My dryer runs but does not heat. Is it finished?

Usually not. A failed heating element or a blown thermal fuse are both common and both inexpensive. On a gas dryer it may be the igniter. Have it diagnosed before assuming the worst — and have the venting checked at the same time.

How often should dryer venting be cleaned?

Annually is the usual recommendation, more often for long runs or heavy use. It is a fire-safety measure as much as a performance one.

How long do clothes dryers last?

Around 10 to 13 years — but a dryer that seems worn out is more often a dryer with a blocked vent.

The typical range

Clothes dryers typically stay in service around 10 to 13 years, roughly matching the washing machine they usually sit beside. Dryers are mechanically simpler than washers, which is why many exceed the range comfortably.

Check the venting before blaming the dryer

The most common symptom people read as a dying dryer — loads taking two cycles to dry — is usually restricted venting rather than a failing appliance. Lint accumulates through the vent run, and the longer or more convoluted the run, the faster it builds.

This is also a genuine fire risk, not just a performance issue. Restricted dryer venting is a well-documented cause of house fires. Having the run cleaned is inexpensive and worth doing regardless of what you decide about the appliance.

Faults worth repairing

Dryer components are mostly cheap and accessible, which keeps repair viable late into their life.

Heating element: inexpensive and a common failure.
Thermal fuse: cheap, and often blows because of restricted venting — fix the vent too or it will go again.
Drive belt, drum rollers and idler pulley: all inexpensive wear items.
Door switch: cheap and simple.

When to replace

A failed motor, a cracked drum, or a control board on an older machine are the cases where replacement usually wins. As with any appliance, a third significant repair in two years is a pattern rather than an incident.

Last reviewed 29 July 2026.

Common questions

My dryer runs but does not heat. Is it finished?: Usually not. A failed heating element or a blown thermal fuse are both common and both inexpensive. On a gas dryer it may be the igniter. Have it diagnosed before assuming the worst — and have the venting checked at the same time.
How often should dryer venting be cleaned?: Annually is the usual recommendation, more often for long runs or heavy use. It is a fire-safety measure as much as a performance one.