Do Washing Machines Have Heating Elements? Explained

Learn whether washing machines include an internal heating element, how it works, and what it means for energy use and maintenance in 2026. A practical guide for homeowners, renters, and repair enthusiasts.

Best Washing Machine Team

February 5, 2026·5 min read

Washing Machine Repair Water Use Energy Use

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do washing machines have heating elements

Do washing machines have heating elements is a feature where some washers include an internal electric heater to warm wash water, enabling higher temperatures for sanitation and stain removal.

Why Heating Elements Matter

Heating elements are a key capability in many washing machines. They allow the appliance to heat water to higher temperatures than the household supply alone, enabling improved stain removal and sanitation for certain fabrics and households with specific needs. The presence or absence of a built in heater can influence cycle options, energy use, and performance in practical daily laundry tasks. When you shop, balance the desire for hotter cycles with the cost of increased electricity consumption and potential maintenance needs. In regions with inconsistent hot water supply, a built in heater can provide more reliable results. For casual users, heat availability often translates into better performance on tough soils without requiring extra steps in prewash. In short, heating elements expand or limit your washing options based on design, not just fabric care.

For homeowners and renters alike, understanding heating capability helps with appliance selection, routine care, and budgeting for ongoing energy costs. The right choice depends on how often you wash heavily soiled items, how sensitive fabrics are, and how important sanitation cycles are to your household routines.

Do Washing Machines Have Heating Elements?

Do washing machines have heating elements is a frequent question for buyers and repair technicians. In many models, especially high efficiency or high temperature lines, washers include a built in electric heater that warms the water inside the drum for hot wash cycles and sanitation. Other models rely on the household hot water supply for hot cycles and use the heater only for specialty programs. The exact setup depends on the brand, model, and regional preferences. Checking the product manual or the spec sheet is the quickest way to confirm whether your unit has a heating element.

If you are shopping for a washer, look for language such as built in heater or electric heater in the cycle descriptions. Remember that some machines heat water only during select cycles, while others heat water for most cycles. Knowing this helps you estimate energy needs and tailor your laundry routine to your household’s requirements.

How Heating Elements Work in a Washer

Most built in heaters are metal coils or tubular elements positioned in a way that sits in contact with wash water during heated cycles. The control board activates the element when a cycle requests heat, and a thermostat or sensor monitors water temperature to prevent overheating. The heater works alongside temperature sensors, flow controls, and the drum to ensure consistent cleaning performance. If the heater fails, you may notice lukewarm water on hot cycles, unusual odors, or error codes related to temperature. Protective devices like thermal fuses guard against dangerous overheating. Understanding this helps you recognize when a heater is doing its job and when service is warranted.

Built In Heaters vs Using Household Hot Water

Built in heater pros: consistent temperatures, ability to run sanitation or allergy programs, independent of your home hot water supply.
Built in heater cons: higher upfront cost, more components to service, potential repair costs.
Using household hot water pros: often lower appliance cost, fewer internal parts in the heater path, potentially lower energy use if your home’s heater is efficient.
Using household hot water cons: temperature depends on the home supply, cycles may be longer, some fabrics may not reach sanitation temperatures.

When choosing a washer, consider how important precise temperatures are for your fabrics, how reliable your home hot water supply is, and whether you want the flexibility of dedicated heated cycles.

Regional and Model Variations

Regional preferences shape how washers handle heat. In North America, a mix of heater equipped models and units that rely on household hot water is common, with many front load and top load machines offering heated cycles for sanitation and stain removal. In other regions, built in heaters are more standardized across many models due to different laundry practices and energy policies. As you compare models, read the specifications for heat source, wattage, cycle options, and energy efficiency ratings. A heater can be a selling point for those who often wash heavily soiled items or require higher temperatures for sanitation; however, it may add upfront cost and potential maintenance considerations.

Troubleshooting and Safe Checks

If your washer stops heating, start with safety and basic checks. Unplug the unit and inspect the power cord and outlet for faults, verify the circuit breaker is not tripped, and confirm you are selecting a heated cycle. If the water fails to heat during a heated program, the heater element or thermostat could be faulty. Look for error codes related to temperature or sensor failures in the user manual. For definitive testing, a qualified technician can measure the element’s resistance with a multimeter and inspect wiring for corrosion or loose connections. Do not attempt electrical repairs unless you have proper training and power is disconnected.

Maintenance, Replacement Considerations, and Energy Use

Heating elements are built to last, but mineral buildup, improper use, or aging can shorten their life. Regular maintenance includes keeping the heater area clean, ensuring proper drainage, and addressing mineral deposits that can affect heat transfer. If a heater fails, consider the cost of replacement parts versus a full appliance replacement, and check whether the unit is still under warranty. From an energy perspective, using heated cycles only when needed and washing full loads can help manage electricity use, especially in households with high laundry demand. When shopping for a new machine, compare heater availability, cycle options, and energy efficiency to balance performance with long term costs.

Authority sources

For further reading and official guidance, consult the following sources:

https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/washing-machine-efficiency
https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_washers
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/washing-machines

FAQ

Do all washing machines come with a heating element?

No. Some models include a built in heating element for heated cycles, while others rely on the home hot water supply or have no heater. Check model specs to confirm.

How can I tell if my washer has a heating element?

Look in the product manual, model specification sheet, or cycle descriptions for terms like built in heater or electric heater. You can also inspect the service panel or contact the manufacturer for the exact heat source.

Is it safe to replace a heating element myself?

Heating element work can be dangerous. Only attempt DIY repairs if you have electrical training and the unit is disconnected from power. Otherwise, hire a qualified appliance technician.

Do heating elements affect energy bills?

Yes. Heating water typically accounts for a sizable portion of a washer’s energy use, especially on hot cycles. Using heated cycles sparingly can help reduce bills, but improved cleaning performance comes with energy costs.

What are common signs of a failing heating element?

Symptoms include water not heating on heated cycles, longer cycle times, inconsistent temperatures, or error codes related to temperature sensors. A professional diagnosis is often needed.