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30
November

A washing machine relies on a precise heating system to ensure that water reaches the correct temperature for optimal cleaning. When the washer begins to struggle with heating water, takes longer than usual, or fails to heat at all, it can disrupt wash quality and potentially damage fabrics over time. Two of the most common reasons behind this issue are a faulty thermostat or degradation of the heating coil. Understanding how these components work and why they fail can help you diagnose the problem early and prevent further complications.

Why Proper Water Heating Matters

Modern washers use temperature-controlled cycles to dissolve detergent efficiently, remove stains, kill bacteria, and protect delicate fabrics. Hot water cycles are especially important for heavily soiled clothing, towels, bed linens, and items requiring sanitization. When water is not heated properly, detergent may not activate fully, stains may remain, and the washing process may become significantly less effective.

In addition, a consistently malfunctioning heating system often leads to repeated wash cycles, higher energy usage, and unnecessary strain on internal components. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of your washer and increase utility costs.

Common Signs Your Washer Is Not Heating Properly

Before identifying the internal cause, most homeowners notice the following symptoms:

  • Clothes come out cold or not properly cleaned 
  • Wash cycles feel unusually long 
  • The machine stops mid-cycle waiting for water to reach target temperature 
  • Steam is missing from hot water cycles 
  • Error codes related to heating or temperature appear on the display 

If one or several of these signs appear regularly, the heating system should be inspected.

1. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat is responsible for monitoring and regulating water temperature inside the drum. When it fails, the machine cannot accurately detect or maintain the required temperature.

How the Thermostat Works

The thermostat communicates with the control board, signaling when the heating element should turn on and when to turn it off. If the thermostat is stuck, broken, or sending inaccurate readings, the washer may:

  • Not heat water at all 
  • Overheat water 
  • Get stuck in heating mode and prolong the cycle 
  • Fail to complete the wash 

Causes of Thermostat Failure

  • Wear from years of temperature fluctuation 
  • Mineral buildup from hard water 
  • Moisture penetration and internal corrosion 
  • Wiring issues or loose connections 

Why Thermostat Problems Should Be Fixed Quickly

If not addressed, a faulty thermostat can cause overheating, damage other internal components, and increase energy consumption. The machine may also shut down unexpectedly to prevent safety hazards.

2. Heating Coil Degradation

The heating coil, also known as the heating element, is the component responsible for directly warming the water. Over time, exposure to detergents, water minerals, and constant heating cycles can degrade its performance.

Signs of Heating Coil Problems

  • Water remains cold regardless of cycle 
  • The machine repeatedly attempts to heat but fails 
  • Circuit breakers may trip 
  • Burn marks or discoloration on the coil (visible only during repair) 

Why Heating Elements Degrade

  • Hard water scale buildup reduces efficiency 
  • Continuous high-temperature cycles wear down the coil 
  • Rust or corrosion due to moisture exposure 
  • Electrical shorts from damaged wiring or insulation 

Consequences of Ignoring Heating Coil Degradation

When a heating coil fails entirely, the washer will no longer heat water, leading to poor cleaning performance. If the coil shorts electrically, it may cause sparks or damage the control board, resulting in expensive repairs. Replacing a degraded heater early prevents these risks.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While homeowners may suspect that the thermostat or heating coil is responsible, only a trained technician can safely verify the issue. Washing machines contain high-voltage components and sealed parts that require specialized tools and experience to access. Attempting DIY repairs can lead to electric shocks, internal damage, or voided warranties.

A professional technician will:

  • Perform electrical continuity tests 
  • Inspect the heating coil for wear 
  • Verify thermostat sensors and calibration 
  • Examine wiring harnesses 
  • Check for additional issues such as control board failure or blocked pipes 

This ensures a correct diagnosis and a long-lasting solution.

Preventing Future Heating Issues

Though some failures occur naturally with age, you can reduce the risk by following simple maintenance practices:

  • Clean the machine regularly to avoid mineral buildup 
  • Use descaling agents if you live in a hard-water area 
  • Avoid overloading the washer 
  • Use high-quality detergent to prevent internal residue 
  • Schedule routine professional maintenance 

These habits prolong the lifespan of both the thermostat and the heating coil.

When to Call for Service

If your washer is taking longer to heat, leaving clothes cold, or displaying heating-related errors, the problem will only worsen with time. A prompt repair prevents further breakdowns and restores the washer’s cleaning efficiency.

For fast, reliable, and professional repair, contact Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company. Their skilled technicians can diagnose and fix thermostat issues, heating coil failures, and all related washer problems quickly and safely.

Call Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company today to restore your washer’s performance.

 

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(619) 880-5508

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