Lg Dryer: intermittent heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your LG dryer is experiencing intermittent heating, it may run normally but fails to produce consistent heat, resulting in uneven drying of your clothes. This issue can be caused by clogged venting, restricted airflow, or, less commonly, power supply issues. Identifying and resolving the root cause is essential for restoring your dryer’s efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG dryers often have Energy Saver and sensor dry settings that may run with reduced or no consistent heat — ensure correct heat cycle settings are selected.

Possible Causes

Clogged venting / restricted airflow

How to Identify: Dryer intermittently heats then cools; clothes remain damp; airflow weak at exterior vent.

Part: Dryer vent, exhaust hose, lint screen

Power supply issues (breaker or partial supply)

How to Identify: Dryer runs but heat inconsistent; breaker panel shows partial trip.

Part: House breaker / dryer electrical connection

DIY Solutions

Clean dryer vent and lint filter

Easy 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum, vent brush
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Remove and clean lint filter.
  3. Disconnect vent hose from dryer.
  4. Use vent brush/vacuum to clear lint from hose and wall vent.
  5. Reconnect hose and test dryer heating.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before disconnecting vent.

Check and replace cycling thermostat or thermal fuse

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter, replacement thermostat or thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer and access back panel.
  2. Locate thermostat/thermal fuse near heating element.
  3. Test for continuity with multimeter.
  4. Replace part if no continuity.
  5. Reassemble and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before opening.

Verify cycle settings and use correct heat setting

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check selected dryer cycle.
  2. Ensure a heat-based cycle (e.g., Normal/Timed Dry) is chosen, not Air Fluff.
  3. Restart dryer and observe heat.

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Inspect and repair electrical supply or control board

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Dryer still shows intermittent heating after clearing vents and testing thermostats/fuses
Suspected gas component fault (igniter/gas valve) on gas models
Electrical wiring issues or control board problems

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and overheating leading to intermittent heating
    Frequency: after every load
  • Clean vent and exhaust duct: Clogged vents that can cause intermittent heating and thermal fuse trips
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dryer intermittent heating?
The main causes include clogged venting, which restricts airflow, and, less frequently, power supply issues.
How do I fix LG Dryer intermittent heating myself?
You can clean the dryer vent, check the cycling thermostat or thermal fuse, and ensure the correct heat settings are chosen.
How much does it cost to fix intermittent heating?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $150 for replacing the heating element, or $100 to $300 for electrical inspections.
When should I call a technician for intermittent heating?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you suspect complex electrical problems, it’s time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty heating element
  • Defective thermal fuse
  • Malfunctioning thermostat

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Test and replace the heating element if defective. Disconnect power, remove the back panel, and use a multimeter to check for continuity. If no continuity, replace the heating element.

  2. Check the thermal fuse for continuity. If it is blown, replace it. Access it by removing the back panel and testing with a multimeter.

  3. Inspect and test the thermostat. If it fails to regulate temperature, replace it. This involves accessing the control panel and may require disassembly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. LG Dryer Problems

Community Discussions

Sometimes the burner comes on and dries the clothes, other times it just blows cool air and it takes forever to dry.

Replaced the flame sensor which resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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