7 Reasons Why Kenmore Dryer Not Heating And How To Fix

Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Kenmore has been in business for more than 100 years and is one of the most trusted and well-known brands of appliances. They produce a variety of dryers that meet the needs of everyone from homeowners to hotels.

They offer a wide range of features and price points to suit your needs with dryers that are made to last with quality craftsmanship.

One of the problems people may face is the Kenmore dryer not working. Here are the reasons why the dryer may be facing problems and what are the best ways to fix it.

7 Reasons Why Kenmore Dryer Not Heating And How To Fix

1. Lint In Vent Pipe

Kenmore Dryers are equipped with an automatic lint-trap that catches any lint that builds up in the dryer hose, preventing it from entering the machine. If this is clogged, it can prevent the dryer from getting hot enough to dry the clothes.

2. Clogged Venting

If you are not getting the heat that you need from your Kenmore dryer, be sure to check for clogged venting. Clogged venting can cause dryers to take longer to dry clothes, it can also cause the clothes to come out wet.

Venting can also become blocked if there is too much laundry in the machine or the dryer has been used for an extended period of time.

3. Problems With The Dryer’s Gas Valve

If your dryer is not heating and you have checked the thermostat, check the gas valve. To do this, remove the two wires going to it and turn off the gas supply.

Remove the two screws that hold it in place and turn it counterclockwise to adjust it. It should be a quarter-turn each time.

4. Check The Exhaust Hood 

It’s possible that your exhaust hood has a faulty seal and is not capturing all the moisture from your clothes. This can lead to mold and mildew buildup.

Check the seal by opening the dryer door and feeling around to see if there’s any cool air coming from the vent. If so, it might need to be resealed or replaced.

5. Check For A Blown Fuse Or Tripped Breaker 

When your dryer is having problems, there may be a number of reasons for it. One of the most common problems is a blown fuse or tripped breaker.

Your dryer will not heat up if there is a problem with the power going to it. If your dryer is not heating up, check the circuit breakers and fuses in your home.

6. Check The Power From The Outlet To The Dryer 

If you are experiencing a Kenmore Dryer that is not heating, you may need to check the power from the outlet to the dryer. If there is power to the outlet but it is not powering the dryer, you will need to call an appliance repair technician.

7. Check If Anything Is Wrong With Your Installation

If you have a Kenmore dryer that is not heating, check if anything looks wrong with your installation before you call a repair person.

Kenmore Dryer Not Heating After Replacing Heating Element

If your Kenmore dryer is not heating after replacing the heating element, there may be a problem with the thermostat. The thermostat is a small, round device that is located inside of the dryer and is attached to the top of the heating element.

When the thermostat senses that it’s time to turn on the heating element, it sends a signal to start it up. This signal could be disrupted if any of these four things happen:

The thermostat wire becomes disconnected from its terminal on the main wiring harness. This would prevent electricity from reaching the thermostat and turning on the heating element. The thermostat has gone bad and needs to be replaced.

A faulty or loose connection between the terminal on the main wiring harness and the terminal on the thermostat would prevent electricity from reaching it. The wires in either one of these connections are touching each other or something else inside of your dryer (like clothing) which could interrupt electrical flow through them.

There is too much lint or something else around either one of these two connections which could cause them to short circuit. If you think any of these problems might be what’s causing your dryer not to heat up, then you’ll need to complete this repair before you can use your dryer again.

Kenmore Dryer Not Heating Or Turning Off

A few people have had problems with their Kenmore dryer not heating up or turning off. The problem is typically caused by a faulty heating element. Fortunately, the fix is relatively simple. The first thing you’ll need to do is remove the front panel. This will require a small screwdriver.

Next, the top panel needs to be removed. Again, this requires the use of a screwdriver. Once these panels are removed, you’ll be able to see the heating element. There is a knob that allows you to adjust its setting (high, medium, or low).

To get it working again, simply turn it on high and wait for it to heat up then turn it back down to your desired setting.

Kenmore HE2 Dryer Not Heating

If you have a Kenmore HE2 dryer that is not heating, the first thing to check is if the dryer is getting power. Check to see if the power cord is plugged in and a live outlet is available. Next, check the door switch. If it’s not activated, it will not heat.

The door switch might also be defective and need to be replaced. If the power cord and door switch check out, but your dryer still doesn’t heat up, you might need a new heating element or thermostat or both.

