Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Dryer?

A dryer is truly a crucial piece of equipment in our modern day and age. Even if you have a washing machine, you don’t want to wear wet clothes to school or work.

Plus, taking your clothes to the laundromat is surprisingly expensive—and in the long run, it just isn’t worth it.

Thus, if your dryer has broken down, you’ve probably found yourself asking a serious and vital question:

Should I try to repair my broken dryer, or do I need to replace it?

Obviously, the option to repair is an attractive one—seeing as how it can sometimes save you some money.

But in some cases, it actually makes more economic sense to just buy a new unit.

So in this guide, you’re going to learn exactly what to look for as you make this important decision about your down dryer—thus, empowering you to make the most cost-effective choice so that you can get your laundry to-do list back on track and get on with the important stuff.

So let’s dive into it.

Repair or Replace a Broken Dryer – What to Consider

When your dryer breaks, you have two options: repair it or replace it.

The best option for you will depend on a number of factors, including the cost of repair, the age of the dryer, and your budget.

In general, doing a cost-benefit analysis is a good idea to determine which option makes the most financial sense for your situation.

Conventional wisdom dictates that the life expectancy of most dryers is about 10 to 13 years. At this age, basically, any dryer will be getting old enough that once you do experience a breakdown, it’ll be time for a total unit replacement.

But what if your dryer hasn’t reached that point yet?

Well, in that case, experts generally agree that if the repair costs are going to add up to more than 50% of the cost of purchasing a new dryer, then it’s going to make more financial sense in the long term to simply buy a new unit.

With that being said—there’s still a lot of grey area to cover here as you conduct your cost-benefit analysis.

So let’s go over some of the details to give you a better idea of what to do if your dryer does break down.

PROBLEM: THE DRYER ISN’T HEATING AT ALL

The Heating Element (For Electric Dryers)

Fast Answer: Repair.

Thankfully, heating elements for electric dryers are relatively easy to find and replace. The cost of these parts varies depending on the model, thus, the parts for some models start at just $30-$40, while the cost for others can range all the way up to $180-$220.

Cost of parts: $30-$220

Thermal Fuse

Fast Answer: Repair.

This is a relatively easy part to change on an electric dryer—and most people (with the help of some basic tools) can perform this repair.

Cost of parts: $30-$60

Control Board

Fast Answer: It depends on how old your dryer is.

Most dryer control board repairs require specialized tools and knowledge. Thus, it’s usually in your best interest to hire a professional. So when you factor in parts, labor, and the age of the unit—you may find that for older dryers with more expensive control boards (that are no longer in warranty and that are likely to suffer more issues in the future), it’s usually better to replace the entire unit with something newer.

Older controllers can cost you anywhere from $125 to $200. But for the most part, control boards tend to cost around $200-$300.

Cost of parts: $125-$300

Faulty Drive Motor

Fast Answer: It depends on the make, model, and age of your dryer.

Replacing a dryer motor will be easier on some makes and models than on others. In some cases, this can be performed relatively easily with simple tools. With that being said, in the vast majority of cases, it’ll require professional assistance—and when you add up the part costs plus the cost of labor, if the price of repair comes out to be more than half of what it would cost to replace the entire dryer—conventional wisdom dictates that replacing the entire dryer is a better choice.

Cost of parts: $70-$320

Gas Shutoff Valve (For Gas Dryers)

Fast Answer: It depends on the age, make, and model of the dryer.

Here’s the thing about gas shutoff valves. Unless you’re experienced and/or comfortable working with gas fittings and parts, it’s going to be better to have a licensed, professional technician perform this type of repair (because gas is dangerous to work around if you don’t know what you’re doing).

And some gas valves are expensive. Thus, you need to take into account the age, make, model, and whether or not your unit is still under warranty.

Simply put—if the total costs of repairs are going to exceed 50% of the cost of buying a new dryer, it’s usually more cost-effective in the long run to just buy a new dryer.

Cost of parts: $50-$380

Ignitor (For Gas Dryers)

Fast Answer: Repair.

Generally, this is a repair that you’ll want to hire a professional to perform. But with that being said, when you add the cost of the part together with the price of labor, it usually comes out to be affordable enough that it’s worth the repair.

