Dryer Repair vs Replacement: The Right Choice

Dryer Repair vs Replacement: The Right Choice

Dryers are the workhorses of the laundry room — mechanically simpler than washers but just as essential. When your dryer breaks down, the repair-or-replace decision is often more straightforward than with other appliances because dryer repairs tend to be relatively affordable. However, there are situations where replacement is clearly the better path. This guide helps you make the right call.

Why Dryers Are Often Worth Repairing

Dryers have a longer average lifespan than many other appliances — 10 to 13 years for both gas and electric models. They are also mechanically simpler, with fewer components that can fail. This combination means that most dryer repairs are both affordable and worthwhile.

The average dryer repair costs $100–$450, while a new dryer costs $500–$1,200. This means many repairs fall well under the 50% replacement cost threshold.

Decision Matrix: Repair or Replace

Dryer Age	Repair < $200	Repair $200–$350	Repair > $350
Under 4 years	Repair	Repair	Repair (check warranty)
4–8 years	Repair	Repair	Evaluate
8–11 years	Repair	Evaluate	Replace
Over 11 years	Evaluate	Replace	Replace

Common Dryer Repairs: Repair or Replace?

Almost Always Repair

• Thermal fuse: $80–$175. The most common dryer repair. The thermal fuse is a safety device that costs very little to replace. Always worth repairing.
• Belt replacement: $100–$200. A broken belt is a simple fix. The dryer is otherwise functioning perfectly.
• Door switch: $80–$175. Quick, affordable, and restores full function.
• Idler pulley: $100–$200. Another simple mechanical fix.
• Drum rollers: $150–$300. Worn rollers cause noise but the dryer is otherwise healthy.

Repair If Under 8 Years

• Heating element (electric): $150–$350. The most common electric dryer repair. Cost-effective on machines with years of life remaining.
• Gas valve solenoid: $150–$300. Common gas dryer repair. Affordable and straightforward.
• Igniter (gas): $150–$275. Similar to the gas valve — a wear item that is cost-effective to replace.
• Timer or control board: $175–$400. More expensive, but justified on younger machines.

Repair Only If Under 5 Years

• Motor: $200–$450. A major repair that approaches the replacement threshold on older machines.
• Gas valve assembly (complete): $250–$400. If the entire gas valve assembly needs replacement rather than just the solenoids, the cost is significant.

Usually Replace

• Motor on a dryer over 10 years old: The repair cost approaches a new machine.
• Multiple component failures: Indicates overall wear.
• Drum bearing and motor both failing: Systemic mechanical breakdown.

Gas Dryer vs Electric Dryer: Repair Considerations

Electric Dryers

Electric dryers are simpler and cheaper to repair. They have fewer components, and the most common repair — heating element replacement — is one of the more affordable major appliance repairs. Electric dryers are almost always worth repairing if under 10 years old.

Gas Dryers

Gas dryers have additional combustion components (igniter, gas valve, flame sensor) that add repair opportunities but also complexity. Gas dryer repairs should only be performed by qualified technicians.

However, gas dryers have an important advantage: lower operating costs. Natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity for heating, so a gas dryer costs $40–$80 less per year to operate. This ongoing savings makes repairing a gas dryer more attractive because you continue to benefit from lower operating costs.

The Safety Factor

Dryer safety should factor prominently in your decision, more so than with any other appliance.

Fire risk: Dryers are responsible for approximately 2,900 house fires per year in the United States. A dryer with deteriorating components — frayed wiring, a failing motor that overheats, or compromised lint containment — poses a greater fire risk.

If your dryer shows any of these signs, prioritize replacement over repair:

• Burning smells that persist after vent cleaning
• Scorch marks on clothing
• The dryer exterior becomes excessively hot during operation
• Electrical issues like tripping the breaker
• Visible damage to the wiring or drum interior

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

Unlike refrigerators and washing machines, dryers have not seen dramatic efficiency improvements. A new dryer uses roughly the same amount of energy as a 10-year-old model. The exception is heat pump dryers, which use 30–50% less energy than conventional models.

Conventional electric dryer: ~$80–$100 per year to operate Gas dryer: ~$40–$60 per year to operate Heat pump dryer: ~$40–$60 per year to operate (electric)

If energy efficiency is a priority and you are replacing an electric dryer, consider a heat pump model. They cost more upfront ($800–$1,400) but save significantly on energy over their lifespan.