How To Reset Kenmore Dryer Thermostat?

One of the most common causes for a Kenmore dryer not heating is that the thermostat is defective. A defective thermostat can cause the dryer to not heat up at all, or only heat up minimally.

The thermostat that controls the dryer’s temperature is called a bi-metal thermostat. If it has been overheated, it will become stuck in the “open” position and won’t close off the heating coils. It is also possible for a defective thermostat to cause a dryer to overheat and catch fire.

If you’re experiencing problems with your Kenmore dryer, you may need to reset the thermostat. You can do this by removing the screws from the front of the dryer and removing the front panel.

Once you have done this, you can see a control panel with a square-shaped knob at the top. This is the thermostat and it controls how hot or cold your dryer gets. To reset it, turn it all the way to one side and then back to the other side.

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FAQs

How Do I Reset My Kenmore Dryer Without Heating?

A Kenmore dryer that is not heating may be an issue with the power cord or the heating element. One way to reset a Kenmore dryer is to unplug it from the wall and plug it back in. Additionally, you can also turn the dryer off and then turn it on again. If these methods do not work, then you may need to call a professional.

Overloaded Cord Another common reason a Kenmore dryer is not heating is because the power cord is overloaded.

If you have too many things plugged into the same outlet as your dryer, then you may need to unplug some of the other items in order to reset a Kenmore dryer.

To avoid this problem in the future, you may want to get a power extension cord and plug your dryer into that instead.

Where Is The Reset Button On A Kenmore Dryer?

The reset button on a Kenmore dryer is located on the circuit board. The button can be pressed with a plastic or rubber object. Once pressed, the button will pop back into place and the dryer will power on.

To reach and reset a Kenmore dryer’s circuit board, remove the bottom panel on the front of the dryer. The top panel must be removed by removing screws on either side of the panel and pulling outwards to slide out of place.

Lift up on all four tabs at each corner with a screwdriver to remove each side panel so you can access both sides of each wire harness connector and circuit board connector.

If the dryer will not power on, check the fuse located inside of the dryer. The fuse can be replaced with a fuse that has a higher amperage rating. If the fuse blows again after replacement, replace it with a fuse of equal amperage. If the fuse continues to blow after replacement, call a professional to repair or replace the circuit board.

How Long Do Kenmore Dryer Heating Elements Last?

One of the most common things people ask about their Kenmore dryer is how long the heating element lasts. The heating element is a critical component of a dryer that determines how quickly it can dry clothes and other fabrics. A new heating element for a Kenmore dryer can range from $80 to $120, with most costing around $100.

Different manufacturers have different estimates on how long a heating element lasts, depending on what type of use it’s been through. In general, a heating element for a Kenmore dryer will last about 8 to 10 years if used properly.

When you need to replace a heating element for your Kenmore dryer, it’s important to make sure the replacement is an exact match. The best way to do this is by purchasing directly from the manufacturer.

If you have a specific problem with the heating element of your Kenmore dryer and need a part immediately, it is recommended that you call in an expert technician who can take care of repairs quickly and ensure the proper replacement is made.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Heating Element In A Kenmore Dryer?

The average cost to replace the heating element in a Kenmore dryer is between $40 and $100. Parts and labor are included in this estimate, but some homeowners might need to purchase their own replacement heating element.

The average cost of a new Kenmore dryer is approximately $500.00, so it is much more economical to replace the heating element than to buy a new one. The heating element on a Kenmore HE2 dryer is located on the left side of the unit.

How Do I Reset My Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer?

If you want to reset your Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer, you will need to unplug it and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Then, plug the dryer back in and see if it starts up.

If not, unplug it again and wait another ten minutes before plugging it back in. If your Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer still won’t start, call a professional for assistance.

What If My Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Won’t Start?

If your Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer will not turn on at all, it is likely that your machine has suffered a power surge or power outage. If the washer is plugged into a surge protector, try plugging it directly into the wall outlet and see if the dryer comes on.

If it does, you may need to get a new surge protector. If it still doesn’t come on, there could be an issue with the dryer itself. Call a technician to make sure there isn’t any damage to the wiring or another component inside of your appliance.

What If My Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Runs But Won’t Heat Up?

If you are having trouble getting your Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer to heat up completely, there could be several reasons for this problem. You may have set a cycle that does not use heat.

