No one looks forward to dryer repairs. But accidents do happen, and sooner or later, every dryer owner will have to decide if this is the final show or if a repair will get things back in running order. Knowing which cues to look for is the number one way to avoid spending when you don’t have to, and our experts have the clues to look for.
This guide will help you choose whether to repair or replace dryer models by revealing how much homeowners could potentially be wasting by clinging to an older dryer model. Learn about it all, including the cost to run a clothes dryer, as our experts discuss the problems with using an outdated clothes dryer.
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Shop DryersWhen to Repair or Replace Dryer Models
One of the most common questions that homeowners have when their appliances are aging is, “When should I replace my dryer?” There are a few signs you can look out for that indicate a dryer will soon no longer be operable:
🚩 Overheating: A dryer usually automatically shuts off when it starts to overheat, but older models with bad sensors might not be receptive to the issue. As a result, an overheating dryer could cause heat damage to clothes.
🚩 No Heat: A common issue with older dryers is no heat. While this issue is fixable (usually by replacing the dryer heating element), the repair can be costly.
🚩 Loud Noises: New sounds or loud noises most often indicate a broken dryer belt, which is a relatively simple and affordable problem to fix. However, it could also indicate broken drum rollers or a bad blower wheel.
🚩 Long Drying Times: If your dryer takes longer than you expect or requires multiple cycles to dry your clothes, it can mean a clogged dryer vent or you’re simply overloading your dryer. But if the problem is a weak heat source that’s causing the long dry times, it could be a thermistor or heating element issue.
Not all these warning signs require emergency repairs, but they are indicators that something is wrong. For homeowners with dryers over 10 years of age, these problems become increasingly bigger concerns, and budgeting for a new dryer is recommended.
Cost to Repair a Dryer
The first step when evaluating whether to repair or replace dryer models is to learn how much it will cost to fix your appliance. According to national surveys, homeowners pay $180 on average for dryer repair, with some bills exceeding $430.
With that said, dryer repair costs vary depending on the model, brand, and age of the unit. On that note, repair technicians may have a harder time sourcing parts for old dryers or dryers from less-common brands, and that means these repairs can take longer and could be more expensive.
Knowing when to replace dryer models depends on the repair cost and age of the appliance. The older a dryer is, the less it is worth. For example, it’s not a good idea to put $400 into a dryer that has depreciated to less than $100 and is more likely to break again in the future. Ask for a repair estimate and then consider the value of the dryer. Your money may be better spent replacing old models with new ones.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dryer?
A big factor many homeowners overlook is the cost to run an older dryer compared to today’s high-efficiency dryer models. An energy-efficient dryer will cost less to run on a per-load basis, which means you can reduce your overall electricity costs. While you may need to pay more for a new dryer than if you repaired your existing one, you could save money in the long run.
The cost to run a dryer is somewhere between $0.30 and $0.95 for gas dryers, and between $0.20 and $1.10 per load for electric dryers. However, keep in mind that these numbers are based on today’s models, so the cost to run an energy efficient dryer vs regular, outdated dryer could be greater.
Let’s put that into some simple math. If you dry two loads of laundry per week, and it costs $1.00 per load, then you will spend $104 per year to run your dryer. However, if you find an efficient model that only costs $0.25 per load, then you can do the same amount of laundry and only spend $26 per year. That $75 savings per year adds up over the lifespan of the dryer. If some of today’s models are up to 95% more efficient than models from even two decades ago, according to experts, that could mean an older dryer could cost around $225 to run annually at just two loads per week.
How to Check for Dryer Energy Use
You can learn how much energy does a clothes dryer use by looking at the wattage in the manual. You can also look for the ENERGY STAR guide for a full breakdown of energy costs.
Which is Better: Gas or Electric Dryer?
Usage costs range from area to area, but generally, gas dryers cost less to operate than electric dryers, up to 50%, according to some experts.
✅Good to Know:
How long do electric dryers last? | 11-15 years
How long do gas dryers last? | 10-13 years
Learn More: Discount Washer and Dryer Buying Guide
Buying Tips: How to Pick an Efficient Dryer
The cost of running a tumble dryer per year depends heavily on the age of the unit. On average, old appliances energy consumption is higher because the technology is less advanced. Plus, dryers tend to get less efficient as they age. If you want to learn how to save energy in the laundry room, start by looking at the ages of your appliances.
If you are ready to replace your old dryer, there are several factors to evaluate in order to pick the best one. Not only are you considering the gas vs electric dryer annual cost, but you also want to evaluate expected longevity, brand, and features. Here are a few features to look for if you want to keep your energy costs low:
- Moisture Sensors: This technology prevents over-drying by monitoring when clothes are dry and ending the cycle. Unlike older dryer sensors, which work when wet clothes pass over the sensor, new dryer moisture sensors are able to detect humidity levels along with clothes dampness when it passes over the trigger.
