The average life expectancy of a dryer is around 10-13 years. And no matter how great your clothes dryer is, all appliances will wear down eventually.
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement.
If the cost of the repair is going to amount to 50% or more of the cost of a new dryer, then a replacement may be the best long-term option. However, if a replacement isn't going to work with your current budget, a repair is the short-term answer. But don't stop here—there are still a few more factors to think about.
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.
Age Of The Whirlpool Dryer
Generally, Whirlpool dryers have a lifespan of 8-12 years. However, some may last longer if you maintain it properly. But if your Whirlpool dryer is at least ten years old, replacing it is more reasonable. Repairing the 10-year-old dryer will likely cost less.
A reputation for reliability: Consumer Reports surveys its subscribers every year and publishes each dryer brand's estimated five-year breakage rate. The most-reliable brands include LG, Speed Queen, and Whirlpool (including Amana and Maytag). Brands at the bottom include GE, Electrolux, and Samsung.
You should feel a strong airflow coming through the vent while the dryer is in use. Also, look for any bends in the air duct behind your dryer that could be blocking the air from escaping. If you need to complete several cycles to properly dry a single load, your dryer has seen better days.
Pay attention to strange sounds and smells.
Squealing or banging noises may be a sign that one of the unit's key mechanical components, such as the drum belt or rollers, is wearing out. Similarly, a burning smell could indicate that the dryer is overheating.
Dryer Serviceability
If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person this should be a buying consideration. Whirlpool top lint trap dryers are extremely easy to open and repair, while LG, Samsung, and other high end Whirlpool, Maytag, and Frigidaire dryers may require a major time commitment to service or repair.
A new dryer costs $800 to $1,200 on average. The cost of a dryer depends on the brand, features, and whether it's a gas- or electric-powered model.
Washers and dryers last 10 to 13 years on average.
The motor slogs heavy loads of wet clothing and linens around and around at high speeds and whisks away the grit and dirt that comes off of them.
Dryers tend to last longer than washing machines, typically seven to 12 years. Make It Last: Although it's tempting to skip cleaning the lint trap between loads, a clogged trap is the top reason for stress on your dryer. Clean it every time. Skip the dryer sheets, too, according to our expert.
Tumble Dryers Should Last for Around 10 to 15 Years
One of the simplest appliances in your home, a well maintained tumble dryer should last for around 10 to 15 years (Daily Finance). Common yet fixable problems include: A tumble dryer that won't heat – which can be caused by a tripped thermostat.
You're overloading them with clothes
And overloading your dryer isn't a good idea either—it can also overwork the motor, and can damage the sensors, too, according to Hunker.
The heating element in a well-maintained dryer should last at least 15 years.
Your dryer may not completely dry loads in one cycle due to problems with the dryer vent system or heating element, but it can also be due to clothes that are leaving the washer too wet or overloading the dryer and preventing proper air flow.
It's recommended to replace your washer and dryer together, especially if you originally purchased them around the same time. This way you can make sure you are getting the most out of both appliances and can take advantage of all the benefits of a matching set.
Should I Replace 20-Year-Old Appliances? The average lifespan of a home appliance is around 10-15 years. Even with the best maintenance and care, most won't function properly past their life expectancy. If the repair cost is more than the cost of replacing the appliance, it makes more sense to replace it.
Sadly, no appliance lasts forever. Since the average lifespan for a washer and dryer set tends to be around ten years, the day will eventually come when you know your appliances have completed their last load of laundry. No one looks forward to replacing their laundry appliances, but it need not be an unhappy affair.
Hotpoint and Fisher & Paykel earned our lowest reliability rating, and we cannot recom- mend them at this time. Hotpoint is also one of the brands to receive a subpar satisfaction rating. Among compact electric dryers, Miele is the only brand to get top ratings for both reliability and owner satisfaction.