How Long Do Dryers Last? Get the Most Out of Yours and Know When to Replace It

Whether you wash clothes weekly or daily, your laundry routine will eventually wear down your dryer. Like any large appliance, a new dryer is a big investment. Knowing how long your dryer can last is essential before you decide to replace it. This handy guide breaks down the average lifespan for a dryer and the signs that it’s time to replace yours.

How Long Do Dryers Last?

The average lifespan of a well-maintained clothes dryer is 10 to 13 years. This applies to both gas and electric dryers. A dryer has to stand up to high heat, and the more you use it, the more lint builds up in the filter and vent. To maximize your dryer's lifespan, clean the lint trap after every use and make sure the outer vent stays clear. If your dryer is severely clogged, call a local dryer technician to clean your hoses and vents professionally.

How to Prolong Your Dryer’s Lifespan

Regular use will eventually wear down a clothes dryer to the point that it starts to fail. However, your dryer may break sooner than the average lifespan without proper cleaning or maintenance. The following tips can help extend your dryer’s lifespan without adding much time to your routine.

Empty the Lint Filter After Every Load

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryers reportedly cause 2,900 house fires annually. The best way to prevent this risk is to remove dryer lint after every load. Simply pull out your dryer's lint filter from the lint trap and remove the lint by hand or with a dryer lint brush. Clean inside the lint trap as well to keep your dryer efficient.

Don’t Overload Your Dryer

Large loads of laundry take longer to dry and consume more energy, which strains your dryer. Limit load size according to your dryer’s user manual, which you can likely find online.

Clear Your Outdoor Vent Cap

Dirt and debris can build up around your outdoor vent cap, so clear it out occasionally to allow air to flow. You should also ensure that the flap can open freely on its own.

Keep Your Dryer Drum Clean

Wet laundry may leave residue from detergents and other laundry treatments on dryer walls. Buildup from these residues causes the following problems:

• Clogs dryer vents and dryer drum holes

• Limits air from passing through

• Reduces dryer efficiency

• Increases fire risk

• Rubs off and discolors your clothes

To avoid these problems and keep your dryer efficient, occasionally clean the inside of the dryer drum with a microfiber cloth and a touch of rubbing alcohol. Let the drum dry thoroughly.

Deep Clean Your Lint Screen

Every three months, use detergent to scrub stubborn residue off your lint screen, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Alternatively, you can wash it in your dishwasher.

Clean and Replace Dryer Hoses and Exhaust Vents

Lint may get through the filter and block the dryer hose that snakes from the back of the machine and the vent itself. Clean the dryer vent and the hoses every two years and ensure that your vent hose isn’t bent or crushed. You can also reduce dryer fire risk by replacing a flexible hose with a rigid one and using a metal vent instead of vinyl or plastic.

Keep the Heating Element from Burning Out

Protect your dryer's heating element by keeping your dryer on a surge protector. Have a technician ensure that your circuit isn't overloaded and replace any broken switches.

The Average Cost to Replace a Dryer

The average cost to replace an old clothes dryer with a new one is $400 to $1,000, though installation labor may bring your total cost up to $2,000. Dryer repairs cost $100 to $400, depending on the complexity of the repairs needed.

If your machine is nearing the end of a 10-year lifespan, replacement is typically more cost-effective than repair. If your appliance is only a few years old, however, repairs may be worthwhile as long as they cost less than 50% of the price of a new machine. Repairs are also ideal if you have a home warranty policy covering the cost of those repairs.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dryer

Though well-maintained dryers can last 13 years or longer, your dryer may experience issues that require replacement within five years of purchase. Here are a couple of key signs that it's time to replace your dryer:

• Damp clothes: If you cannot fully clear debris from an old dryer, you may have to run your dryer several times to dry a load. You may have to purchase a new dryer to solve this.

• Noise: A broken blower wheel can cause banging, rattling, and high-pitched squealing. If a wheel replacement doesn't eliminate noise, replace your dryer.

• Age: When your dryer reaches 10 to 13 years of age, you may notice your energy bills going up. A new machine will be more efficient.

• Electrical issues: Exposed wiring or smoky odors from your dryer are problems to address immediately.

Repair vs. Replacing Your Dryer

Dryer repairs cost on average around $100 to $400, depending on the repair type and what parts are needed. If your dryer repair is reaching the end of its lifespan (13 years) or the repair costs exceed the cost of a new dryer, it may be better to invest in a new dryer.

If you’re unsure if you should repair or replace a broken appliance, ask yourself the following:

Is the appliance under warranty?

1. Is the appliance under warranty?

2. Have I owned it for more than 10 years?

3. Is the repair cost 50% or more than the cost of a new dryer?