Is It Worth Repairing My Dryer?
The honest answer depends on age, repair cost, and what's broken. Get a virtual second opinion from a 35-year expert for $49.
Dryers are mechanically simpler than most appliances, which means repairs tend to be cheaper and more predictable. The average dryer repair costs $100-300, while a new dryer runs $400-1,200. Dryers also last a long time — 10-14 years on average. Unless you're dealing with a gas valve issue or a motor that's completely shot, repair almost always makes sense.
How long should a dryer last?
Average lifespan: 12 years (range: 10-14 years)
The 50% rule for dryers: if repair exceeds $200-600 (half of replacement) and the dryer is over 6-7 years old, consider replacing. But very few dryer repairs get anywhere near that range.
Common dryer repairs and what they cost
Heating element
$80-200The number one dryer repair. Heating elements burn out and are designed to be replaced. A $30-50 part and straightforward installation.
Worth repairing? Yes, always
Thermal fuse
$50-150A safety device that blows when the dryer overheats (often from a clogged vent). The part costs $5-15. Even with labor, this is one of the cheapest appliance repairs.
Worth repairing? Yes, always
Belt
$80-180The drum belt breaks and the drum stops turning. A $10-20 part. Labor is the main cost since you have to access the drum.
Worth repairing? Yes
Drum rollers
$100-200Worn rollers cause a thumping sound and rough tumbling. Replacing them is straightforward and extends the dryer's life significantly.
Worth repairing? Yes
Door switch
$50-120If the dryer won't start, the door switch is one of the first things to check. Cheap part, quick fix.
Worth repairing? Yes
Gas valve coils (gas dryers)
$100-200Gas dryers use electromagnetic coils to control gas flow. They fail gradually (dryer heats intermittently). Inexpensive repair.
Worth repairing? Yes
Motor
$150-350Motor failures are less common than other parts. Worth replacing on dryers under 8 years. On older machines, the motor cost starts to approach 50% of replacement.
Worth repairing? Depends on age
Control board
$200-400Older dryers rarely have electronic control boards. Newer ones do, and board failures can be pricey. Worth it on dryers under 5 years old.
Worth repairing? Only on newer dryers
Almost always worth repairing
- Heating element ($80-200) — the most common dryer repair and always cost-effective
- Thermal fuse ($50-150) — cheapest repair in the appliance world
- Belt ($80-180) — inexpensive part, extends dryer life by years
- Drum rollers ($100-200) — stops thumping, restores smooth operation
- Door switch ($50-120) — quick, cheap fix
Probably not worth repairing
- Motor failure on a dryer over 10 years old — approaching replacement cost territory
- Multiple bearing + motor failures simultaneously — sign of end-of-life wear
- Gas valve body replacement (not just coils) — rare and expensive ($300+)
Gas vs electric dryer repair costs
Electric dryers are simpler and cheaper to repair — the heating element is the main failure point and costs $80-200 to fix. Gas dryers have a few more components (gas valve, igniter, flame sensor) but repairs are still affordable at $100-250. Neither type has a clear repair cost advantage — the decision between gas and electric should be about utility costs, not repairability.
Before you call anyone: clean your vent
At least half the dryer 'not heating' calls we get are caused by a clogged dryer vent. Lint buildup restricts airflow, trips the thermal fuse, and makes the dryer take forever to dry clothes. Clean the vent, reset the thermal fuse (or replace it for $10), and your dryer might work perfectly. We can walk you through this over video in about 5 minutes.
What you'll get
- Diagnosis of why your dryer isn't heating, tumbling, or starting
- Specific part numbers for the repair
- Whether it's a DIY fix or needs a professional
- Vent condition assessment (the hidden cause of most dryer problems)
Simple pricing
Pick your level
Both include a written report with diagnosis, parts list, and fix-vs-replace recommendation.
Diagnosis
$49
15 minutes
- Live video call with Simon's team
- Expert diagnosis of your appliance issue
- Parts list with part numbers & prices
- Fix-vs-replace recommendation
- Written report emailed to you
Best for: "Tell me what's wrong and what I need"
Guided Repair
$79
30 minutes
- Everything in Diagnosis, plus:
- Step-by-step repair walkthrough on video
- Real-time guidance as you do the repair
- Safety checks before & after
- Extended time if needed ($29/15min)
Best for: "Walk me through fixing it myself"
Can't diagnose it? You don't pay. · In SoCal? $49 credited toward in-home repair.
FAQ
My dryer runs but doesn't heat — worth fixing?+
Almost certainly yes. No heat is caused by a heating element ($80-200), thermal fuse ($50-150), or gas valve coils ($100-200). All cheap repairs. This is rarely a reason to replace a dryer.
My dryer makes a loud thumping noise — should I replace it?+
No. Thumping means worn drum rollers, a broken belt, or worn drum slides. All of these cost $80-200 to fix. The noise sounds dramatic but the repair is simple.
How long should a dryer last?+
10-14 years is typical. A well-maintained dryer (clean vent, don't overload it) can last 15+ years. If yours is under 10 years old and just has a single failed part, repair is almost always the right move.
Can you diagnose a gas dryer over video?+
Yes. We can't smell gas over video (obviously), but we can diagnose heating issues, igniter problems, drum issues, and most other failures. We'll also check whether you can smell gas and guide you on safety if needed.
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In SoCal? Your $49 video fee is credited toward an in-home repair.
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