- Vented Dryers: Traditional dryers remove moisture and heat from the drum, providing a more efficient drying experience. However, ventless dryers are also very efficient since they recycle heat.
- AI Fabric Sensors: These detectors identify the types of clothes that are being dried and adjust the settings accordingly.
- Smart Washer & Dryer Pairing: With intelligent washer and dryer AI pairing, the washer sends signals to the dryer for a tailored drying cycle with optimum temperature settings and better efficiency.
- Lint Vent Sensor: This system alerts homeowners when they need to clean their lint traps.
Top Efficient Dryers to Save You Money
Once you start to notice signs your dryer is dying, it’s a good time to start exploring new alternatives that could save you time and money in the long run. Here are a few top contenders if you are debating between an old dryer vs new dryer.
GE Profile™ 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
This dryer wirelessly connects to a compatible GE Profile smart washer, working together to perfectly clean your clothes with efficient and optimum settings. The sensor dry systems identify the moisture levels to avoid damaging delicate items. If you want to manually choose your settings, download extra cycles on the SmartHQ app. The machine also remembers your favorite cycles for future use.
⭐Featured GE Profile PTD60EBSRWS Review:
“The capacity of this dryer is amazing! Even with it being fully loaded, it still dries everything completely. I love I silent it is as well as how it didn’t raise my electric bill.”
Maytag® 7.3 Cu. Ft. Metallic Slate Electric Dryer
This dryer uses the power of steam to clean your clothes and reduce wrinkles and static. The Quick Dry cycle is perfect for anyone in a hurry or busy families who need their clothes dried fast. Use the Extra Power button for heavy items that are especially wet.
⭐Featured Maytag MED6630HC Review:
“Dries quickly and efficiently. Large capacity. Perfect for a farm family with lots of laundry daily.”
Speed Queen® DF7 7.0 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Front Load Electric Dryer
Choose the Speed Queen DF7004BE with the Pet Plus system if you love your fur babies but don’t want to bring their dander everywhere you go. This dryer also comes with a steam boost system that eliminates wrinkles. The Over-Dry Protection protects your clothes and reduces electricity waste.
GE® 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
This Wi-Fi-connected GE dryer that can be managed through the SmartHQ™ app for an easier user experience. During cold and flu season, use the Sanitize Cycle to kill bacteria that tend to linger on clothes. Enjoy the Noise Reduction Technology that keeps your dryer quiet, all with nearly 8 cubic feet of drying space to handle the largest loads in one go.
⭐Featured GE GFD65ESSVWW Review:
“The machine is a lot quieter than our old front-load dryer. We have 5 dogs, and it does a great job removing the dog hair from our laundry.”
Electrolux 8.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
One of the coolest features of this dryer is the refresh cycle, which removes wrinkles and freshens clothes in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for clothes that need a light cleaning but not a full drying sessions. The normal cycles are environmentally friendly, ensuring this modern clothes dryer saves water and electricity.
⭐Featured Electrolux ELFE7437AW Review:
“The mesh on the lint filter is super fine and double-sided. It really catches the lint well. I love that it has a fast 18-minute cycle that also works well.”
LG 4.2 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Ventless Electric Dryer
Homeowners who need a compact dryer can still find models they love, like this pick from LG designed for smaller households. If you forget about your clothes, this dryer has you covered. It periodically tumbles clothes for up to three hours after the cycle is complete to prevent wrinkles, and with TrueSteam technology, you get double the protection.
⭐Featured LG DLHC1455W Review:
“I've been extremely happy with the dryer. Cleaning the lint is easy. It works fast - everything dries well under two hours. Power consumption seems very reasonable.”
If only every dryer lasted as long as that favorite T-shirt or that go-to pair of jeans. Luckily, the industry has come a long way since the dryers of yesterday, and that means owners can enjoy better technology longer, and that means your wardrobe lasts longer, too. Be sure to visit Fred’s Appliance to discover the latest in dryer technology with the help of our friendly appliance experts who are happy to help you decide if it’s time to replace or repair a clothes dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are replacing your laundry units, many times the retailor you’re purchasing through can haul away your old model for a fee. Additionally, cities often take donations, or you can arrange for a junk pickup, depending on your city’s guidelines.
You may be able to sell your old washer and dryer if they are still in good condition. If the units are efficient and run well, someone will likely pay for them. You can also donate your working units to a local charity shop.
Check the manual to learn how old your dryer is. You can also research the model number. The dryer should have its manufacturing year somewhere on the unit to provide information about the year it was manufactured.
Yes, older dryers have less advanced technology, which means they typically use more electricity.
The decision to repair or replace dryer models is never easy. Consider the cost of the repair versus the value of the dryer. In most cases, it is better to replace your 20-year-old dryer entirely.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Dryers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop laundry appliances online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you with deciding whether to repair or replace dryer models. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: 4 Advantages of Ventless Dryers You Need to Know