We often fail to appreciate the value of electrical heating appliances in our daily life. They make our life easier by saving us time and reducing the hassle. Regardless of whether it is a toaster or a clothes dryer, every machine has a heating mechanism that enables it to function correctly.

If that heating mechanism malfunctions, the appliance won’t work properly. So, if your dryer isn’t drying the clothes or the toaster isn’t producing enough heat, then it is an indication that the heating element has stopped working.

The heating element is a crucial component that determines the performance of a dryer. In this blog, we have broken down critical pieces of information to make it easier for you to understand the issue.

What is a Heating Element?

A heating element operates by converting electrical energy into heat through the Joule heating process. It is typically a strip of wire that is either in coil or ribbon form.

When electricity passes through it, energy conversion takes place, and heat is released. This process causes the wire to glow in a flaming red hue.

The heating element consists of either a nickel-based or iron-based alloy. The nickel-based alloys are called ‘Nichrome,’ which is composed of 80 percent nickel and 20 percent Chromium. Nichrome is widely used because it has a high melting point. Also, it doesn’t oxidize and has adequate resistance. 

Usually, a heating element is present at the back panel of the dryer. However, it could be elsewhere as well, depending on the model. 

Signs of a Bad Heating Element

There are a few observable signs that can indicate an issue with the heating element. Identifying the signs of a bad heating element can be beneficial as it triggers the search for a solution.

When working correctly, it should heat the air inside the drum in a short while. However, sometimes it doesn’t operate normally. If the dryer takes longer than usual, the odds are that something is wrong with the heating element.

What happens is that the dryer continues to spin during the cycle, but it doesn’t get as hot as it should. In other words, after a drying cycle, you are left with clothes that remain damp and moist. One reason why this happens is wear and tear.

However, the heating element could also be damaged as a result of carelessness. You can clean the lint screen, ensure that there is proper ventilation and then see if the issue is fixed or not. 

There could also be an issue with the continuity of the heating element. Continuity refers to the presence of a whole path for current to flow. You can use a multimeter to check the continuity. When you test it, you are testing the resistance between two points.

Other than that, there is also a possibility that the heating element may be defective. It is quite frustrating to deal with a dryer that doesn’t do its job. However, you shouldn’t fret too much over it. If you know how to replace the heating element, you can easily fix your dryer. 

What To Do If You Suspect A Bad Heating Element?

Firstly, you have to determine the make and model of your dryer. Different brands use different types of heating elements in their appliances. You need to buy a heating element according to the model of your dryer.

The heating element can easily be found at an appliance parts store, or you could search for it online. For example, if you have a dryer manufactured by Whirlpool, you can search “Whirlpool dryer heating element” on the internet to get the desired part to fix your dryer.

To replace the heating element inside the appliance, you have to unplug your dryer from the electric outlet. Then, loosen the screws on the back of the appliance and remove the connections to expose the heating element. Now, remove the old component and replace it with the new one.

After putting in the new heating element, reattach the back panel and run a test cycle. It will tell you if the appliance is working correctly or not. 

If you are still facing any issue with the dryer, you might need to get it checked. In this case, you can call a repairman to visit your home and check the appliance, or you can take it to a nearby repair shop to get it fixed. 

Final Thoughts

Heating elements usually malfunction due to wear and tear. Therefore it is important to pay heed to the deteriorating heating element as soon as you get an indication that the dryer isn’t drying the clothes completely.

The issues can easily be fixed by replacing the dryer elements, however, if it persists, get your appliance checked by a professional repairman.