Dryer Not Heating in French Valley & Temecula – 2025 Cost & Fix Guide
Nothing worse than pulling out cold, wet clothes after a 70-minute cycle — especially when you've got kids' school uniforms for tomorrow morning.
Good news: We fix 98% of "dryer not heating" calls in Temecula, French Valley, and Winchester the same day. Most repairs take 60-90 minutes — way less expensive than a new dryer.
Here's exactly what's wrong with your dryer, how to fix it, and when you should just replace it instead.
Most Common "Dryer Not Heating" Failures by Brand (2025)
| Brand | Most Common Failure |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Blown thermal fuse (again…) |
| LG | Heating element + sensor bundle |
| Whirlpool | Igniter (gas) or element (electric) |
| Maytag | High-limit thermostat + cycling |
All repairs carry our 6-month parts & labor warranty and include free service call with repair.
Top 5 Reasons Your Dryer Isn't Heating (French Valley 2025)
1. Blown Thermal Fuse (Electric Dryers)
This is THE most common issue we see in Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool electric dryers in the 92596, 92590, 92562 zip codes. The thermal fuse blows when the dryer gets too hot — usually because the exhaust vent is clogged with lint.
Symptoms: Dryer tumbles normally but produces zero heat. Sometimes there's a burning smell right before it stops heating.
The fix: Replace the thermal fuse and clean out the entire exhaust vent system. If we just replace the fuse without cleaning the vent, it'll blow again in 2-6 months. We do both.
2. Failed Heating Element (Electric Dryers)
Common in: Older Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore electric dryers (5+ years old). LG dryers with the dual heating element system (2018-2023 models) fail frequently too.
What happens: The heating coil inside the element housing burns out or breaks. This is a wear-and-tear failure — eventually they all fail.
Symptoms: No heat at all, or heat that comes and goes randomly during the cycle.
The fix: Replace the heating element assembly. Takes 45-75 minutes. We stock elements for Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, LG, and GE.
3. Bad Gas Valve Coils or Igniter (Gas Dryers)
If you have a gas dryer in Temecula/Murrieta, this is your most likely culprit. The igniter (a small ceramic element that glows orange) weakens over time and can't generate enough heat to open the gas valve.
Symptoms: Dryer runs but doesn't heat. If you watch through the drum, you might see the igniter glowing orange but no flame. Sometimes you'll hear clicking as it tries to ignite.
The fix: Replace the igniter and test the gas valve coils. This is a precision repair — improper installation can cause gas leaks (very dangerous). We're fully certified for gas appliance repair.
4. High-Limit Thermostat Failure
Very common in Maytag dryers and older Whirlpool models. The high-limit thermostat is a safety device that shuts off heat if the dryer gets dangerously hot. When it fails, the dryer stops heating entirely.
Why it fails in Riverside County: Clogged lint screens and exhaust vents. Our dry, dusty climate means lint accumulates faster than in humid areas. Homeowners don't realize the exhaust vent needs professional cleaning every 1-2 years.
Symptoms: Dryer runs but no heat, or heat works for 10 minutes then shuts off.
The fix: Replace the high-limit thermostat and thoroughly clean the vent system.
5. Faulty Cycling Thermostat or Temperature Sensor
Common in newer digital dryers (Samsung, LG, Whirlpool 2019-2024 models). These dryers use electronic temperature sensors instead of mechanical thermostats. When the sensor fails, the control board thinks the dryer is already hot and won't turn on the heating element.
Symptoms: Dryer runs normally but doesn't heat, or takes 2-3 cycles to dry a normal load. Sometimes you'll see an error code on the display.
The fix: Replace the temperature sensor and/or cycling thermostat. Requires proper diagnosis with a multimeter — if you replace the wrong part, you waste money and the dryer still won't heat.
IMPORTANT: Lint Vent Safety for Riverside County Homes
Clogged dryer vents cause 15,000+ house fires every year in the U.S. In our dry Southern California climate, lint is a serious fire hazard.
Signs your vent needs professional cleaning:
- Dryer takes 2+ cycles to dry a normal load
- Clothes are still damp after a full cycle
- Top of the dryer is extremely hot to touch
- Burning smell during operation
- Lint accumulating around the outside vent flap
We clean dryer vents as part of every heating element/thermal fuse repair. It's included in our service — no extra charge.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Dryer? (2025 Decision Guide)
Repair if:
- Dryer is less than 10 years old
- Repair cost is reasonable compared to replacement
- It's a quality brand (Maytag, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Speed Queen)
- The drum, motor, and control board are all working fine
Replace if:
- Dryer is 12+ years old and this is the second major repair
- The drum bearings are squealing (expensive repair)
- Multiple parts are failing at once (heating element + motor + belt)
- It's a low-end brand that's been problematic from the start
We'll always give you honest advice — even if it means telling you to buy new instead of repairing. Our reputation depends on treating customers fairly.
Why French Valley & Temecula Homeowners Call Adessa First
- Same-day service available — we know you need laundry done today, not next week
- We stock parts on our truck for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Kenmore
- 6-month warranty on parts and labor (best in the industry)
- Free dryer vent cleaning with every heating repair
- Upfront flat-rate pricing — no hidden fees or surprise charges
- Free service call fee when you proceed with the repair
- Local family business — we live here, our kids go to school here, we care about our reputation
Dryer Not Heating in French Valley or Temecula?
Call us now for same-day service. We'll have your dryer working again today.