A dryer typically lasts about 12-13 years; however, some dryer manufacturers boast up to a 25-year lifespan. It's important to remember, though, that clothes dryer life expectancy goes hand in hand with how often the dryer is used and how well you maintain the appliance.
Dryer repair costs will vary depending on the issue. For example, it will cost much less to replace a dryer belt than a motor. That said, if your clothes dryer is more than halfway through its lifespan—7 years or more—and the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new one, you should consider replacing it.
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. Many are curious as to when to replace the dryer.
Younger than 5 years: Generally worth repairing, as they often have a longer lifespan ahead. Older than 10 years: More likely to be a waste of money, especially if the repair costs approach or exceed the price of a new unit.
The heating elements on an electric dryer and the gas valve coils are the parts that most often go bad on a standard dryer. Also, for smart dryers, the sensor can sometimes stop working for a variety of reasons.
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.
What is the average life of a dryer, you wonder? A dryer typically lasts about 12-13 years; however, some dryer manufacturers boast up to a 25-year lifespan. It's important to remember, though, that clothes dryer life expectancy goes hand in hand with how often the dryer is used and how well you maintain the appliance.
Clothes not drying: This can be caused by various factors like clogged vents, faulty moisture sensors, malfunctioning heating elements, or broken belts. Excessive noise: Loud banging, screeching, or grinding noises often indicate worn drum bearings, damaged rollers, or loose components.
How Long Do Dryer Balls Last? Part of the reason dryer balls are so eco-friendly is that they're reusable. They last for up to 1,000 washes, which works out to almost 10 years if you do your laundry twice a week. Dryer sheets, on the other hand, are a single-use product.
The high-limit thermostat, or thermal fuse, is a safety feature that's designed to trip whenever the dryer reaches a dangerous temperature. Once the thermal fuse reaches its threshold, it will turn off the heating element or dryer.
Depending on the problem, you may be able to fix your dryer by yourself. For example, some common dryer problems like an unplugged power cord, improperly closed door or incorrect cycle selections can usually be addressed without the help of a technician.
Age: If your dryer is over 10 years old, it is likely nearing the end of its lifespan. Older dryers may not be as energy-efficient or safe as newer models.
When repair costs approach 50% or more of the price of a new dryer, it's often better to upgrade. For example, a broken motor can cost $300–$500 to replace—nearly the price of a basic new dryer.
One of the primary reasons homeowners are drawn to expensive dryers is their energy efficiency. High-end models are typically more energy-efficient than their budget counterparts, leading to significant savings on your electricity bills in the long run.
Whirlpool and Maytag are both trusted manufacturers that have high-quality washers and dryers. CNET ranked Whirlpool as the top most reliable manufacturer for washers and dryers. However, the individual customer reviews rank Maytag higher than Whirlpool. Still, both brands experience occasional manufacturing defects.
It's Excessively Noisy
Your dryer probably isn't the quietest appliance in your household, but excessive noise is never a good sign. Squeaking, grinding, rattling, or thumping sounds can be a warning that your dryer is on its way out.
For a used washer and dryer, your price range is on the lower end, from about $200 for an older set to $2,000 for a high-end, lightly used set.
After all, dryers aren't designed to last forever. With moving parts and heating elements subject to water and heat, they have a finite lifespan. However, attentive maintenance and careful use may extend your machine's longevity.
Dryers are supposed to quietly churn out warm, fluffy clothes, so if your machine sounds like a bad rock band, something is wrong. Wear and tear, loose parts, or even a blocked fan can all lead to humming, thumping, and rattling.