How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?

In this guide

Dryer Repair Cost by Type

There are two main types of dryers: gas and electric. They basically carry out the same basic function of drying your clothes, but one relies on electric power while the other relies on gas. Your dryer’s repair cost is influenced by the type of dryer.

Electric Dryer Repair Cost

Repairing an electric dryer averages $50 to $400, depending on the problem’s size and scale. Electric dryers are slightly cheaper and easier to repair than gas dryers, and they cost less upfront. However, they are usually a little more expensive to run.

Gas Dryer Repair Cost

Repairing a gas dryer ranges from $100 to $450. Many people opt for gas dryers because they are more affordable and efficient in the long run. However, the installation is more costly, and repairs can be more expensive than electric dryers.

Average Dryer Repair Cost by Type of Repair

Dryers are complex appliances with different components that can suffer faults and failures, leading to many possible problems. If certain parts break, the appliance might still be usable but not quite as effective. If more important parts break, the dryer might not work at all. The table below shows common component issues and repair costs:

Dryer Door Repair Cost

Dryer door repairs cost between $50 and $125. If your dryer door does not close or latch correctly, it might be an issue with a worn-out latch from repeated use or falling out of position. A repairman may be able to adjust the latch and get it working.

Dryer Bearing Repair Cost

Repairing the bearing in a dryer ranges from $75 to $150. The dryer bearing sits around the drum and allows it to turn smoothly. The drum cannot rotate cleanly if it breaks, which can cause problems and make the appliance less efficient.

Dryer Belt Repair Cost

Repairing a dryer belt averages $100 to $200. Belts are found around the outside of the drum. They are attached to a pulley system connected to the motor and used to rotate the drum. When they break, the drum might not rotate properly or at all. A full replacement might be needed, or the belt may need reattaching or sealing.

Dryer Motor Repair Cost

Repairing a dryer motor ranges from $150 to $250. The motor operates the machine and provides the power to rotate the drum. Sometimes, motors can become covered in lint and must be cleaned, but a full replacement may be needed.

Dryer Heating Element Repair Cost

Repairing a dryer heating element costs between $150 and $250. These components are only found in electric dryers and are responsible for heating the inside to dry the clothes more quickly.

Dryer Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

When a dryer component breaks or wears down, a regular repair might not be the best option or even possible. Instead, many parts are often replaced with new ones, and the costs of this vary, depending on the part. Some components cost just a few dollars, while others are more expensive. The table below shows common replacement parts and the costs to fit them.

Dryer Knob Replacement Cost

Fixing a dryer knob costs between $50 and $75. This is one of the cheapest dryer repair jobs, involving one of the simplest and cheapest parts. The knobs on your dryer select different programs and settings, but they can crack or break from accidents and impacts. Old knobs can be replaced in less than half an hour.

Dryer Filter Replacement Cost

Dryer filter replacement ranges from $50 to $75. The filter traps lint and dust on or in the clothes you place in the dryer. Over time, filters can clog up with this lint. You can clean most filters, but new ones may be needed eventually. Check and clean your filters regularly to extend their lifespan.

Cost to Replace a Dryer Door Switch

Replacing a door switch averages $50 to $150. The door switch is a small and cheap component, but it is very important because it detects when the door is closed or open to prevent the dryer from running with an open door. The dryer may not start if the switch breaks because it may think the door is open.

Dryer Vent Replacement Cost

Replacing a dryer vent costs between $75 and $150. Dryer vents play a key part in your appliance’s safe functioning, helping to remove the moist air from the dryer and transport it out of the home. Vents can get clogged with lint or may crack or become punctured, so it is important to check and clean them regularly.

Dryer Roller Replacement Cost

Replacing the rollers in a dryer averages $100 to $150. The rollers sit behind your dryer’s back panel and hold the drum in place to rotate smoothly. If they break or wear down, you may hear unpleasant noises coming from the appliance. Fortunately, replacement rollers are inexpensive.

Dryer Igniter Replacement Cost

Replacing an igniter in a dryer costs between $100 and $250. Igniters are only found in gas dryers, and they light the gas that powers the appliance. It cannot get hot enough to light the gas if an igniter breaks, so the dryer will not heat up. Replacement igniters are usually inexpensive, but fitting them in place can take time because the dryer must be disassembled and reassembled.

Dryer Bearing Replacement Cost

Replacing a dryer bearing averages $100 to $250, depending on the make and model. You can often tell that a dryer bearing is broken or worn out because the dryer makes a squealing noise, and the drum does not rotate smoothly.

Dryer Thermostat Replacement Cost

Replacing a dryer thermostat ranges from $100 to $260. Many of today’s dryers have several thermostats - one that turns the heating element on and off and another responsible for cutting the power if the appliance overheats. If either thermostat breaks, your dryer could get overly hot, scorch your clothes, and potentially start a fire.

Cost to Replace a Dryer Belt

Replacing a dryer belt ranges from $150 to $250. Broken belts often must be replaced because repairing them can be very difficult. To replace a dryer belt, the technician must disassemble the appliance by removing the top and front panels to access the drum and then remove the old belt.

Dryer Timer Replacement Cost

Replacing a dryer timer motor costs between $150 and $300. The dryer timer motor tracks the time of your drying cycles and turns the dryer off when the correct time elapses. If your timer motor breaks, the timer may not advance correctly when you start a cycle, and the dryer will keep running.

Dryer Coil Replacement Cost

Replacing the coil, also known as the gas ignition coil, in a dryer ranges from $150 to $300. These coils are only found in gas dryers and form part of the igniter system, which helps the appliance function properly and heat the air. If you see that the igniter in your dryer is glowing and then going out, there may be an issue with the coils.

