Tumble dryer not heating up (Hotpoint, Indesit & Beko)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
If the drum is turning but clothes come out barely warm and just as damp as they went in, the dryer’s mechanical function (the motor and belt) is fine — the issue is almost always airflow, not the heating element itself.
What to check first
- Empty and clean the lint filter — do this every single cycle ideally, as a clogged filter is by far the most common cause of poor drying and reduced heat reaching the clothes.
- For vented dryers: check the vent hose to the outside isn’t crushed, kinked, or clogged with lint along its length, and that the external vent flap opens freely and isn’t blocked by debris outside.
- For condenser or heat-pump dryers: remove and rinse the condenser unit (usually behind a front or side panel, check your manual) — this also collects fine lint and reduces heating efficiency badly if left too long.
- Don’t overload the drum — an overfull load restricts airflow around the clothes even with everything else clear.
When to call an engineer
If the filter, vent/condenser are all clean and the load isn’t overloaded, but it’s still not heating, the heating element itself has likely failed, or the thermostat/thermal fuse that protects it has tripped. This involves accessing the drum housing and mains wiring — book an engineer rather than opening the casing yourself.