 | Replacing a heating element | Note: | | Disconnect the power source to your dryer before you conduct this or any other test. Either unplug the unit from the wall outlet, remove the appropriate fuse from the fuse box, or flip the appropriate breaker in the circuit breaker panel. | Dryer heating elements come in various shapes and sizes. They are all strung with a coiled wire made of a nickel and a chrome alloy. This wire receives, but resists, a controlled electric current and as a result, the wire heats up. The heat produced is used to dry the clothes in your dryer. Depending on your model, you may need to disassemble your dryer's cabinet in order to access and replace the heating element. If you have not yet disassembled your dryer to access your heating element, you can learn how to do so by referring to our How to open your dryer's cabinet section. Also depending on your model, you may not have to replace the entire heater assembly. You may need to replace only the wire coil. Most dryer heating elements are held in place with just a few screws. Sometimes as few as two. Remove each of the screws retaining the element in order to be able to remove it. Install a new heating element in place of the old one. Secure it in place with the required amount of screws. Reassemble the dryer's cabinet, and restore power to the unit. |