Cost to Replace a Dryer Heating Element

Replacing a heating element in your dryer averages $150 to $350, depending on the make and model. Some of the more high-end dryers have more expensive heating elements, leading to higher repair costs. Often, faulty heating elements must be fully replaced.

Dryer Motor Replacement Cost

Replacing a dryer motor ranges from $250 to $450, depending on the make and model. Some high-end dryer brands use more expensive motors, leading to higher repair costs. Signs that your motor may need replacing include a humming sound emanating from the dryer or a stiff drum that cannot be turned by hand.

Dryer Drum Replacement Cost

Dryer drum replacement costs between $300 and $450 or even more on some high-end models. Weigh the costs of getting a new drum or dryer in this case. Drums can get cracked if heavy items are placed inside, and these cracks can cause issues like a higher fire risk or a chance of your clothes getting torn in the dryer.

Average Dryer Repair Cost by Type of Problem

If you are not an expert in dryers, you might not know exactly which dryer component is at fault when a problem occurs. Instead, you might notice a general issue, such as a strange sound or the drum not spinning correctly. There could be various causes for these problems, and the table shows how repair costs vary, depending on the issue.

Dryer Will Not Turn On

Fixing a dryer that does not start costs between $50 and $450. There are many possible reasons for this, ranging from simple fixes like broken door switches to more complex and costly repair jobs like a new control board, timer, or drive motor. Hire a professional technician to diagnose the problem.

Dryer Making a Loud Noise

Fixing a noisy dryer ranges from $75 to $450, depending on the problem. There are a few potential causes of a noisy dryer, and some are easier and less expensive to fix than others. It might be an issue with the belt or bearings, which can be relatively cheap to fix. However, it might also be an issue with the motor, which is much more costly.

Dryer Not Getting Hot

Fixing a dryer that does not heat averages $100 to $350. The price for this repair depends on the problem. It might be a problem with the heating element or an issue with the thermostat or igniter when using a gas dryer.

Dryer Will Not Tumble

Fixing a dryer that does not tumble costs between $100 and $450. Have a professional repairman take a close look at your appliance to find out what is wrong. It might be a simple issue with the belt or pulley assembly or a more serious issue with the motor or drum.

Dryer Drum Not Spinning

Repairing a dryer with a drum that does not spin ranges from $100 to $450, depending on the parts that need repairing/replacing. This issue can be caused by a broken belt, which can be repaired or replaced cheaply, or it might be something more expensive like a faulty motor.

Dryer Timer Stuck

Repairing a dryer when the timer is stuck averages $150 to $300. This problem is usually caused by an issue with the dryer timer motor because this part is responsible for timing your drying sessions and instructing the dryer to turn off.

Labor Costs to Repair a Dryer

It may be tempting to try and fix a broken dryer yourself, but it is faster, easier, and less expensive to hire a professional in most cases. Trained repair technicians are skilled professionals who know what to look for and can fix almost any problem. They also know when it is best to repair a broken part and when to replace it. If the appliance is gas-powered, having someone who knows how to handle gas lines is much safer than trying to figure it out alone.

In most cases, a dryer repair technician charges a $50 to $80 service fee to come out and diagnose the problem. Some technicians credit your account for this fee if a repair is done, but that depends on the company.

Once the problem has been uncovered, the repair cost depends on the technician’s labor charge, which is usually around $50 to $100 per hour, and the cost of the parts. It is rare for a service professional to charge a flat fee for a repair unless it is small. The average dryer repair is $150. This includes diagnosis, parts, and labor for the most common problems, such as a broken element or thermostat 1. Of course, the final tally depends on what needs fixing and how long the service takes. Expect to have your dryer up and running again within a few hours in most cases.

Dryer Maintenance

Most dryers are made to last 8-12 years, but manufacturers stress the importance of regular maintenance when making laundry appliances last. Without proper maintenance, expect more breakdowns and a shorter life expectancy. But what should you do to ensure that your dryer stays running? Here are a few maintenance tips:

• Clear the lint trap after each use.
• Deep clean the lint screen. Rinse it with soap and water every three months.
• Avoid overloading. Trying to dry too many clothes with each load stresses the machine.
• Clean the drum. Be sure to wipe the inside of the drum with a microfiber cloth every few weeks to keep residue from building up.
• Clean the exhaust fan annually. This keeps lint from building up and stressing the internal parts.
• Check the vent cap outside. Debris can clog it, making your dryer work harder than it needs to.
• Check door latches and seals for wear and tear.

Repair vs Replace a Dryer

Any time a major appliance breaks can make you wonder if it is time to replace it. Your home’s dryer is no exception. Most dryer repairs cost around $150, so it may be time to consider replacing it if the repair costs more. To help you make this important decision, consider these factors:

• The appliance’s age: most dryers are designed to last 8-12 years. Of course, many models remain in good working order for 15 years or more when well maintained. But if your dryer is at least 10 years old, replacing it likely makes more sense, even if it has not had any problems in the past.
• The appliance’s condition: how hard do you use your dryer? If you have a big family and it runs every day, replacing it when it breaks may make more sense. If your appliance is not used much and the repair is simple and inexpensive, then it probably has more life in it and can be salvaged, at least for now.
• Warranty: any appliance still under warranty should be fixed because you do not have to pay for the repair.
• The 50% rule: is your dryer at least 50% through its lifespan and the repair costs 50% of the cost of a new one? Then, it is time to replace it.
• You want an upgrade: if you have been eyeing newer models and your dryer breaks, use the opportunity to buy the one you want.
• Cost: buying a new dryer costs between $600 and $1,500 on average. When trying to figure out whether to repair or replace your broken dryer, compare the cost of both to see which makes the most financial sense.