How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $430
Dryer repairs cost $180 on average, but range between $100 and $430 depending on the problem.
Dryer repairs cost $180 on average, but most people will spend between $100 and $430 depending on the type of dryer problem. Your drying machine's brand, size, and age also affect how much you'll pay for repairs.
Dryer repairs don't need to break the bank—you can DIY some minor problems. But more complex repairs require the help of a professional. Learn about common dryer repairs and how much they cost in this guide.
- Average
- $180
- Low end
- $10
- high end
- $550
Dryer Repair Cost Factors
Dryer repair costs fall into two categories: parts and labor. Because dryers are relatively simple devices (a temperature-controlled heating element pumps air into a drum that spins), many DIYers find them a good project to undertake. But before buying and swapping parts, you need to know what the exact problem is.
Types
The first step in dryer repair is determining the type of problem. While there are gas-powered dryers, this article focuses on electric dryers since the vast majority of homes use them.
| Type of Dryer Problem | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Not heating | $80–$420 |
| Not spinning | $30–$250 |
| Won’t turn on | $15–$300 |
| Shuts off quickly | $25–$300 |
| Overheating | $90–$320 |
| Loud noises | $10–$450 |
| Sparks or smells | $400–$600 |
Many homeowners won't have access to a diagnostic machine to figure out what needs repair. However, certain symptoms may point to the issue.
| Dryer Problem Symptoms | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Not heating | Bad heating element, thermostat, or blown thermal fuse |
| Not spinning | Broken drive belt, motor malfunction, worn drum rollers |
| Won’t turn on | Bad door switch, start switch, or control board |
| Shuts off quickly | Overheating caused by a clogged vent or bad thermostat |
| Overheating | Clogged vent, malfunctioning thermostat |
| Loud noises | Faulty drum bearing, loose belt, broken motor, or loose screws |
| Sparks or Smells | Malfunctioning electrics, requires total replacement |
Materials
Based on the dryer issue, you’ll likely need to replace a part. When dryer parts malfunction, it’s cost-effective to replace the part rather than try and fix it. Depending on your skill level, most if not all parts can be swapped out in less than an hour. The issue is diagnosing the right error so that you don’t buy and replace a part you don’t need.
| Material Required | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Thermostat | $15–$60 |
| Cycling thermostat | $15–$60 |
| Thermal fuse | $5–$18 |
| Drive belt | $14–$32 |
| Motor | $60–$150 |
| Door switch | $8–$30 |
| Start switch | $5–$40 |
| Control board | $90–$280 |
| Drum rollers | $20–$55 |
| Lint filter | $10–$35 |
| Drum bearings | $20–$60 |
Prep
Preparing a dryer for repair is fairly simple. Locate the power unit that corresponds to the room the dryer is in and shut it off completely. Once that’s done, pull the dryer away from the wall. If the dryer is stacked on top of a washer, you will need help. Do not attempt this alone—dryers are hollow but heavy.
Once it's pulled back from the wall, locate the exhaust line and disconnect it. This is more common in homes than apartments, and your dryer model determines whether or not there is an exhaust pipe. If the back of your dryer only looks like a car grill and there's no visible pipe or opening, you have no exhaust to remove. Once these two steps are done, you can diagnose the problem. The screws to remove the lid of your dryer are often on the back of the unit.
Ventilation Work
Different models have different methods of ventilation. Depending on the issue causing your dryer malfunction, you may need to clean or swap out some of the venting behind the machine. For dryers in apartments, this usually isn’t a problem, but homes either have a dryer with a tube that connects to an exhaust vent outside, or an internal system. Those with an internal system can’t make adjustments themselves and need a pro’s help.
Labor
A technician will charge a site fee just to visit your house, plus an hourly rate and sometimes a diagnostic fee. You don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for something as simple as replacing a dryer belt. If you consider that labor costs can easily amount to 90% or more of a dryer repair, you can see why replacing simple items yourself is a smart choice.
Ongoing Costs
Dryers don’t require much maintenance, but the little care they require is perfect for DIY. There are two places that a dryer will catch lint: the filter you can remove from the front, and the exhaust tube out of the back. Make sure to clean the front filter after every load, and check the back exhaust at least once a month.
DIY Dryer Repair vs. Hiring a Pro
"When it comes to appliances, you have to consider the extent of the issue. If it is minor problems or something that simply requires maintenance, then it might be more cost-effective to do a repair. If the failure is a major component of the appliance, then it will likely be easier and more affordable in the long run to just replace it and get peace of mind."
— Josh Rudin, Owner at ASAP Restoration LLC, Tempe, AZ
You can diagnose dryer issues yourself if you’d like to learn some new skills and save some money. As we’ve mentioned, labor usually makes up nine-tenths of a dryer repair, so sourcing and swapping defective parts yourself can significantly lower the average price of a dryer repair.
The one caveat would be for electrical issues. When wiring isn’t installed correctly—the symptom is a burning smell—you should either hire a pro or replace the unit entirely. You don’t want to risk damage to your house or occupants due to a preventable fire. In that case, call a local dryer repair specialist before attempting any fixes yourself.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Repairing a Dryer
The best way to save money while repairing a dryer is to do the work yourself. This will significantly lower the total repair cost, but there are some other ways to shrink the bottom line, which are:
Use discount codes where available.
Borrow tools.
Buy parts online instead of in-store.
Harness online DIY video tutorials.
Maintain your machine regularly.
Consider replacing a problematic unit with one on sale, or a lightly used one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most smaller problems can cost as little as $10 if you do it yourself, so it’s 100% the right call to repair your own dryer. However, if the drum is broken, the electrical system is compromised, or you need to replace a control board, you may just be better off replacing the entire unit. The good news is dryers have long warranty periods, so make sure to call the manufacturer before performing any repairs or buying a replacement.
Like cars, the most expensive part of a dryer is any electrical component, specifically the control board. For newer dryers, this single part, excluding the labor required to replace it, can easily be worth more than half the price of a new unit. While you can sometimes source these more expensive pieces (ask a contractor friend if they have any) when the control board is shot, it’s common to sell the unit for parts and replace it with a new one.
The average life span of a dryer is five to seven years. These appliances are built to last, but how often and in which way you use them will have a tremendous impact on their life span. Washing things like shoes and very heavy items will stress the system and dramatically shorten their life span, and you’ll experience more problems while they are working.
Dryers are designed to use as little electricity as possible, but power is still required to run the motor that turns the drum and to heat an element that pumps hot air. Eco devices are available and may lead to cost savings in the long term, but you should run the figures before committing to an eco-friendly device as they are often much more expensive to purchase.
If you're inclined, you should try to diagnose the problem and fix the dryer yourself. Dryer technicians work quickly, but they still need to come to your house and run a diagnostic. Some dryers have a screen that may tell you an error code, and it can be extremely cost-effective to research the error code yourself and purchase—and change—the defective piece yourself.