How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The average cost of repairing a dryer is around

$100 to $400

, which will generally cover most drum issues (such as a broken belt), a faulty thermostat, or clogged vents.

Is it better to replace or repair a dryer?

The general rule of thumb for any appliance is that

if costs are more than half of the replacement cost, it's time to buy a new appliance

. You can get a basic dryer for about $300, but it's not Energy Star rated so utility savings are minimal. In this scenario, it's a toss-up on whether to repair or replace.

How much does it cost to fix a dryer that is not heating?

Type Average Costs
Electric


$50 – $400
Gas $100 – $450

Is it worth replacing heating element in dryer?

If your dryer's heating element burns out more than once within a year or two, the thermal fuse, which is supposed to protect it, is probably defective, so it's a good idea to replace it. The temperature in the heating chamber may also be too high, and that may be caused by poor venting.

How long do dryers usually last?

A dryer should last

10-13 years

. To extend the dryer's life, clean the lint trap after each use and make sure the outer vent is clear as well.

Can I fix my dryer myself?


You can solve most problems yourself—no experience necessary

! Most dryer problems can be fixed in an hour with a few basic tools and a continuity tester or multimeter—and you can do the work yourself with these simple instructions.

Is it worth it to repair a 10 year old dryer?

It's recommended as a rule of thumb that

if your dryer is close to 10 years old, you're better off replacing it outright

, especially if the quote for repairs comes in high.

How do I know if my dryer fuse is blown?

  1. Unplug your dryer and ensure it is no longer connected to the gas or electric.
  2. Locate the thermal fuse, as above.
  3. Disconnect the thermal fuse from the wires.
  4. Test the fuse with a multimeter.
  5. If the needle on your multimeter does not move, your thermal fuse is blow.

How do you know if you need a new dryer?

  1. Your Clothes Aren't Drying Properly. Do you feel wet or damp areas when you remove your clothes from the dryer? …
  2. Excessive Noise. Do you often hear a lot of noise, such as rattling, banging, or high-pitched squealing? …
  3. It's Too Old. …
  4. You See Exposed Wiring.

Why does my dryer run but not heat?

Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer not heating are a

tripped circuit breaker, clogged vent, and no gas flow

. Other potential reasons include a faulty thermal fuse and broken heating element.

Why is my dryer not drying my clothes?


Check the Air Vent and Duct

Clogged air vents are a common cause for poor airflow in clothes dryer systems. One way to see if your dryer's air vent is clogged is by turning on your dryer and going outside to feel the flow of air leaving the vent. If it's slow and not very warm, your vent may be due for a good cleaning.

Why did my dryer stop tumbling?

One of the most common reasons your dryer won't spin is because

the drive belt is broken

. To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

What is the average price for a dryer?

They cost anywhere from

$800 to $1,200

. Compact dryers range from $300 for basic 24-inch electric dryer to about $1,750 for a 24- electric dryer with stainless steel exterior and drum and more than a dozen dryer settings.

How much does a new electric dryer cost?

For example, mid-range electric dryers usually cost

between $400 and $600

, but you might pay between $500 and $750 for gas dryers.

What would cause a dryer to squeak?

As the dryer drum rotates, especially with bulky loads, the dryer moves slightly while it's running.

If the wheels or legs on the bottom of the dryer have become loose or uneven

, they can cause a squeaking sound. You can try putting a little WD-40 on them to grease them up and eliminate the squeaking noise.

Which dryer brand is most reliable?

The most-reliable brands include

LG, Speed Queen, and Whirlpool

(including Amana and Maytag). Brands at the bottom include GE, Electrolux, and Samsung.

Should you replace washer and dryer at same time?

Should I replace both appliances at the same time? “It does make sense aesthetically, and perhaps for performance matching,” says Andrea. But, she adds,

it generally isn't necessary, unless you have stacked appliances and can't find a new washer or stacking kit that will fit

. Dryers often outlast washers.

How do you troubleshoot a dryer that won't start?


Unplug the dryer and check the thermal fuse for continuity

. Replace the thermal fuse if the multimeter measures no continuity. Check the exhaust vent because a clog in the vent likely caused the thermal fuse to blow. For dryers with a dial timer, a broken push-to-start switch can prevent the motor from running.

How do I fix a dryer that is not heating?

This is the most common cause of a dryer not heating. To check if your venting is clogged, start a timed dry on high heat.

Go to the exhaust vent outside and use your hand to verify that the air is very warm and exiting at a decent flow

. If there's little airflow, your venting likely needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Can a dryer heating element get weak?


Heating elements can naturally wear out over time

, but overloading the dryer, not cleaning the lint screen and poor ventilation can all speed up that process.

Is it worth repairing a 30 year old dryer?

There are few parts that go bad in a dryer, so

a broken dryer is usually worth repairing

. The idea to replace rather than repair comes from electronics, and dryers are simple mechanical machines.

How much does a heating element cost for a dryer?

If you want a new heating element, you should budget at least

$170 to $280

. An appliance technician will charge between $80 and $100 per hour for labor. A one-time service fee is also included. The service fees for technicians range from $50 to $80.

Will a dryer still turn on if the thermal fuse is blown?

Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown? Unlike a thermostat that can reset itself, once a dryer thermal fuse blows,

it will need to be replaced with a new one before the dryer will run

.

Will a dryer run with a blown thermal fuse?


Many dryers simply will not run once a thermal fuse triggers

. On other models, the drum continues to turn and the dryer operates, but the heating element does not. Clothes come out of the dryer wet once the appliance completes its drying cycle.

What happens when thermal fuse blown on dryer?

A thermal fuse will blow when the temperature gets too high, not when it's drawing too much current. When it blows,

the dryer stops generating heat

. It's necessary to replace it before the dryer will run again.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.