Here’s When Dryer Repair Makes More Sense
Although dryers typically last between 10 and 13 years, they don’t always last that long. If your device stops working, you’ll have to choose between paying to have it repaired or buying a new device. Here’s what to consider when making this decision.
Should you repair or replace your dryer?
First, if your dryer is relatively new, check to see if it is under warranty. If that’s not the case, Consumer Reports experts suggest looking at your dryer’s model number to see if the problem you’re experiencing triggered a recall—in which case the manufacturer will cover repair or replacement of the unit.
If none of the above situations apply, you will have to determine whether it makes sense to repair your dryer or buy a new one.
Consumer Reports recommends considering the following factors:
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How much did you pay for the dryer?
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How many years have you owned it?
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Repair cost
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Whether it’s electricity or gas
To make your calculations easier, you can enter some basic information into this interactive tool , using the slider to adjust the numbers.
How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
In a Consumer Reports survey, 69% of participants chose to have their dryer repaired when it stopped working rather than buying a new one. In some cases, you can do the repairs yourself, for example, clearing out stuck lint. Other problems are not so simple and require a professional specialist. So what does this leave you with? Here are the average repair costs for different types of dryers:
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Cheap electric dryers (under $800): $133.
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Mid to Higher Price Electric Dryers (over $800): $173.
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Inexpensive Gas Dryers (Under $800): $149.
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Mid to Higher Price Gas Dryers (over $800) : $192.
The full report contains even more information about dryers, including how to identify the problem and how to choose a dryer that will last longer.