Should you repair or replace your dryer?

So, you’re having clothes dryer problems. Whether your dryer won’t spin or it’s not getting hot, you can probably fix it. But you may be wondering, is it cheaper to repair or replace a dryer? It depends on several factors like the age of your appliance and the repair cost. We’ll share our tips to help you make the right decision.      

Is your dryer under warranty? 

If you're having trouble with your dryer, check whether it’s still under warranty. If you’ve only had it for a year or two, your dryer repair may be covered. Also, if you have a home warranty, call your provider and see whether they will pay for the repair or the cost of a new appliance. 

How to decide whether to repair or replace your dryer 

When you’re puzzling over whether to repair or replace your dryer, here are a few things to consider. 

How old is your dryer?

On average, a dryer should last 13 years, depending on how often you use it and how well you’ve maintained it. Even if your dryer is newer, if you’re having a recurring problem, that’s one of the signs you may need a new dryer. 

What do you need out of your dryer? 

If you don’t use your dryer that often—maybe you hang your clothes outside to dry more often than other folks—you can probably keep it for longer than 13 years, especially if it still runs well. 

How much will it cost to repair vs. replace? 

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. But if fixing it is less than half the cost of buying something new, a repair is probably the better option. 

If you decide that a new dryer is the way to go, make sure that it and all of the other major appliances in your home are protected from the unexpected with an appliance protection plan.

How to care for your dryer 

If you maintain your dryer, it will do a better job of drying your clothes and last longer. Here are our top tips for keeping your dryer working for you. 

Clean your lint screen 

Lint screens should be cleaned every time you run the dryer. If the screen still looks dirty even after you’ve removed the lint by hand, soak it in warm water and soap and scrub it clean with a toothbrush. Dry the lint screen thoroughly before replacing it. Next, look in the slot where the filter goes to see if lint has spilled out. If you find debris there, use a vacuum cleaner to suck it out. 

Check and clean your vent 

To keep your family safe from a potential fire, it’s crucial to clean your dryer vent at least once a year. Check out our guide on how to clean a dryer vent. 

Place similar items in your load

Try combining similar items when you dry them. If you place heavy and light items together, the dryer may sense that some lighter items are dry and reduce the heat, leaving heavier items damp. It’s a strain on the dryer and you’ll have to run another load. 

Consider alternatives to dryer sheets 

Try using dryer sheets less often or reusing them to minimize the buildup they leave behind. Or, switch to dryer balls, which soften clothes and reduce static with no leftover residue. Learn more about how dryer sheets affect your dryer.