If your electric clothes dryer isn't getting hot like it used to and your clothes aren't drying in a reasonable amount of time, then you need to replace its heating element. Heating element failures are a common problem for electric dryers. Thankfully, replacing a failed heating element is a simple and inexpensive repair any homeowner can complete using just a few simple tools. 

To replace your electric clothes dryer's heating element, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Order a New Heating Element from Your Dryer's Manufacturer

Since it is not likely you will be able to find a replacement heating element for your clothes dryer at a local store, go to your dryer manufacturer's website and order one. The element shouldn't be very expensive and should arrive at your home within a week.

Step 2: Turn Off the Dryer's Power and Unplug It

Once the replacement heating element has arrived, turn off the power breaker to the dryer and then unplug it from the wall. It is important that you turn off the power before unplugging the dryer because clothing dryers use twice as much power as other household appliances and there is an electrocution risk when you unplug it if its outlet still has power. 

Step 3: Remove the Dryer's Rear Access Panel

Using a screwdriver, remove all of the screws holding the dryer's rear access panel in place. Place the screws into a zipper bag so you don't lose any of them. When all of the screws have been removed, slide off the access panel and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the Old Heating Element and Replace it with the New One

Looking at the replacement heating element, locate the same part inside of the dryer. Unplug the high-limit thermostat holding the old element in place and plug it onto the new one. Dispose of the failed element in your metal recycling container.

Step 5: Put the Rear Access Panel Back on the Dryer

Using the screws you placed into the zipper bag, put the rear access panel back on the dryer.

Step 6: Restore the Clothes Dryer's Power

You need to plug back in your clothes dryer. First, plug in the dryer and then turn the power breaker back on.

Finally, place some wet clothing in your dryer and test to make sure that the replacement element has fixed the problem. If the dryer is still malfunctioning, then contact a professional appliance repair professional in your local area. You can also check out sites like http://www.applianceservicescharlotte.com for more information.

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