Have you ever pulled clothes out of the dryer only to find scorched holes or smell a weird burnt odor? If so, your dryer was likely running way too hot. But just how hot can dryers actually get? And what’s the ideal temperature for drying clothes without damage?
We know you probably have a ton of questions about dryer temperatures spinning through your mind. In this guide, we’ll explore the typical heat ranges for home dryers, explain what factors influence how hot yours gets, and show you how to troubleshoot an overheating or underperforming dryer.
Dryer Temperature Ranges
What’s the normal operating temperature for dryers? Glad you asked. For most home dryers, the normal temperature ranges between 120°F and 160°F. While commercial dryers can reach temperatures as high as 176°F. Note: the exact temperature your dryer operates on depends on the dryer’s model, the cycle or heat settings selected, and the type and size of the load.Your heat settings have a very important role in determining how hot your dryer can get. Let’s take a look at the different heat settings and the temperatures they reach:
Sanitize/High Heat: This setting is designed for thorough drying and as such, it reaches temperatures around 140°F to 170°F. It’s ideal for drying heavy items like towels or workwear. But take care when dealing with delicate fabrics at this temperature range because it can cause shrinkage or damage.
Permanent Press/Medium Heat: With temperatures around 135°F, this heat setting gently tumbles clothes while preventing wrinkles. This setting works great with everyday clothes that do not need high heat.
Delicate/Low Heat: This setting keeps the temperature of the appliance (dryer) at around 125°F. This temperature is great for drying lightweight fabrics, synthetics, athleticwear, and delicate items like lingerie. This low temperature it operates on protects your clothes from damage. The only downside is that it requires a longer wait time.
Air Dry/No Heat: As the name suggests, this cycle does not use or need any heat. Rather it operates by circulating room-temperature air to fluff up and refresh dry clothes.
Factors Affecting Dryer Temperatures
Several factors can influence the temperature inside your dryer during operation. These factors include:
1. Dryer type
Gas dryers use natural gas or propane to generate heat. So they tend to heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures. While, electric dryers make use of electric heating coils to generate heat. This makes the heating process to be much slower, and the maximum temperature slightly lower than gas dryers.
2. Cycle and heat settings selected
The current cycle heat setting can affect the temperature of your dryer. For example, a high heat setting on a normal cycle will produce a higher temperature than a low heat setting on a delicate cycle.
3. Load Size and Fabric Types
Larger loads of laundry need more time and higher heat to get fully dry. Smaller loads heat up faster and dry quicker.
Different fabrics absorb and hold onto heat differently too. Towels and heavy fabrics stay hotter longer, while lightweight synthetic blends may dry faster at lower temperatures.
4. Airflow and Venting
For your dryer to maintain the proper drying temperature, it needs good airflow through the vent. If the exhaust vent is blocked or restricted, the dryer can overheat, which is inefficient and unsafe.
Signs of Improper Dryer Temperatures
Are you confused? Is it difficult to tell if your dryer is operating within its normal temperature or not? Don’t worry, there are some signs you should look out for. If noticed, then it may mean that your dryer is overheating.
Here are some of the signs your dryer may show if it’s not operating optimally:
Scorched or damaged clothes: If you notice that your clothes always leave the dryer with scorch marks, holes, or other signs of heat damage, it means that your dryer is getting too hot.
Hot dryer drum or outer cabinet: If it looks like your dryer’s outer cabinet or dryer drum feels too hot when touched. It’s a clear indication that the internal temperature is too high. If noticed it should not be overlooked because it poses a fire risk.
Burning smell from dryer: Also, if you notice a burning or scorched smell coming from your dryer during or after a cycle, it’s a warning sign that indicates your dryer is overheating. This smell often means that something is burning inside the dryer.
Clothes take a long time to dry: If clothes now take a longer time than usual to dry, even after running a full cycle, it could mean that your dryer is not getting enough heat.
Troubleshooting Dryer Temperature Issues
When it comes to dryer temperature problems, there are two things you can troubleshoot for. It’s either you are troubleshooting overheating problems or you are trying to fix a dryer that’s not getting enough heat.
Dryer Overheating Problems
If you notice/think that your dryer is overheating, you should immediately try to address the problem in order not to damage the dryer. If your dryer is overheating, try these fixes:
Blocked Air Vents or Lint Traps
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One of the most common causes of dryer overheating is poor airflow.
The airflow helps to remove steam and heat from your clothes, preventing the dryer from becoming too hot. If airflow is blocked, heat can get trapped inside the dryer, leading to overheating.
There are two main areas where airflow can be blocked:
1. Lint Trap: Lint buildup here can restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat. So always check and clean the lint filter after each load.
2. Dryer Vent: Lint can also accumulate in the vent and vent duct. To clean it, you can use a vacuum to clear out the lint periodically.
Faulty Thermostat or Heating Element
The thermostat regulates the temperature of the dryer. So, if it becomes broken, the dryer may overheat because the temperature is no longer controlled properly.
To be sure you are dealing with a faulty thermostat, you can test it with a multimeter. If you get a reading of zero or infinity, it means that it’s working, while a different reading means it needs to be replaced.
Similarly, the heating element (for electric dryers) or burner assembly (for gas dryers) might be defective. If these components malfunction, they can produce excess heat. For this problem, you’ll have to check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to test and replace these parts if necessary.
Blower Fan Issues
The blower fan is responsible for circulating air inside the dryer. If it’s broken, the airflow will be compromised and lead to overheating.
To inspect the blower fan, you’ll need to open the dryer’s top and front panels and possibly remove the drum. Check to see if there’s any obstructions or damage to the blower wheel and if it’s damaged, you may have to replace it.
Tripped Safety Thermostat
The safety thermostat, also known as the high-limit thermostat, shuts off the heating source if the dryer gets too hot. If this thermostat trips when it shouldn’t, then it might need to be replaced.
Dryer Not Heating Enough
Now, if your dryer isn’t getting hot enough, it can lead to inefficient drying. If this is the case for you, here are some potential causes and solutions:
Thermostat Malfunction
A malfunctioning thermostat can also prevent the dryer from reaching the required temperature. If the thermostat inaccurately reads the temperature, it might cut off the heat prematurely. Simply check the wiring of the thermostat to see if it’s damaged and replace it needed.
Heating Element Failure
A broken heating element or burner can’t produce enough heat. You can inspect the heating element by looking for debris obstructions or cracks. If the heating element is damaged, you’ll have to replace it.
Also, for electric dryers, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity in the heating element. If you can’t handle it yourself or have the tools for it, it’s best to contact or hire a technician.
Blower Fan or Airflow Issues
Proper airflow is essential for efficient drying. So even when the dryer is not overheating, restricted airflow can also stop it from getting hot enough. Inspect the blower wheel to see if there are no blockages in the vent system and its functioning properly.
High-Limit Thermostat
A faulty high-limit thermostat can trigger prematurely and shut off the heat before the dryer reaches the desired temperature. So, test your thermostat with a multimeter; if it’s defective, you’ll have to replace it.
Bad Timer Motor
The timer on the control panel controls the heating cycle. If it’s not working correctly, the dryer may not heat properly. You can test your timer motor by disconnecting it and using a multimeter to check for continuity. You’ll have to replace it if it’s not continuous.
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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.
