---
title: "Dryer heating element replacement"
description: "Whirlpool dryer heating element replacement — on an electric Whirlpool the element sits in a housing on the back or the side of the drum, and when it fails…"
url: "https://whirlpoolmiami.support/services/dryer-heating-element-replacement/"
date_modified: "2026-09-06"
Appliance type: "Dryers"
---


# Whirlpool dryer heating element replacement

### Fitted as a set, or fitted again in a month

When an element opens on an electric Whirlpool it has usually taken a thermal cutoff with it, and the cutoff opened for a reason: the machine was running hotter than it should because the air had nowhere to go. So the element, the cutoff and the high limit go in together, and the duct is cleared in the same visit or the new parts inherit the same conditions. These are inexpensive, commonly stocked components on this make, which is what keeps this a single appointment rather than an ordered part and a second trip.

What this involves

Element, thermal cutoff and high-limit replaced as a set

The vent is cleared in the same visit or the new element inherits the same problem

A stocked part on this make, which keeps this to one visit

Confirm the element has actually failed

Continuity across the element and a visual on the coil. An element sagging onto the housing shorts and produces heat with no control over it, which is worse than none.

Check every protective device with it

Thermal fuse, high-limit and cycling thermostat. These are inexpensive and they are why the element lasted as long as it did.

Find the airflow problem

Lint screen, the housing under it, the blower wheel and the duct. An element that burned out in an unrestricted dryer is unusual.

Fit and check the housing

Insulators intact, terminals clean, and nothing touching the coil.

Measure the exhaust temperature

On a timed cycle at the wall, so the repair is verified with a number.

### Can the element be repaired rather than replaced?

The coil inside the housing can sometimes be replaced on its own where the housing is sound, and where that is the sensible option you will be told. On most of these machines the assembly is inexpensive enough that fitting the whole thing is the better value.

### How long should a load actually take once it is fixed?

For a normal mixed load on a clear duct, in the region of forty-five minutes. If it is still running well over an hour after this repair, the duct has not been fully cleared and that gets dealt with before the visit is closed.

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**[Read full article: Dryer heating element replacement](https://whirlpoolmiami.support/services/dryer-heating-element-replacement/)**