If you aren't able to clear out the debris or have to run the unit several times before achieving an ideal dry, it very well could be time to replace the dryer. Do you usually hear a lot of noise, such as banging, rattling, or high-pitched squealing?
Clothes dryers typically last for about 10 to 13 years. If your dryer has been around for nearly a decade, you will likely be searching for a replacement soon. Ancient dryers should get the boot, as older machines can actually cost you more money. Newer, certified models use less energy, helping you save on costs.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
If the heating element isn't working properly, the dryer will still spin and the cycle will complete, but it won't get hot enough to help dry the clothes. Heating elements can naturally wear out over time, but overloading the dryer, not cleaning the lint screen and poor ventilation can all speed up that process.
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.
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.
If you haven't cleaned your dryer vent in a while there are some tell-tale signs to look for that will let you know you should check it out: Your dryer takes much longer than a typical 45-minute cycle to dry. Clothes come out of the dryer damp. Your dryer feels very hot to the touch while running.
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.
The initial cost of buying an expensive clothes dryer will be balanced out with longer lasting clothes and higher energy efficiency. In this example a smaller vented dryer may have much higher running costs for a family.
' 'Taking a national average of 15 cents per kilowatt (kWh), you are looking at 30 to 90 cents per hour of running a tumble dryer, depending on energy consumption.
Washers work hard, but a high-quality machine is designed to handle your toughest laundry challenges for about 10 years. Because they don't have to contend with as much water as washers do, dryers last a little bit longer—about 13 years, regardless of whether the dryer is powered by gas or electricity.
Common dryer issues include a faulty door switch or start switch and control problems such as a broken dryer timer or faulty electronic control board: Problems with the door switch can prevent the dryer from starting. Shut the dryer door fully to activate the door switch.
If your dryer won't turn on but seems to be properly connected to a power supply, check to make sure your home isn't experiencing any power outages, blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. Before attempting a dryer cycle, make sure all fuses are intact and tight.
The dryer vent, lint trap, and/or lint screen is suffocating the heating element. When the heating element is blocked, it overheats and shuts down the thermostat. To fix this, clean off the lint screen, and use a vacuum to clean out the lint trap. Then remove the vent hose from the back of the dryer and shake it out.
Speed Queen washers and dryers are tested to last 10,400 cycles. Using an average of 8 loads of laundry per week, that adds up to 25 years of use in your home.
A dryer's thermal fuse will trip to prevent the dryer from overheating, cutting power to the dryer. While a thermal fuse can malfunction over time, clogged dryer vents are a common trigger that blows the fuse. When assessing for a blown thermal fuse, check your dryer vents, cleaning them of any visible debris.