Matching Your Washer

If you recently replaced your washing machine, you may be wondering if your dryer needs to match. The answer is no — washers and dryers do not need to be the same brand or model to work together. However, there are benefits to matching:

• Aesthetics: Matched sets look better, especially in visible laundry areas.
• Stack compatibility: If you stack your units, matching ensures proper fit and mounting.
• Bundle pricing: Buying a matched set often qualifies for discounts.

If your washer is new and your dryer is old, do not replace the dryer just for matching purposes. Replace it when the repair-cost analysis justifies it.

Maintenance That Extends Dryer Life

Regardless of whether you repair or replace, these maintenance practices will maximize your dryer's lifespan and safety:

• Clean the lint trap after every load. This is the single most important thing you can do.
• Have the vent professionally cleaned annually. Lint buildup in the vent is a fire hazard and causes the dryer to work harder.
• Inspect the vent hose. Replace kinked or crushed flexible hoses with rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting.
• Keep the area around the dryer clear. Do not store flammable items on or near the dryer.
• Do not overload. Overloading strains the motor, bearings, and belt, and results in poor drying performance.
• Use the moisture sensor setting rather than timed drying. This prevents over-drying, which wastes energy and wears clothes.

What to Do With an Old Dryer

When you decide to replace:

• Retailer haul-away: Most stores that deliver new appliances will take the old one, often for free.
• Donation: If the dryer still works but you are upgrading, organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore accept working appliances.
• Metal recycling: Dryers are mostly steel and can be recycled at scrap metal facilities.
• Gas dryer disposal: Ensure the gas line is properly capped before removing a gas dryer. This should be done by a licensed plumber or gas technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dryer? For minor repairs under $200 (like a thermal fuse or belt), yes. For major repairs exceeding $300, replacement is usually the smarter financial decision.

How do I know if my dryer motor is going bad? Symptoms include humming without the drum turning, a burning smell, overheating, and the dryer stopping mid-cycle. A failing motor may also cause intermittent operation.

Should I switch from gas to electric or vice versa? Switching requires new utility connections, which can cost $200–$500 or more. Unless you have a strong reason (like no gas line available), it is usually more practical to stay with your current type.

How much does a new dryer cost installed? A new dryer costs $500–$1,200 for the unit, plus $0–$100 for delivery and $50–$150 for installation. Total: $550–$1,450.

Can I use my old dryer while waiting for a repair? If the issue is a non-heating problem (broken belt, door switch), the dryer is safe to not use. If the issue involves heat, electrical smells, or strange odors, do not use the dryer until it is repaired.

Shopping for a New Dryer: What to Know

If replacement is the right move, here is what to consider:

Gas vs Electric: Which to Choose

Stick with what your laundry room is set up for unless you have a specific reason to switch:

• Gas dryers: Lower operating costs ($40–$80 less per year), faster drying, require a gas line and 120V outlet.
• Electric dryers: Higher operating costs, slightly slower drying, require a 240V outlet. No gas line needed.
• Switching types requires new utility connections costing $200–$500+, which rarely makes financial sense.

Heat Pump Dryers: The New Option

Heat pump dryers are gaining popularity in 2026. They use a closed-loop heat exchange system that recycles warm air rather than venting it outside.

• Pros: 30–50% less energy than conventional dryers, no external vent required (great for apartments and interior laundry rooms), gentler on clothes.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost ($800–$1,400), longer cycle times, more complex and potentially more expensive to repair.
• Best for: Energy-conscious buyers, homes without existing vent routes, and those who dry frequently.

Key Features to Look For

• Moisture sensors: Automatically stop the cycle when clothes are dry, preventing over-drying and saving energy.
• Steam refresh: Reduces wrinkles and odors without a full wash cycle.
• Large drum capacity (7+ cu. ft.): Essential for families — fits full loads including bulky items like comforters.
• Reversible door: Allows you to change which direction the door opens for flexible laundry room layouts.
• Lint screen indicator: Reminds you to clean the lint screen, improving safety and performance.

Brand Reliability Rankings

• Most reliable: Speed Queen, Whirlpool, Maytag — built for durability with widely available parts.
• Good reliability: GE, Electrolux, LG — solid performers with a reasonable repair track record.
• Mixed reliability: Samsung — some models have higher failure rates. Research specific models before buying.

Trust EasyBear for Your Dryer Decision

Whether it is a $100 belt replacement or a complex diagnosis, EasyBear gives you the straight answer. Our technicians assess your dryer's age, condition, repair cost, and safety to recommend the best path forward — repair or replacement.

Schedule a diagnostic visit with EasyBear. We service both gas and electric dryers, carry common parts for same-day repair, and back every job with a 90-day warranty. Get honest service from people who care about doing right by your home.