Whirlpool Electric Dryer Heating Element
Complete guide with costs, step-by-step instructions, and repair options
Heating Element on a Whirlpool Electric Dryer typically costs $25–$50 DIY, $100–$200 at a third-party shop, or $150–$300 through Whirlpool. The repair is rated Moderate (5/10) and takes about 60 minutes. At 25% of appliance value, this repair is usually worth doing.
DIY Cost
$25-$50
Time Required
~60 min
Difficulty
Moderate (5/10)
Official Warranty
1 year
Cost Comparison
DIY Repair
$25-$50
Parts only — you do the labor
Third-Party Shop
$100-$200
Parts + professional labor
Official Repair
$150-$300
Manufacturer service center
Tools & Parts Needed (DIY)
Always use the correct tools for your specific model. Using wrong-sized screwdrivers can strip screws and cause additional damage.
Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Follow these steps carefully. Take photos at each stage for reference during reassembly.
Unplug the appliance and let it cool
Disconnect your Whirlpool Electric Dryer from power. If it is a dryer or oven, wait at least 30 minutes for residual heat to dissipate.
Access the element
For dryers: remove the back panel to expose the heating element housing. For ovens: the bake element is at the bottom interior — remove the 2 mounting screws inside the oven cavity.
Test the element
Disconnect the wire leads and use a multimeter to test resistance. A working element typically reads 10–50 ohms. An infinite reading means the element is burned out.
Replace the element
Remove the old element from its housing or brackets. Install the new element, reconnect the wire leads (they are usually push-on spade connectors), and secure any mounting hardware.
Test heat output
Plug in and run a cycle. For dryers, the exhaust air should feel hot within 5 minutes. For ovens, preheat and verify the temperature reaches the set point using an oven thermometer.
Is It Worth Repairing?
Your Whirlpool Electric Dryer is currently worth approximately $600. A heating element through a third-party shop costs $100-$200, which is 25% of the device value.
This repair is worth it. The cost is well below 50% of the device value, making repair the financially smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does heating element cost for a Whirlpool Electric Dryer?
DIY parts run $25–$50. An independent shop charges $100–$200 including labor. Official Whirlpool service costs $150–$300. The DIY route saves the most but you take on the risk of further damage; shops are the middle ground; official is the safest if warranty matters.
If the heating element keeps blowing, what's the real problem?
A repeatedly-failing dryer heating element almost always points to a clogged vent run. Restricted airflow overheats the element until it fails. Pull the dryer out, disconnect the duct, and clean the entire run from the appliance to the outside wall before replacing the element — otherwise you'll be back here in a few months.
How long does heating element take and how hard is it?
Plan on about 60 minutes for the work itself, rated Moderate (5/10). First-time DIY attempts typically take 50–100% longer because of unfamiliar parts and tools. At this difficulty, take your time and plan to do it in good lighting — small parts are easy to lose.
What warranty options come with each repair path?
DIY: no labor warranty — the parts carry their own (usually 30–90 days from the supplier). Independent shops typically offer 90 days on parts and labor. Whirlpool official service comes with 1 year. If keeping the manufacturer warranty intact matters to you, the official route is the only one that does that — third-party work generally voids any remaining manufacturer coverage.
Is repairing my Whirlpool Electric Dryer worth it vs replacing it?
Your Whirlpool Electric Dryer is worth roughly $600. A shop heating element costs $100–$200, which is about 25% of device value. At this ratio, repair is the clear winner — you save more than 65% vs replacement.
External Resources
Trusted third-party resources for this repair: