Roper Dryer Not Heating: Common Causes and Solutions

A dryer can significantly speed up the time required to dry your laundry. But what happens when your Roper dryer doesn’t heat properly and your clothes are still coming out wet after a complete dryer cycle? 

While frustrating, a dryer that doesn’t heat properly is one of the most common appliance problems faced by homeowners. We cover the common causes and provide solutions to try before you call in professional assistance. 

Why Is My Roper Dryer Not Heating?

Roper dryers are popular and accessible, budget-friendly appliances that are known for their simple functionality. They are generally considered reliable, but performance issues can still occur. Have you noticed that your Roper dryer is not heating as well as it should? Here are several dryer components that could be the cause of this problem. 

A Faulty Heating Element 

Your Roper dryer’s heating element is the main component responsible for producing heat. If there is a faulty heating element, your dryer will still operate and spin but your laundry will not dry properly as there is no heat produced. 

Common signs of a faulty heating element: 

• The dryer spins clothes around but the clothes or dryer interior are not hot to the touch
• The heating coils have damage
• Clothes are still damp even after a full dryer cycle 

A Blown Thermal Cut-Off Fuse 

A dryer’s thermal cut-off fuse can blow, especially if it overheats or after long periods of excessive use. Lint buildup or clogged air vents can also contribute to a blown fuse, which is why it’s so important to keep up regular cleaning and maintenance. 

Common signs of a faulty thermal cut-off fuse: 

• A strong burning smell during operation
• The dryer refuses to start
• The dryer shuts off mid-cycle or shuts down completely 
• The drum spins normally, but no heat is produced. 

A Damaged Electrical Control Board 

Your dryer’s electrical control board manages all the core operations and settings including timing, heating, and the various cycles by connecting user input to dryer performance. Electrical surges, component failure, or overheating can all damage the electrical control board. 

Common signs of a faulty electrical control board: 

• An unresponsive, glitchy, or slow display
• Erratic cycle behavior that doesn’t correspond with the display settings 
• Frequent error codes displayed
• Visible damage to the board, including bulging, burns, or scorches

Other Faulty Components 

While rare, there are other faulty components that could affect the performance of your Roper dryer: 

• Built-in thermometer, which regulates heat and shuts down the heating element during overheating 
• Electrical wiring, which can be tripped or scorched allowing the dryer to run but not produce heat. 

How To Fix a Roper Dryer That Is Not Heating 

Before you call a professional, there are several at-home quick fixes you can try. After implementing these fixes, do a full reset of your dryer by unplugging the whole unit for 5-10 minutes and turning it back on. 

1. Clean The Lint Filter and Vent 

Both the vent and the lint filter needs to be cleaned regularly from lint that can cause overheating. Take off the vent and vacuum up any trapped lint or debris present. Aim to do this at least every 1-2 years. The lint screen should be cleaned after every use, and can be deep cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. 

2. Check The Circuit Breaker 

Roper dryers are available in both electric and gas versions. Both require circuit breakers, although it will vary in voltage and size. Double check the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped by unplugging and carrying out a full reset. You can also check for signs of heat damage like discoloration, burning, or foul smells. 

3. Check The Thermal Fuse 

All dryers have a thermal fuse for fire prevention. If overheating or some other potential fire hazard occurs during operation, the thermal fuse will blow and shut down the dryer. On a Roper dryer, the thermal fuse is typically located on the metal ducting at the back of the appliance. Carefully remove the wiring and test for continuity. You can also get help from a professional as this is a relatively complex step. 

4. Check The Heating Element 

The heating element is usually located close to the thermal fuse on the back of the appliance. You can access it by carefully removing the attached screws around removing the metal panel. If you notice snapped or broken coils, burns or black marks, or warped coils, these are signs that it needs to be replaced. 

How To Maintain Your Roper Dryer: Best Practices

Like all home appliances, your Roper dryer will require proper maintenance to keep it working well for a longer time and minimize expensive repair costs. When in doubt, consult your Roper dryer’s user manual for recommended settings and specific maintenance practices. 

• Clean the lint trap regularly: Lint build up in the ducts or on the screen can be a fire hazard and worsen the functionality of your dryer. After every dryer load, remove the lint screen and clean it. If needed, use a long bristle brush or vacuum to get all the necessary lint out. 
• Do a deep clean of the venting duct: You should aim to do a deep clean of your dryer, at least once or twice every year. Unplug the unit, disconnect the dryer duct, and use a specialized brush kit or leafblower to clean out the entire pipe. 
• Avoid overloading: It may seem tempting to cram more laundry in your dryer at one time, but doing so can put unnecessary strain on the machinery. Hot air needs to circulate well in order to get your clothes dry. Split larger loads into smaller ones to avoid premature dryer breakdown. 
• Keep the dryer balanced: Correct installation and storage can keep your dryer working in service for many years. Roper dryers have four adjustable levelling legs that help stabilize the unit and avoid excess vibration.