Depending on repair needs and machine age and type, the cost to replace a heating element in a dryer can vary. Learn the average repair costs.
How a Clothes Dryer Works: From Heat to Tumble
This is one cut-and-dry appliance
Get quotes from appliance repair pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from appliance repair pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Your dryer removes moisture by combining heat from an electric coil or gas flame, drum motion, and strong airflow from a blower fan.
Your electric dryer heats air with metal coils, while your gas dryer ignites gas and transfers heat through metal plates into the drum.
Clean your lint filter after every load and check your exhaust vent often, so airflow stays strong and blockages do not slow drying.
Hiring a local dryer repair professional provides reliable support when your dryer won't heat, won't turn on, or makes squeaking noises during cycles.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
A clothes dryer ensures your clothes, bedsheets, and towels are fluffy, dry, and smelling great. A clothes dryer uses heat, motion, and airflow to remove moisture from wet laundry. It’s not everyone’s favorite chore, but learning about how a clothes dryer works can help you stop dryer problems in their tracks and avoid a damp disaster.
How Does a Clothes Dryer Work?
A clothes dryer uses an electric motor to rotate the drum of wet clothes while a blower circulates hot air through the chamber. The circulating hot air causes the moisture in the laundry to evaporate, and the steam leaves the dryer through a vent or drainpipe.
Your dryer will stay at a temperature between 120 degrees and 160 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of laundry and cycle setting, thanks to the internal thermostat. Sensors in the dryer monitor the moisture level to ensure the clothes are dry and signal the dryer to turn off at the end of the cycle (cue the jammin’ dryer song).
Main Dryer Functions and Features
A clothes dryer works through three main components: heat, airflow, and motion. If any one function doesn’t work, the clothes won’t dry. Sometimes, you can successfully troubleshoot different dryer parts on your own. However, it’s always safest to contact a local dryer repair pro to help, especially if you have a gas dryer that’s giving you problems.
Heat
The dryer heats the air with a heating element that runs on electricity, propane, or natural gas. The thermostat, sensors, and thermal fuses regulate the temperature, which stays between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
In electric dryers, an electric current runs through metal coils to create resistance and a buildup of electrons. The buildup and resistance generate heat. A blower fan circulates the hot air through the drum to remove moisture from the wet laundry.
In gas dryers, the pilot light ignites the gas to create heat. Metal plates then transfer the heat into the drum of the dryer, and the blower circulates the heated air through the drum. Electricity powers the other components, such as the control panel and light inside the dryer. You’ll need a gas hookup in your laundry room for a gas dryer.
Airflow
Air circulation and ventilation ensure that the hot air reaches your clothing and then exits the dryer. A dryer pulls in air through a circular opening in the back, the heating element warms the air, and the blower distributes it. The moisture from the laundry then travels out of the dryer to the outdoors through the exhaust duct and outdoor vent.
If you have a ventless dryer, the moisture-filled air travels through a heat exchanger that cools and condenses the steam. The water flows into a drainpipe or a containment chamber. The dryer reheats and sends the hot air through the drum, and the process repeats until your clothes are dry.
Motion
A drum rotates your clothes to allow for air circulation and even distribution of the hot air in the chamber. The tumbling motion also fluffs the laundry and reduces wrinkling. A pulley system with a belt and wheel turns the drum on a roller system that’s powered by a motor.
Extra Features
Beyond a dryer’s basic parts, some clothes dryers offer special features and systems. Newer luxury models often have computer electronics.
A clothes dryer may have these extra features:
Different cycle options, including automatic moisture sensing and timed cycles
A steam-dry option to reduce wrinkles or remove odors
Wi-Fi connectivity with remote control via a smartphone or smart home system
A sanitize cycle that uses high temperatures
Advanced moisture sensing to prevent overdrying and extended use
Special cycles for delicates, towels, and bulky items
Key Parts of a Dryer
Photo: AdrianHancu/ istock/ Getty Images
If your clothes dryer isn’t drying, won’t turn on, or you hear squeaking noises from your dryer, sometimes the fix is easy. Other times, you’ll need a pro to diagnose and fix the issue. Learn the key parts of a dryer to troubleshoot common clothes dryer problems.
Heating element: A coil or wire that heats the air
Blower: A fan that circulates hot air through the drum
Drum, pulley system, and motor: Rotates the clothes during the cycle
Sensors: Detect moisture levels to indicate when a cycle is complete
Lint filter: Collects debris and lint to prevent clogged ducts and vents
Frequently Asked Questions
Appliance repairs reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 49 total reviews
- Julio V.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The Waterworks - Brent C.
Carpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring Installation - Mike Z.
As usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Micki B.
Everything from initial contact to completion was absolutely top notch. We contacted the business during off hours to leave a message, and the owner still reached out to feel out the issue within minutes. We were scheduled and repaired within 48 hours. I cannot say enough about the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Lisa S.
On Sunday 2/26 I requested quotes via Angi from 4 refrigerator repair businesses. Northwest Appliance responded to me Monday morning (2/27) and my refrigerator was repaired by noon the same day. Great communication, they did everything they said they would. The technician had the parts on...
- Aaron M.
Excellent! We were very satisfied with the service provided and the entire experience from start to finish. Very friendly and professional staff. I was able to instantly get in contact with them for a quote and the response time and overall communication remained quick and easy throughout the...
Prime Cleaning Service - Michael H.
Description says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-Gurus - Evan O.
I needed reliable, affordable help the day of with moving a couple of appliances and misc items. It was a relief to hear back from Tanzillo almost instantly that morning so I could stop looking and move on to plan and prepare. Every part of the move was friendly and professional. Next time I...
Tanzillo Concrete & Landscape
The homeowners guide to appliance repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Dryer repair costs as little as $10, but sometimes, replacing your dryer is more cost-effective. But if you have to make repairs, here’s how much it’ll cost.
Installing a gas dryer can help you save on your monthly energy bills. Depending on whether you need a new gas line, gas dryer installation costs will vary greatly.
Tired of struggling to complete a load of laundry due to a lack of space? A ventless dryer may be the answer. Learn what a ventless dryer is and how it works.
If you’re shopping for new laundry appliances, understanding each of the different types of dryers can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Hiring the right dryer vent cleaning pro helps reduce fire risk and keep your dryer running efficiently. Use this guide to learn about costs, services, and questions to ask before hiring.