Cost of parts: $30-$160

PROBLEM: THE DRYER DOESN’T START

Control Board

Fast Answer: It depends on how old your dryer is.

Dryer control board repairs are often complex and require specialized tools and knowledge. As a result, it is usually best to hire a professional to repair a dryer control board. The cost of repairing a dryer control board can vary depending on the make and model of the dryer, as well as the cost of labor in your area. However, in many cases, the cost of repairing a dryer control board can be more than half of the cost of a new dryer. Therefore, if your dryer is older and the control board is no longer under warranty, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire dryer.

Cost of parts: $70-$900

Control Panel

Fast Answer: It depends on the make, model, and age of your dryer.

It’s possible to replace a dryer control panel on your own. But it tends to be a complex process, and most people are going to prefer hiring a professional. In some cases, the cost of repairing a dryer control panel can add up to more than half of the cost of a new dryer. If it does, and if the control panel is no longer covered by the warranty, then it may be more cost-effective in the long-term to replace the entire dryer.

Cost of parts: $120-$430

Door Switch

Fast Answer: Repair.

Door switches are relatively inexpensive to buy and replace. And even if you hire a professional to do the job, you’re generally going to be looking at a price tag low enough that it’s still worth it to just replace the part.

Cost of parts: $30-$160

PROBLEM: THE DRYER DOESN’T RUN (DOESN’T TURN)

Faulty Drive Motor

Fast Answer: It depends on the make, model, and age of your dryer.

Replacing a dryer motor can be a relatively simple task on some makes and models, but it can be more complex on others. In some cases, it may be possible to replace the motor yourself with basic tools, but in most cases, it is best to hire a professional. The cost of replacing a dryer motor can vary depending on the make and model of the dryer, as well as the cost of labor in your area. If the cost of replacing the motor is more than half of the cost of a new dryer, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire dryer.

Cost of parts: $70-$320

 Damaged Belt

Fast Answer: Repair.

A damaged belt is a relatively easy problem to fix on your own. But even if you hire a professional to do the job, the cost is usually still lower than buying a new dryer. Thus, it makes more sense to just repair this part than to replace the entire dryer.

Cost of parts: $5-$20

 Idler Pulley

Fast Answer: Repair.

 Unless your dryer is 10 years old or older (and likely to suffer additional breakdowns), it’s generally a more cost-effective option to replace a damaged idler pulley than to replace the entire dryer—even when you factor in the costs of hiring a professional technician.

Cost of parts: $10-$30

Drum Rollers

Fast Answer: Repair.

As a general rule, drum roller replacement will tend to be a cost-effective repair for most dryers unless the dryer is old enough (more than 10 years old) that more breakdowns are likely to occur in the near future.

Cost of parts: $10-$50

PROBLEM: NOISE

Metal Grinding Noise (In The Front Or Rear)

Front Glides

Fast Answer: Repair.

It’s usually more cost-effective to repair the glides on your dryer than to replace the entire unit.

Cost of parts: $12-$20

Rear Bearings

Fast Answer: It depends on the make, model, and age of your dryer.

In general, the cost of repairing a dryer’s rear bearings is typically between $100 and $200. However, the cost of the repair can be higher if the dryer is older or if the bearings are damaged beyond repair. If your dryer is older, or if the cost of repairing the bearings is more than half the cost of replacing the dryer, then it may be more cost-effective to replace the dryer.

Cost of parts: $100-$200

Squeaking Noise

Idler Pulley

Fast Answer: Repair.

Unless your dryer is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is usually more cost-effective to replace a damaged idler pulley than to buy a new dryer. The cost of replacing an idler pulley is typically much lower than the cost of buying a new dryer, and the labor costs to replace the idler pulley are usually relatively low. Additionally, if you are comfortable working on appliances, you can often replace the idler pulley yourself, which will save you even more money.

Cost of parts: $10-$30

Drum Rollers

Fast Answer: Repair.

In most cases, replacing the drum rollers on a dryer is a cost-effective repair. However, if the dryer is more than 10 years old, it is more likely to experience other breakdowns in the near future. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new dryer.

