How much does it cost to repair a dryer?

The average family of four washes and dries between 8 and 10 loads of laundry every week. With each load taking about two hours to complete from start to finish, having a working dryer is imperative to keep the job running smoothly.

From a broken door latch or blown fuse, to a burned-out heating element or broken drum belt, dryers break down for all kinds of reasons. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $180 for the typical repair, which generally includes the initial diagnosis as well as parts and labor for the most common problems such as a broken element or thermostat ¹.

Cost factors

When it comes to dryer repairs, there are a lot of factors that can influence the price. Here is a rundown of some of the major factors influencing repair costs.

• Appliance brand. The brand of dryer you have will make a difference when it comes to getting it repaired. Statistics show that the most expensive dryers to fix are LG and Samsung models. While Frigidaire may cost less to fix, they also tend to have a higher breakage rate; which means the repairman will be called more often.
• Type of repair and parts needed. The cost of any dryer repair depends a great deal on what is wrong and what parts need to be replaced. Dryer replacement costs can run from a mere $5 for a new door latch all the way up to $300 for new safety coils. Of course, the final bill will also reflect the time and experience needed to repair the appliance. With skilled technicians charging $80-$100 per hour for labor, the type of problem being fixed is also a factor.
• Finding Parts. Locating parts for newer dryer models is relatively easy, but when working on older models it may be more difficult for a repair technician to find what he needs. This can drive up costs, especially if the appliance is more than 20 years old and replacement parts are scarce. The good news is that refurbished parts can be a bit cheaper (and easier to find) for older appliances.
• Appliance Accessibility. When it comes to charging for time spent repairing an appliance, accessibility can be a factor in the price. This may include the location of the home and how far the technician needs to drive to get there, as well as how easy it is to get to and work on the appliance. Not every dryer is located in a laundry area that is easy to access. Some are located in small corners and dank basements, requiring the repairman to squeeze into tight spaces or completely remove the appliance from the area in order to work on it. The more work it takes to reach the appliance, the more the homeowner will generally be charged.
• Gas or Electric. The cost of repairs is often also influenced by the type of dryer. For instance, gas-run appliances can be more difficult to work on and need a repairman who has the expertise necessary to safely work with gas hookups. This can cost more. Plus, gas-powered dryers often need their ignitors ², flame sensors ³, gas valves, and thermal fuses repaired or replaced, which can be costly. Electric dryers, on the other hand, often require little more than new heating elements, fuses, or thermostats, which can be much cheaper to replace.

Common problems

There’s nothing worse than needing to get dressed for work and pulling out soggy pants after your clothes have been tumbling in the dryer for an hour. You’re in a hurry and need dry clothes fast, but it’s pretty clear: something’s wrong and needs to be fixed. There are a lot of things that can keep your laundry from drying thoroughly.

Labor

It may be tempting to try and fix a broken dryer yourself, but in most cases it’s faster, easier, and less expensive to call in a professional to handle the repair. Trained repair technicians are skilled professionals who know what to look for and how to fix almost any problem they encounter. They also know when it is best to repair a broken part and when to replace it. And, if the appliance is gas powered, having someone who knows how to handle gas lines is much safer than trying to figure things out on your own.

In most cases, a dryer repair technician will charge a $50-$80 service fee to come out and diagnose the problem. Some technicians will credit your account for this fee if a repair is done, but that really depends on the individual company you’re working with.

Once the problem has been uncovered, the cost of the repair will depend on the technicians’ labor charge (usually around $80-$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 very small. The average dryer repair runs on average $180; this includes diagnosis and parts and labor for the most common problems, such as a broken element or thermostat ¹. Of course, the final tally will depend on what needs to be fixed and how long the service takes. In most cases, you can expect to have your dryer up and running again within a few hours.

Maintenance

Most dryers are made to last 8-12 years, but manufacturers stress the importance of regular maintenance when it comes to making those laundry appliances last. Without proper maintenance you can 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 will stress 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 will keep lint from building up and stressing the internal parts of the dryer.
• 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, it can make you wonder if it is time to simply replace it. Your home’s dryer is no exception. With most dryer repairs costing around $180, if the repair is going to cost more, it may be time to consider replacing it. To help you make this important decision, be sure to consider these factors:

• The age of the appliance: most dryers are designed to last 8-12 years. Of course, many models remain in good working order for 15 years or more if well maintained. That said, if your dryer is at least 10 years old, replacing it likely makes more sense, even if it hasn’t had any problems in the past.
• The condition of the appliance: how hard do you use your dryer? If you have a big family and it runs every day, then replacing it when it breaks may make more sense. If, however, your appliance isn’t used much and the repair is simple (and cheap), then it probably has a lot more life in it and can be salvaged, at least for now.
• Warranty: any appliance that is still under warranty should be fixed, since you don’t have to pay for the repair anyway.
• The 50% rule: is your dryer at least 50% through its lifespan and the repair will cost 50% the cost of a new one? Then it is time to replace.
• You want an upgrade: if you have been eyeing those newer models and your dryer breaks, use the opportunity to buy the one you really want.
• Cost: buying a new dryer can be pricey, costing between $590 for a basic model and $1,350 for a higher-end one. When trying to figure out whether to repair or replace your broken dryer, compare the cost of both to see what makes the most financial sense for your family.

Additional considerations and costs

Dealing with a broken appliance can seem overwhelming. To help make the repair go more smoothly, be sure to consider these additional factors:

• Check to see if your dryer is still under warranty. Before you pick up the phone and call a repairman yourself, be sure to check to make sure that your dryer isn’t covered under either a manufacturer or home warranty. If the dryer is less than three years old it may be covered under its original manufacturer warranty. Check your owner’s manual or sales receipt for specific information. In most cases the entire repair will be free, but some warranties do require the homeowner to pay for parts not covered.
• If you have a home warranty, be sure to check your service contract to see if dryer repair is included. If it is, you will likely have to pay a minimal service charge as outlined in the contract (this charge is usually about $100), but won’t have to pay to repair or replace the dryer. Call the number on your warranty contract to schedule a repair appointment.
• Make sure your service provider can handle the job. Not every appliance repair technician has the knowledge or skills to handle every appliance. Talk to him about the brand, make, and model of the appliance in need of repair, and be sure he has been trained to diagnosis and repair it. Also, ask whether he carries common parts with him, or if all must be ordered, since this could cause a delay in getting your dryer up and running again.
• Be sure that you understand the repair specialists’ fees and conditions before hiring him. Ask whether any service fee will be credited if a repair is done, what the cost will be, what warranty is offered for the work, and how long the repair will take.
• While estimating the dryer repair costs, the technician will let you know if any special permits or licenses are needed. Unless the dryer repairman will be dealing with gas or electric lines, he should not need any special permits to handle the job. Many municipalities however, do require service agents to obtain working permits for their jurisdiction. Check with your zoning or building office to check about specific rules and regulations in your area.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off

³ Sensors: Device that responds to a physical event or change in the environment by emitting an output signal