Discovering your LG dryer not heating can disrupt your daily routine, leaving you with damp clothes.
As an appliance repair expert, I understand the nuances of these machines and the importance of a swift resolution.
This guide is crafted to demystify the common culprits behind your LG dryer’s heating issues and provide you with actionable, easy-to-follow solutions.
Primary causes for an LG dryer not heating include clogged vents, overloaded drums, blown thermal fuses, faulty cycling thermostats, damaged heating elements, and malfunctioning igniters.
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How to Fix LG Dryer Not Heating?
If your LG dryer has stopped heating, it’s essential to identify the root cause. Here, we’ll explore various reasons and provide straightforward fixes.
1. Overloaded Dryer
An often overlooked but vital aspect of dryer care is load management. Overloading your LG dryer is a surefire way to run into heating issues.
When the dryer is crammed with clothes, there’s insufficient space for air to circulate effectively.
This lack of circulation impedes the dryer’s ability to distribute heat evenly, leaving you with partially dried clothes and an overworked appliance.
Easy Fix:
Be mindful of the dryer’s capacity and avoid stuffing it to the brim.
Distributing your clothes evenly within the dryer drum allows optimal air and heat circulation, ensuring each item receives its fair share of heat.
If faced with a large batch of laundry, consider dividing it into smaller, manageable loads.
Alternatively, a trip to the laundromat could be a more effective option for those larger, bulkier items.
This approach solves the LG dryer heating issue and prolongs the machine’s health by reducing wear and tear.
2. Clogged Vents or Lint Filter
A common issue with LG dryers not heating is the obstruction caused by clogged vents and a dirty lint filter.
Over time, lint and debris accumulate, restricting critical airflow.
This blockage is more than just a nuisance; it’s a central factor in stopping your LG dryer from spinning.
Airflow is crucial for the dryer to generate and circulate heat. Without it, your clothes remain damp, and the dryer works harder, risking further damage.
Easy Fix:
Tackling this issue begins with a simple yet effective step: cleaning the lint filter.
This filter, usually found at the lower part of the dryer’s door, should be cleared of lint after every use.
This practice not only enhances efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your dryer. Next, turn your attention to the vent pipe.
Examine it thoroughly, especially the section where it exits your house.
Any sign of wear, damage, or significant blockage is a red flag. In some cases, replacing an old, worn-out hose is more beneficial than trying to clean it.
3. Thermal Fuse Blown
The thermal fuse is an integral safety component in your LG dryer, designed to blow if the dryer gets too hot.
This is a fail-safe to prevent overheating, which can lead to more serious problems like fires.
If this fuse blows, it interrupts the heating cycle, resulting in a dryer that turns but doesn’t heat.
Easy Fix:
Resolving a blown thermal fuse issue involves a bit of detective work with a multimeter. First, disconnect your dryer from its power source for safety.
The thermal fuse is typically near the blower housing or the heating element.
Using a multimeter, conduct a continuity test on the fuse. If the test indicates no continuity, it’s time for a replacement.
It’s a relatively inexpensive part and can be a DIY project for those comfortable with basic appliance repair.
However, it’s crucial to consider what caused the fuse to blow in the first place.
Often, it’s a symptom of a larger issue, like restricted airflow or a malfunctioning thermostat.
4. Cycling Thermostat Malfunction
The cycling thermostat in your LG dryer plays a pivotal role in temperature regulation.
It’s responsible for cycling heat on and off to maintain the desired temperature.
A malfunctioning thermostat can disrupt this balance, leading to inadequate heating.
It’s similar to a home’s heating system unable to regulate indoor temperatures – resulting in too much or too little heat.
Easy Fix:
Fixing a faulty cycling thermostat of an LG dryer is a complex task but achievable with some technical skill.
Start by disconnecting the power to your dryer. The cycling thermostat is typically located near the blower housing or in the dryer’s rear. With a multimeter, test the thermostat for continuity.
If it shows no continuity, it’s time for a replacement. Like other dryer components, thermostats vary by model, so ensure you have the correct part.
Once you have the new thermostat, it’s a matter of carefully removing the old one and replacing it with the new one, making sure all connections are secure.
This fix can restore the proper heat cycle in your dryer, ensuring your clothes come out perfectly dry.
5. Damaged Heating Element (For Electric Models)
Electric LG dryers rely on a heating element to warm up the air inside the drum. Over time and use, this element can wear out or burn out, much like a light bulb.
This is one of the most common causes of an electric LG dryer not heating.
The dryer cannot produce the required heat without a functional heating element, leaving your clothes damp and cold.
A malfunctioning heating element also causes drying problems in LG dryers.
Easy Fix:
Testing and replacing a burnt heating element is a more technical process but still within the realm of DIY repairs for those comfortable with appliance maintenance.
First, ensure your dryer is unplugged. Access the heating element, usually located behind a panel on the back of the dryer.
With an ohmmeter, check for continuity in the heating element.
The element is due for a replacement if the test shows no continuity. Heating elements are model-specific, so getting the correct part is crucial.
Once you have the replacement, carefully remove the old element and install the new one, ensuring all connections are secure and properly placed.
If you are not confident about handling electrical components, I strongly suggest calling an electrical technician.
6. Faulty Igniter (For Gas Models)
The heart of a gas LG dryer’s heating mechanism is its igniter. This vital component is responsible for igniting the gas that generates heat.
When this igniter malfunctions, it fails to trigger the necessary chemical reaction, leading to a lack of heat.
Your dryer might tumble, but it won’t produce any heat without the igniter working.
Easy Fix:
Troubleshooting the LG dryer’s faulty igniter requires some technical know-how, but it’s manageable. Ensure your dryer is unplugged and the gas is turned off for safety.
Locate the igniter within the gas burner assembly. Using a multimeter, perform a continuity test on the igniter.
A lack of continuity indicates a need for replacement. Igniters are generally affordable and accessible components.
With the right model-specific part and a bit of patience, replacing the igniter is a feasible DIY task.
It’s about carefully removing the old igniter, fitting the new one, and ensuring all connections are secure.
However, if you are not experienced, I would suggest seeking professional help.
Wrapping Up
Resolving the issue of an LG dryer not heating stands out as a crucial skill.
We’ve tried to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and rectify common causes of this problem.
Each step brings you closer to a fully functional appliance, from unclogging vents to replacing a faulty igniter.
Empower yourself with these insights, and take pride in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your LG dryer.
With a proactive approach, your dryer will be more than just a machine; it becomes a reliable partner in your daily life.
Check out the following articles if you have a different dryer brand.
- Fix Your Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating [7 Repair Tips]
- Samsung Dryer Not Heating | 13 Issues with Solutions
- Troubleshooting Electrolux Dryer Not Drying
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.