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DIY Change a Dryer Element

We had a question on our forums which asked how to change the heating element on a dryer.This is something I don't usually recommend folks doing themselves, butam going to post the DIY info here anyways. As always, read ourdisclaimer on DIY repairs. I wrote this as simple as I can and hope itis understandable. *Also, keep in mind this is a repair once you knowthat the heating element is your issue and not your thermostat, or thetimer or temperature switch. Now this is why I don't suggest doing thisyourself....I always recommend changing out each of these because whenone goes they all tend to go and why open up your dryer and take timeonly to find out your have to do it all again, or have me come out allagain. Easier to fix it all at once, but since the question was forjust the element, here goes....Questions, give me a ring! 828-693-7905

Food for thought,

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ALWAYS unplug the unit before ever beginning a repair. I know, I know, basic. But, this is the way folks get fried!-You must first find the dryer heating element cabinet. Most arelocated in the back but a few are located in the front. If you didn'tkeep your owner's manual... then I suggest going to Sears website andlooking at a diagram of your specific dryer. You can look at theirparts/ model number page to do so. I detailed in a prior post how to dothis, mainly you need your model number and if you are internet savvythis is an easy process. Their prices on parts is high, but thediagrams help if you don't have prior knowledge. This is the mostimportant step though. YOU MUST look at a diagram because differentdryers have different types of elements. You don't want to go in andtake a part off you don't need to be taking off. I have gone to so manyhouses where folks have taken things apart and ended up not knowing howto get it back together! Funny for me, not for them!

Firstyou have to determine if screws or clips are holding your compartmentshut. Remove these and then you will see the heating element and wires.Use your needle nose pliers to slowly remove the element wires.Nextyou might see a oblong can like shaped piece that might be coveringyour heating element. If so, lean it backwards taking off the hooksholding it in place.Detach the can shaped object that may cover theheating element. Tip the can backward to slip it off the hooks holdingit in place. If you don't see this you have a dryer that has easieraccess.

Next you are gonna take out the screws holding your actual heating element. Go ahead and pull it out.

Replaceit with your new heating element and return the screws in place. Makedouble sure it is secured in your dryer. If you took off a cover/ theoblong shaped piece, put the back as well too. And then you canreconnect the wires you took off in the first place. You now replacethe cabinet cover.Ok,now let's check your work! Turn your dryer on the cycle with noheat.... run outside and see if there is air coming out of your vent.Now, turn on a cycle with heat and do the same. You should see adifference in temp.

Last, I recommend breaking your new element in by running the dryerwith no clothes for at least one cycle. Yes, this wastes electricitywhich we are not a huge fan of, but this takes off any oily residuethat was on your element and will keep your clothes from smelling. Notgood! Fresh clothes a Must!A last tip is this: NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER use those little dryer sheets for softening!

This is the absolute fastest way to slowly kill your dryer.... losing life and time it can perform for you.

Thedryer sheet chemicals slowly erode the components. These just aren'tgood at all. If you want to use softener opt for the liquid kinds. Justa little tip from me to you!