You may have set the wrong temperature for the cycle you chose. Or, there could be problems with your heating element or thermostat. Call an appliance repair technician if you’re experiencing issues with heating up completely during certain cycles.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Kenmore Dryer Thermal Fuse?

Do you need to replace your Kenmore HE2 dryer thermal fuse? The average cost for a new Kenmore HE2 dryer thermal fuse is $50. The average cost of labor is $50-$200 depending on the model and location. Below are some tips for replacing the Kenmore HE2 dryer thermal fuse.

Remove the dryer door and clean the area around the thermal fuse. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws on either side of the fuse. Pry out the old fuse with a flat head screwdriver and replace with a new thermal fuse.

Replacing your Kenmore HE2 dryer thermal fuse is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under an hour. The cost of replacing a Kenmore HE2 dryer thermal fuse varies from model to model, but generally ranges from $50 to $200 depending on which model you have as well as where you live. 

How Long Does The Kenmore Dryer Last?

Kenmore dryers are designed to last for 10 years, with normal usage. The average household dryer will need to be replaced after 8-12 years. The major factors that can affect the lifespan of a dryer are the number of hours it is used per day, the number of loads per week, and the type of clothing being dried.

The more that the dryer is used, the more it will wear down. Because of a high-quality build and multiple drying cycles, Kenmore dryers are one of the best options for homeowners in the market for a new dryer.

Does It Make Sense To Replace The Washer & Dryer At The Same Time?

For many homeowners, the decision to replace their washer and dryer can be overwhelming. There are so many options, which makes it difficult to decide which ones are worth the investment.

One of the first questions that people should ask themselves is whether it makes sense to replace both appliances at the same time. The answer to this question largely depends on your current model and your desired features.

The first thing that people should consider when they are considering which type of washer and dryer to purchase is whether they want front-loading or top-loading.

Front-loading washers are better for those who have hard water because they use less water, release less lint, and allow you to use detergents without adding too much soap. Top-loading washers are better for those with children or pets because they are easier for children to operate independently and easier for pets to jump into without making a mess.

The other factor that homeowners need to take into consideration when deciding which type of washer to purchase is whether they want a traditional top-load or a high-efficiency top-load or front-load machine.

Traditional top-loads tend to be cheaper than high efficiency models, but high efficiency models use less water and electricity (and also tend to last longer). The next thing that people need to consider when deciding on a washer is whether they want a traditional agitator or a high efficiency agitator.

Traditional agitators work well with normal loads of laundry and can hold more clothes. High efficiency agitators work best with large loads of laundry (such as bedding) and do not use as much water as traditional agitators.

Is It True That Dryers Last Longer Than Washers?

It is true that dryers last longer than washers. This is because the machines are not in use as much. It takes a lot of wear and tear to make the machines break down. The only time dryers are used more often is during the winter months to make sure clothes are dried before they are put away. This is not a big deal because the dryers are still going to be working fine for years to come.

Dryers use less energy than washers. This is one of the main reasons people like them so much. It does not take a lot of power for the machines to run, and they can save a person a good amount of money in the long run. The machines also produce less heat than washers, so they do not cost as much to run them.

Dryers are easy to use without all of the bells and whistles that come with washers. They are typically just a box with an inside and an outside that can be turned on and off at any given time. There is very little thought process involved in using them, which makes them easier to use than many other appliances out there on the market today.

Is It Important To Run The Dryer Twice?

One of the best ways to save energy in the home is by running the dryer only once, but is it worth it to run it twice? The answer to this question is a resounding YES. The reason for this is that when you have a load of laundry in the dryer, you are using approximately 3,000 watts.

The average size washing machine uses about 1,000 watts, so if you are switching between the two appliances, then you are wasting 1,000 watts each time. That means that if you run your washing machine for an hour and then switch to your dryer for an hour, it will take 6 hours for your clothes to dry instead of 4 hours.

So, while it may seem like a waste of time and energy to run your dryer for an extra hour, it will save you time in the long-run. If you want to be even more conscious about saving energy and money on energy bills, then make sure that you turn off the dryer when the clothes are 80% dry (based on thickness).

Conclusion

Many people agree that Kenmore dryers are the best. The dryers are reliable and sturdy and can easily handle any kind of clothes because of its large capacity.

The dryer is also designed with a stainless-steel drum and has a high-efficiency motor to save on energy. It also has an automatic lint filter that catches any lint that could be left behind after the clothes have been dried.