Menards Thermal Fuse (2024)

FAQs

What does the thermal fuse do on a dryer? ›

This fuse detects dryer temperature. If the air is getting dangerously hot, the thermal fuse will trip to shut off the heat. While this can prevent fires, the thermal fuse is, unfortunately, a one-time use part. This means once it trips, your dryer may not function until it is replaced.

Thermal fuse for dryer cost

The cost to replace a thermal fuse on a dryer is $75 to $150 on average. The cost of a dryer thermal fuse is $5 to $10 for the part or up to $60 for OEM parts. This safety device stops the motor when the dryer overheats.

In many cases, if your dryer has a malfunctioning thermal fuse, the dryer will not turn on at all. However, with some other dryers' models, the drum will turn and the dryer will operate, but the heating element will not turn on to heat up the clothing inside the dryer.

The thermal fuse is an essential safety component that must normally be in place to safely run the dryer.

The number one cause of thermal fuses blowing is the build-up of lint inside the exhaust venting which makes the dryer overheat. At least once a year you should detach the venting from the rear of the appliance and use a vent brush to clean out the lint and any other debris to ensure good air flow.

The main reason that a thermal fuse will blow is a blocked exhaust vent. This is because when the exhaust vent is blocked hot air cannot properly get distributed out of the dryer and this causes it to overheat. So, if you give the exhaust vent a regular clean, it should stop the thermal fuse from blowing again.

If the cost of the repair is going to amount to 50% or more of the cost of a new dryer, then a replacement may be the best long-term option. However, if a replacement isn't going to work with your current budget, a repair is the short-term answer.

Some situations that may cause your dryer to not heat properly include a lack of power, an issue with the size of the load or its wetness, an issue with the heating element or a blown thermal fuse.

Thermal fuses are not one size fits all, and you need to have the specific fuse that your model of dryer uses. Once a replacement has been retrieved, start by unplugging your dryer and removing the back panel. The thermal fuse will be located somewhere by the exhaust vent on your dryer.

Hi-limit fuses (AKA thermal fuses or hi-limit thermostats) are safety devices that help prevent the dryer from overheating and causing a fire. Your dryer can have up to three of these. They fail because the dryer can't exhaust the hot, moist air inside.

Does unplugging a dryer reset it? ›

Reset your dryer

Resetting your dryer is easy. Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the dryer (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. That's it. That's all it takes to reset.

Some dryer models may have a dedicated “Reset” button that allows you to reset the dryer to its factory settings. On an electric dryer, your “Reset” button may be located on the appliance's control panel with the other dryer options.

If your dryer won't spin, it's possible the appliance is getting too hot and has tripped the thermal fuse, a safety feature designed to stop it from starting a fire. You may be able to reset the fuse, but typically it needs to be replaced.

If your thermostat trips, you might be able to reset it by pressing a reset button somewhere around the back of the dryer. Depending on the make and model, it should be on the back panel or just behind it. If you do need to remove the panel, you'll probably need a screwdriver. Give the button a push when you find it.