Electric vs. gas dryer — different causes in Calgary
Calgary has one of the highest rates of natural gas appliance use in Canada. Roughly 60% of Calgary single-family homes use a gas dryer; the remainder use electric. The causes of "dryer not heating" are different for gas vs. electric — getting the right diagnosis is critical to an on-site fix.
Electric dryer not heating — Calgary diagnosis
Heating element failure
The heating element is the most common cause of an electric dryer not heating in Calgary. It's a coil of resistance wire that glows red-hot when powered — over time (typically 8–12 years), it develops a break and fails open. Symptom: the dryer tumbles normally, the timer runs, but clothes come out cold and damp. Heating element replacement: $120–$210 in Calgary including parts and labour. We carry elements for Whirlpool/Maytag, Samsung, LG, GE, and Frigidaire.
Thermal fuse (safety fuse)
Electric dryers have a one-shot thermal fuse that blows if the exhaust temperature exceeds a threshold — usually caused by a blocked vent. Once blown, it permanently breaks the circuit. Symptom: identical to heating element failure — the dryer runs but produces no heat. The thermal fuse is inexpensive ($5–$20 for the part), but if it blew because the vent was blocked, you must also clean the vent or it will blow again within weeks. We always check vent flow after thermal fuse replacement. Total repair: $95–$160.
Cycling thermostat
The cycling thermostat cycles the heater on and off to maintain drum temperature. If it fails in the open position, the heater won't turn on at all. Often confused with a heating element failure — our technicians test both components during diagnosis.
Gas dryer not heating — Calgary diagnosis
Gas igniter failure
In a gas dryer, the igniter glows hot and ignites the gas burner. Igniters crack and fail after 5–10 years of use. Symptom: the dryer tumbles and the gas valve clicks open, but you hear no ignition sound and the drum stays cool. Gas igniter replacement: $120–$195 in Calgary. Our technicians are licensed for gas appliance work in Alberta.
Gas valve solenoid coils
The gas valve has 2–4 electromagnetic coils that open and close the valve. When these coils fail, gas doesn't flow to the burner. Often a secondary failure after igniter problems — when the igniter weakens, it draws more current through the coils, burning them out. We test all coils during gas dryer diagnosis. Replacement: $120–$200.
Flame sensor (radiant sensor)
The radiant sensor monitors the igniter glow and signals the gas valve to open. If it fails, the gas valve never opens. Symptom: the igniter glows (you can see the orange glow through the access panel), but the gas never ignites. Part: $20–$50; total: $110–$185.
The vent blockage factor in Calgary dryer repairs
Calgary's dry, dusty climate and high lint-generating laundry loads (workwear, flannel, thermal layers) mean dryer vents in Calgary homes clog faster than in humid eastern Canadian cities. A blocked vent is the number one cause of thermal fuse failure and is a fire hazard. We check and recommend vent cleaning on every dryer service call. Professional dryer vent cleaning: $89–$120 in Calgary. We can perform this during the same visit.
For all dryer repair in Calgary: dryer repair Calgary. For pricing: Calgary appliance repair cost guide. For all appliance issues: appliance repair Calgary.
On-site appliance repair in the Calgary area is available by appointment. Share your service address when booking so we can confirm coverage and availability.