How to replace the heater element in your dryer

DryerDifficult⏱ 15 - 30 minutes

Инструкция на английском (оригинал iFixit). Непонятные термины — в разделе «Основы → Словарь».

If your dryer no longer produces heat or starts to smell burnt, its heater element may be clogged with lint or completely failed. Replacing or cleaning this element restores proper drying performance and prevents potential fire hazards. Follow this guide to safely remove, inspect, clean, and refit a heater element so your appliance can keep working for years.

🧰 Tools

Cross Screwdriver
Brush
Vacuum Cleaner
magnet
Toothpick
Cotton Swab
Gloves

⚙️ Parts

Heater element

ШагиSteps

Disconnect the dryer from power

Pull the power cord out of the mains socket before beginning any work.

Check and reset the thermal cutoff

Locate the red button on the thermal cutoff above the heater.
If the button is protruding, press it back in to reset the cutoff.
Investigate over-loading, poor airflow, or a weak motor capacitor if the cutoff was tripped.

Expose the heater assembly

Remove the dryer panels shown in the previous felt-replacement video to reveal the heater above the blower fan.
Identify the four mounting screws and the two thick supply wires on the heater frame.

Disconnect the heater wiring

Pull both thick supply wires straight off the heater terminals.

Remove the heater mounting screws

Undo the four cross-head screws securing the heater to the cabinet.
Retrieve dropped screws with a magnet to avoid searching inside the dryer.

Extract the heater element

Tilt the heater slightly and slide it out of the blower housing.
Wiggle the frame gently if it binds in the tight opening.

Clean the heater assembly

Vacuum loose lint and dust from the heater frame and surrounding area.
Brush away stubborn debris and use a toothpick or cotton swab to clear buildup between coils.
Handle the heating coils carefully to avoid bending or breaking them.

Inspect or replace the heater element

Confirm the heater is clean and free of any remaining debris.
If the old element is faulty, install the new element in the same orientation.

Seat and secure the heater

Hook the heater’s lower edge into the ears on the blower housing and slide it fully into place.
Tighten the four mounting screws to secure the frame.

Reconnect the wiring

Push both supply wires onto their original heater terminals.
Some newer models require routing the cable through the side panel before connection.

Reassemble the dryer cabinet

Refit all removed panels and confirm the blower fan rotates freely.
Tighten every screw and ensure the cabinet is fully closed.

Restore power and test

Plug the dryer back in and run a short cycle to verify that it heats and operates normally.
A clean, functioning heater should give you many more years of reliable drying.

Your dryer’s heater element is now clean, secure, and ready for duty. Keeping this area free of lint not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of overheating and fire. Repeat this maintenance whenever you notice reduced drying performance or odours.

«How to replace the heater element in your dryer» — автор Ula Gantar, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →