What to Do if a Dryer Overheats and Shuts Off?

Why Does a Dryer Overheat?

Why is a dryer overheating badly? When a dryer gets too hot, it can burn your hands, damage your laundry, or cause a fire. It can also damage the inner workings of the dryer, causing short circuits or burns inside the control system. What causes a dryer to overheat? Here’s the rundown of the most common problems resulting from dryer overheating.

Reason #1. Dust and dirt getting into the air hole

If the air filter inside the dryer is dusty or dirty, it’s harder for the appliance to heat the air. As a result, the device uses more energy to create enough heat. After a short while, a dryer with a clogged filter will start overheating and shut off by safety. To ensure you take good care of the dryer, clean the appliance after every two or three uses.

Reason #2. Airflow restrictions

If the air gets stuck inside a dryer’s internal duct instead of coming out, you will likely get the dryer overheated. It’s worth checking the power of the airflow from the duct inside the dryer to ensure it’s not clogged or rusty. Since using an old air duct increases the risk of fire hazards, replace it to prolong the device’s lifespan and stay safe.

Reason #3. Heating element issues

When an appliance is brand new, the heating element typically responds effectively to changes in temperature, adjusting the warm air output accordingly when you switch temperature modes. However, the heating element may shift as the appliance ages and minor burns or circuit malfunctions develop. This can lead to inconsistent heating, causing the dryer to either heat too slowly or quickly. Over time, a common issue arises where the heating elements in the dryer shift position and come into direct contact with other parts of the appliance, resulting in overheating. It’s advisable to contact a technician to readjust the positioning of the component. If the heating element is irreparably damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Reason #4. The cycling thermostat doesn’t activate

A cycling thermostat is a safety measure to prevent the appliance from overheating. This component automatically shuts off the appliance when a dryer reaches excessive temperatures. However, if the cycling thermostat fails to function correctly, it could be why a dryer is overheating and shutting off unexpectedly. To access, repair, or replace the thermostat, you’ll need to remove the dryer’s back panel. Once you can access the component, conduct some tests using a multi-probe device. If the reading shows ‘zero’, the thermostat is functional. However, if it shows ‘infinity,’ it indicates the need for replacement. Fortunately, thermostats are relatively inexpensive, making them more affordable than replacing the entire dryer.

How to Prevent a Dryer from Overheating

Following good maintenance practices is the best way to prolong the appliance’s lifespan, ensure safe use, and avoid calling a technician. Here are some tips for troubleshooting when your dryer gets too hot and shuts off.

Tip #1. Control dryer settings

The rule of thumb is that the dryer temperature selector shouldn’t go above “medium.” Using high-mode heating increases the heat damage to your clothes and may cause circuit burns and other mechanical issues. If you don’t have many heating options, choose the temperature setting that doesn’t feel too hot when you put the palm of your hand next to the stream of air from the dryer.

Tip #2. Clean the drum of the dryer thoroughly

Depending on the frequency of use, you should clean your appliance every couple of uses. Otherwise, the dryer will overheat and shut off. Make sure the device is unplugged before you start cleaning. Don’t use anything wet; instead, choose dry cotton pads, a clean makeup sponge, or a sock. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water to clean the device’s exterior.

Tip #3. Don’t overuse the dryer

Try not to use the dryer for more than 40-50 minutes at one time. Although the overall lifespan of some models can go up to 1,500, don’t let the number trick you. It’s easy to overheat the coil and damage the inner circuits of the system if you keep the dryer on for an extended period. Don’t use a dryer as a household heater, either. Since it was not designed for the purpose, you could increase the risks of fire hazards. Keep a timer nearby to track how long the appliance is running.

Tip #4. Clean the lint screens

Lint screens are one of the dryer components ensuring the safety of usage. For one, they capture lint, grease, and dust, ensuring nothing gets stuck inside the heating coil. Once a screen has stopped letting air through, an appliance can overheat. Keeping these screens clear improves the appliance’s energy efficiency, protects your clothes from heat damage, and minimizes fire risks. Remove the protective cover with a snapping or twisting motion to clean the dryer lint protection screens. If the protection screen is hardened by dust and dirt, moisten the Q-tip or a sponge, ensuring no water is dripping. Rotate the Q-tip or sponge across each screen area to remove the dust and dirt.

Tip #5. Make sure the dryer cord doesn’t knot

One reason dryers overheat is that the cord connecting the appliance to the outlet has become knotted. Untie the knots until the cord makes a perfectly straight line. Plug the dryer back in and evaluate its performance.

Expert Technicians for Dryer Repairs

Contact Spark Service PRO, part of Fix Appliances CA Inc., for top-rated assistance. We are an experienced appliance maintenance and repair team with TSSA gas certifications. Our goal is to help homeowners diagnose dryer issues and increase the life of their appliances. Here’s why Spark Service is a trusted repair and maintenance contractor among Canadian homeowners and businesses:

• We do all types of repairs: The Spark Service team has decades of experience repairing, installing, and maintaining all appliances—from kitchens to laundry. We are an authorized service centre for LG, Samsung, and many more to repair, install, or maintain electric and gas appliances.
• 5-star service: Our technicians are prompt and dependable, perform thorough inspections, and don’t charge extra overtime work. That, coupled with a high level of expertise, is why we are the unrivalled repair technician team in the country.
• Same-day service: Many manufacturers, for example, use same-day service availability to improve the quality of service. This time, we can schedule a selection of appliances from Samsung or LG appliance repair on the same day. Check this option with our dispatchers before noon on the same day. Jobs will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Business hours: Our customer service representatives operate from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. We always find time to respond to inquiries and follow-up questions. Spark Service has a dedicated customer support team ready to answer questions and offer assistance.
• Complete warranty: 90-day satisfaction guarantee: We offer every homeowner high-quality, affordable repair services. That’s why your satisfaction is our priority. Spark Service technicians will provide a refund if an appliance we repaired or replaced fails in the 3-month window after the repair.

Spark Service PRO technicians can service home appliances anywhere in Toronto, the GTA, and Simcoe County. The first service call is free, so don’t hesitate to contact professional technicians for consults and appliance inspections. We look forward to hearing from you and offering expert-level assistance. Please leave a message or give us a call at the toll-free number 1-888-242-0777.