Repair or Replace a Dryer? How to Decide

A broken dryer leaves you with one question: fix it or buy a new one? The answer depends on three things. How old the dryer is, what the repair costs, and whether the fault is a safety problem. This guide gives you a simple way to decide.

Start with the age of the dryer

Most dryers last about 10 to 15 years. If yours is under 8 years old, repair is usually the better choice. If it is past 10 years old, a big repair is harder to justify, because other parts are also near the end of their life.

Use the 50 percent rule

A common rule of thumb works like this. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new dryer, and your dryer has already used about half of its life, replacing it is usually the smarter choice. It is only a guide. It does not replace a real quote. See our pricing page for what changes the cost of a repair.

Repairs that usually make sense

Many common faults are worth fixing, even on an older dryer, because the parts are small and the work is simple:

• A worn drum belt or idler pulley (the dryer runs but the drum does not turn, or it squeals). See noise, drum and belt repair.
• A blown thermal fuse, a bad thermostat or a failed heating element. See dryer not heating.
• A gas igniter or valve coil on a gas dryer. See gas dryer repair.
• A door switch, start switch or timer that no longer works. See dryer will not start.

When replacing is usually better

• The dryer is past 12 years old and needs a major part.
• It has needed several repairs in a short time.
• The drum or main body is damaged, rusted through or badly dented.
• Wiring or a terminal block has burn marks. This is a safety risk. Stop using the dryer. See our warning signs and fire safety guide.

Questions to ask before you decide

• How old is the dryer, and has it been repaired before?
• What is the full quote, including the visit and the part?
• Does the repair fix a safety problem, or only a comfort problem?
• Is the dryer still under warranty? Check first. Our warranty guide explains what to look for.
• Is the matching washer also old? Some people replace both together.

Do not skip the basic checks

Before you pay for any repair, clear the lint filter and the vent. A blocked vent causes many no-heat and overheating faults, and it costs nothing to check. If you are unsure which problem you have, our dryer problems and error codes guide can help.

Source for the lifespan and the 50 percent rule: HomeServe, Should You Repair or Replace Your Clothes Dryer? These are general guides, not a promise about your dryer.

What a repair visit usually involves

A good repair visit starts with a check, not a guess. The technician looks at the symptoms, tests the likely parts, and then gives you the cost before any work starts. That quote is what you need for the 50 percent rule. Ask for the part, the labor and the visit fee as separate lines, so you can compare the full price with a new dryer.

Count the full cost of a new dryer

The sticker price is not the whole cost. Add delivery, removal of the old dryer and any parts you need to connect it, such as a new cord or vent hose. A gas dryer may also need a gas connection checked. When you add these up, a mid-size repair often looks better than it did at first.

Other things to think about

• Features. Some newer dryers have moisture sensors that stop the cycle when clothes are dry. That can save time and wear on clothes.
• Fit. A new dryer must fit the space and match the outlet, 240V for electric or a gas line for gas.
• Safety. If the dryer has burnt wiring or an overheating problem that keeps coming back, do not keep using it while you decide.

Common questions

How long does a dryer last?

Most dryers last about 10 to 15 years. Heavy use and poor vent care can shorten that, and regular cleaning helps it last longer.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old dryer?

It depends on the fault. A belt, a fuse or an igniter is often worth fixing. A major part on a dryer that is near the end of its life is harder to justify. Use the 50 percent rule and ask for a full quote.

Should I replace the washer at the same time?

Not unless it is also old or failing. Some people replace both so they match, but it is not needed for the dryer to work.

Can I keep using a dryer that smells burnt?

No. Stop using it, unplug it, and have it checked. A burnt smell can mean a vent, wiring or heating problem.

Need help? Dryer Repair Kenmore repairs gas and electric dryers and gives you the cost before work starts. Call (425) 555-0100 or use the contact page. We are open 24 hours.