Samsung dryers are some of the best appliances on the market—and they are one of the most popular ones in the US. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, but all have one thing in common: they’re designed to be easy to use.
Despite their reliability, sometimes they can have problems. No electronic appliance is immune to factory defects or breaking down, after all.
However, sometimes dryer problems can get in your way of enjoying your new appliance. Specifically, a common occurrence is that your dryer isn’t heating up properly, or at all.
This could be caused by several things, such as a clogged lint filter, a bad thermostat, or a broken heating element.
This article will help you understand how to troubleshoot your Samsung electric dryer problems, so that you can go back to drying your clothes in no time!
Common Issues Preventing Your Dryer from Heating Up
A clothes dryer works by blowing hot air onto the clothes inside it. The hot air dries the clothes and causes them to shrink a bit. This is why you should never put your clothes in the dryer right after they come out of the washer—they will be much too large!
The dryer also uses a tumbling mechanism to help the clothes move around and get dried evenly.
Sometimes, the Samsung dryer will not heat up. This happens when there is something blocking the flow of air. This can be caused by a clogged lint filter, a build-up of dirt and dust in the exhaust vent, or a broken heating element.
If your Samsung dryer is not getting hot, there are a few things you can check:
- Start by resetting your dryer. Here’s Samsung’s own article on how to do it. While it might sound weird that a reset would fix this issue, it’s because power outages or glitches in the programming can be the cause of the malfunctioning.
- Next, make sure that the lint filter is clean. Lint can build up on the filter and prevent the air from flowing through it properly, which will cause the dryer to overheat. The filter is located on the machine’s front. It’s very easy to remove and clean. Pull it out and brush off excess lint, then put it back in.
- The thermostat is another component of your Samsung dryer that is prone to breaking. This is a small metal disc located on the back of the machine. If it’s dirty or covered in dust, it might not be working properly. If that’s the case, get a damp cloth and clean it. The thermostat tells the dryer when to heat, and if it’s not working correctly, the dryer will refuse to start.
- Another potential reason for your dryer not heating up is a clogged air vent. When this happens, the hot air that generates from inside your dryer can’t escape it, leading to overheating. Eventually, the overheating will burn up the heating element, causing your dryer to break.
- Your dryer’s thermal fuse could have blown. This fuse protects the dryer from overheating, and if it blows, the dryer will not heat up at all. This happens because the dryer recognizes the fuse is dead. It’s a safety measure to prevent the dryer from starting a fire.
- Finally, you should check the heating element to see if it’s broken. This is a small metal coil located on the back of the machine. If it’s damaged or burned out, it will need to be replaced. You can find replacement parts at most appliance stores.
Spotting the problem is the first step in troubleshooting. Once you know what’s wrong with yoru appliance, you can start looking for a way to fix it.
Luckily, Samsung sells replacement parts itself, so you won’t need to scour the Internet and buy some obscure piece of equipment coming out of a factory located in a Vietnamese basement.
If you feel uncomfortable doing this type of reparations because you are afraid of breaking something, there are plenty of experienced professionals who can do it for you. Just give them a call and they will be more than happy to help.
Editor’s note: Did you know that about 2.900 dryers catch fire every year, killing 5 people, injuring another 100, and destroying $35 million in property value? Keep your dryer in top shape and this won’t happen to you.
How to Fix Your Samsung Dryer
Once you have figured out what’s stopping your dryer from heating up, you know what you must do to fix it. What’s great is that these issues can be dealt with by yourself. Even if you aren’t a DIY wizard.
However, we always recommend calling for professional help if you don’t feel comfortable working with appliances. While it’s definitely a fun project, don’t feel forced to embark on it.
If you are a bit more hands on, Samsung has some instructional videos that can help you out.
Warning: always perform the tips in this article with your dryer unplugged.
Clean the Lint Filter
You should keep your lint in pristine condition, because a clogged one can cause overheating, eventually breaking your dryer.
Get it out from its place and clean it. You can do this by scrubbing it with water and a little bit of soap.
Warning: make sure to dry the lint filter properly before putting it back in its place.
If you’re unsure about the filter location, Samsung’s official support channel on YouTube has a video on the topic, here it is:
You should always clean your lint filter after every load of laundry. The cleaner it is, the better your dryer will work. It’s more efficient this way.
Check the Dryer’s Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for telling the dryer when to start heating up, and if it’s not working correctly, the dryer will not heat up.
Use a multimeter to check if your dryer’s thermostat is getting any power.
You can find out how to do that by watching this video:
Usually, this is the hardest part to troubleshoot by yourself, mostly because not everyone has a multimeter. Again, don’t feel forced to this yourself. Call a professional if you feel like you’ll screw something up.
Clean the Dryer’s Air Vent
A clogged air vent can also cause your dryer to stop heating up. Dust, lint, and debris collect in the vent over time, clogging it. This prevents the hot air from escaping.
Unplug your dryer and move it away from the wall. You’ll see the vent pipe coming out of its back. Disjoin it from thedryer and check its insides.
If there’s lint on the edges of the pipe or the machine’s tube, remove it with your hands.
Warning: Do NOT stick your arm inside the air vent. If the debris is right in the opening, you can remove it with your hands. But if there’s debris stuck deep inside the vent, it’s best to call for professional help.
Here’s a video from Samsung’s support team:
Replace the Thermal Fuse
If the dryer doesn’t recognise the thermal fuse, it’ll refuse to heat up. This is because a blown thermal fuse is a safety hazard, and dryer makers understand the risks of overheating dryers.
If there isn’t any power going to your dryer’s thermal fuse, you need to replace it.
Unscrew the back screws to remove the top panel, then do the same with the front panel.
The thermal fuse is located near the heating element, and it’s easy to replace, though you will have to be careful because the insides of a dryer are sharp. It’s not rare to hear of people cutting themselves while doing this.
Here’s a video on how to do it:
Replace the Heating Element
Another part that needs replacing when broken is your dryer’s heating element. Samsung sells replacement parts directly on their website.
This is another fix that requires a little hands-on experience; if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll love this. Here’s a great video that describes the process in detail:
If you’re still having problems with your Samsung dryer, it might be time to call a professional. They’re the fastest and simples solution, albeit also the most expensive one. Consider if it’s even worth to fix your dryer instead of just replacing it.
Conclusions
Dryers are a necessity in every home, and when they stop working properly, it can be a huge inconvenience. But don’t worry, most of the problems with Samsung dryers can be easily fixed by following the simple steps outlined in this article.
One thing to always check before purchasing replacement parts is to make sure they will work with your dryer. First off, always buy replacements directly from Samsung. There is no guarantee third-party ones will work. Second, make sure to check your dryer’s model, so that you can buy a matching part. Third, if the thought of performing DIY repairs fills you with dread, call a professional.