dries and the heating element is faulty, you’ll have to completely replace it to return it to its perfect working condition.
Replacing the old heating element with a new one isn’t a simple DIY fix but a complex one, so you’ll have to let the professionals handle this one if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself.
4. Check the Thermostat
If the thermostat in your Hotpoint dryer no longer works as it should, you may have to replace it. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature within the dryer, and when it starts malfunctioning, the dryer may fail to heat up properly.
To fix this, you’ll need to open the dryer, locate the thermostat, and replace the faulty one with a new one.
5. Check the Power supply.
If your Hotpoint Dryer is not receiving enough power, it can prevent it from heating up properly.
To fix this, check if the dryer’s power cord is correctly plugged into an outlet, and if it is, check if it is functioning correctly. You can also check the fuse box and circuit breaker to ensure it is not blown or tripped.
6. Call a Professional.
If you have tried everything on this guide and nothing seems to work, then it’s time you hire a professional.
A technician will be able to diagnose why the dryer is not heating and make the necessary repairs needed to get it heating again.
If your Hotpoint dryer is under warranty, then you are in luck. You can contact the manufacturer to see if the repairs are covered.
FAQs
Where is the heating element on a Hotpoint dryer?
The location of the heating element in the Hotpoint dryer varies depending on the model.
For some models, the heating element can be found behind the dryer drum and accessed by removing the back panel. While in other models, you can expect to find the heating element at the dryer’s front, underneath the drum.
Suppose you don’t know where the heating element is located in your dryer model. In that case, you can consult the dryer’s user manual or refer to online resources to locate the heating element on your specific model.
How do you check if the heating element in the dryer is working?
To check if the heating element in your Hotpoint dryer is working as it should, you’ll have to carry out a simple test:
- First, start by disconnecting the dryer from its power supply and also turn off the gas supply (if applicable).
- Locate the heating element at the back or front of the dryer.
- Remove the wires connecting the heating element. These wires are often attached using clips or screws, so you may need a plier or screwdriver to remove them.
- Now use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. To carry out the test, set the multimeter resistance or ohms setting, and touch one probe to each of the two terminals of the heating element.
- If the multimeter reads zero resistance, then it means that the heating element has continuity and functions properly. And if it does not show any resistance, the heating element is faulty and therefore has to be replaced.
- If the heating element is faulty, you can order a replacement part online or from a local appliance repair store. Once you have purchased the new heating element, install it in the exact location where the faulty one was located and reconnect the wires.
Note: It’s essential always to follow safety precautions when working with any electrical or gas appliances. If you’re uncomfortable performing the test yourself or need clarification on any steps, it’s best to call a professional technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
What controls the heating element in a dryer?
Several components, including the thermostat, timer, and thermal fuse, control the heating element in a dryer.
The thermostat monitors or regulates the temperature inside the dryer and the power supply to the heating element. The timer controls the heating cycle’s duration, while the thermal fuse acts as a safety mechanism that stops your dryer from overheating.
If any of the above components responsible for controlling the heating element malfunctions, it can stop it from working properly.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