Cost of parts: $10-$50

Failing Drive Motor

Fast Answer: It depends on the make, model, and age of your dryer.

Replacing a dryer motor can be a simple or complex task, depending on the make and model of the dryer. In some cases, it may be possible to replace the motor yourself with basic tools, but in most cases, it is best to hire a professional.

Cost of parts: $70-$320

Train Sound

Damaged Drum

Fast Answer: Probably replace, but depends on the make, model, and age of your dryer.

A damaged drum is a pretty major malfunction. You’ll want to weigh the cost of such a repair by contacting an appliance repair service and getting estimates. When you factor in parts and labor, it often makes more sense to buy a new dryer than to replace the broken drum.

Cost of parts: $250-$450

PROBLEM: NOT HEATING ENOUGH

Moisture Sensor

Fast Answer: Repair.

This is usually a relatively simple and cost-effective repair to make on dryers—even older models.

Cost of parts: $10-$50

Clogged Vent Line

Fast Answer: Repair.

It’s crucial to keep your vent line clean for proper airflow. Even if you purchase a new unit, but the vent line isn’t clean, it’s just a matter of time before something will go bad anyway (a heating element, a fuse, etc.).

Whether you perform this step yourself or hire a professional to do it for you, it’ll be crucial to keep your vent line clean—otherwise, no dryer plugged into it will function at maximum capacity.

Cost of parts: $0

HIDDEN COSTS TO BE AWARE OF

Stackable Washer-Dryer Setup

Note that a stackable washer and dryer set may cost more to repair and/or replace due to the fact that they’re connected. They also tend to cost more than similarly styled options that aren’t stackable.

Plus, if something happens to the dryer part of the combo, you may need to replace the entire set (not just the dryer).

Thus, always take this into account when either getting quotes for a repair or when shopping for a replacement unit.

Dryers That Are Set Up in the Basement or on the Second Floor Can Be Difficult to Access

Companies may charge more for repairs, installations, and/or deliveries to residences where the washer/dryer hookups are either in the basement or on the second floor—due to the added labor costs associated with navigating staircases, hallways, etc.

Double-Check What Kind of Dryer You Have: Gas or Electrical

It’s really important to know whether your dryer is a gas or electrical model before getting service estimates or shopping around for a replacement.

The reason for this is because, firstly, the parts aren’t always interchangeable. And secondly, price differences can sometimes add up to a significant enough amount that it could affect your decision to either repair or replace the unit.

Also, if you buy a gas dryer and there’s no gas setup in your home, you’ll need to hire professionals to install a gas supply line—which will further drive up the cost of installation.

THE PROS AND CONS OF REPAIRING YOUR DRYER

Pros:

• Sometimes less expensive
• Can extend the life of your dryer by a significant margin
• Is technically more environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Repairs aren’t always a successful long-term solution
• Older dryers may continue to break down—thus rendering repairs less cost-effective in the long run
• Repairs that aren’t covered by a manufacturer’s warranty will need to come completely out of pocket

THE PROS AND CONS OF REPLACEMENT

Pros:

• You’re guaranteed to end up with a working dryer
• You usually get a full manufacturer’s warranty
• Newer units are usually more energy-efficient than older repaired models

Cons:

• Buying a new dryer is usually going to be more expensive than repairing one
• Not the most environmentally friendly option

Should you repair or replace your dryer?

Deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost of repair, the age of the appliance, and the availability of replacement parts.

It’s important to know what exactly is wrong with your dryer before making a decision. We tried to outline many of the most common scenarios in this guide to help you make the best decision possible—and we also listed some of the most common hidden costs. And as a responsible consumer, you’ll want to take all of this information into account to make the best choice for how to move forward.

In some cases, it may be helpful to call a service technician to assess the situation and make a recommendation.

If you live in the Denver, Colorado area, we’d be happy to help you with this decision. We’re experienced at servicing and repairing all types and brands of appliances, and we’d love to help you find the best option for your needs.

Book a diagnosis today to find out exactly what’s wrong with your appliance and to get a quote for service or repair.

We understand that your appliances are important to you, and we want to help you keep them running smoothly. So contact us today to schedule a diagnosis and to learn more about what Denver Appliance Repair can do for you.