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.
Dryer repair costs fall into two categories: parts and labor. Because they’re relatively simple devices (dryers work by using a temperature-controlled heating element to pump 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.
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 |
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.
| Dryer Part | 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 |
Technicians may charge a $50 to $80 service fee just to visit your house, plus a rate of $50 to $100 per hour. In some cases, there might be a diagnostic fee, too. 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.
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.
In most cases, you’ll pay a professional between $75 to $150 to fix a damaged dryer vent. But if the pro can’t salvage your current vent, you may need a new one. If so, replacing a dryer vent costs between $100 and $300.
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.
"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
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.
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 lifespan of a dryer is 10 to 13 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 its lifespan, and you may experience more problems while using the dryer.
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.
