How much does dryer repair cost?
How much does dryer repair cost?
$100 – $300 average cost to repair a dryer
$150 – $350 cost to replace a dryer heating element
Dryer repair cost
Dryer repair costs $100 to $300 on average. Replacing a dryer heating element costs $150 to $350. The cost to fix a dryer is $50 to $125 hourly. Minimum service fees are $70 to $130. The cost of dryer repair depends on the parts needed and the warranty coverage.
| Replacement parts | Average total cost to repair |
|---|---|
| Heating element | $150 – $350 |
| Belt | $100 – $250 |
| Thermal fuse | $75 – $150 |
| Motor | $150 – $400 |
| Roller | $100 – $300 |
| Drum | $200 – $500 |
| Felt seal | $150 – $350 |
| Thermostat | $100 – $300 |
| Control board | $250 – $500 |
| Pulley | $200 – $350 |
| Timer | $120 – $300 |
| Bearing | $100 – $300 |
| Door / switch | $80 – $200 |
| Coil | $100 – $200 |
| Igniter | $100 – $250 |
| Filter | $10 – $60 (DIY part price) |
| Clogged vent | $80 – $185 |
| Vent replacement | $100 – $300 |
Average dryer repair cost
The average dryer repair cost is $100 to $300. Appliance repair costs $50 to $125 per hour.
| National average cost | $200 |
| Minimum cost | $70 |
| Maximum cost | $500 |
| Average range | $100 to $300 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost of dryer repair by part
Dryer heating element cost
The cost to replace a heating element in a dryer is $150 to $350 on average. A dryer heating element costs $15 to $35 for a generic part or up to $200 for OEM parts.
Heating-element failure results in cold air inside the dryer that can’t dry clothes.
A heating element burns out after overheating from power surges, a blocked vent, or circuit failures.
Dryer belt replacement cost
The cost to replace a belt on a dryer is $100 to $250 on average. A dryer belt costs $5 to $20 for the part. The dryer-drive belt attaches to the motor and spins the drum. A broken belt results in a drum that doesn’t spin when the motor runs.
The average dryer belt lasts for 8 to 13 years, or for the lifetime of the dryer.
Heavy loads and frequent use decrease the belt’s lifespan.
Thermal fuse for dryer cost
The cost to replace a thermal fuse on a dryer is $75 to $150 on average. The cost of a dryer thermal fuse is $5 to $10 for the part or up to $60 for OEM parts. This safety device stops the motor when the dryer overheats.
No one can repair or reset a thermal fuse. A replacement is the only fix.
A blocked dryer vent typically causes a thermal fuse to blow.
Dryer motor replacement cost
The cost of a dryer motor replacement is $150 to $400 on average. A dryer motor costs $60 to $200 for the part alone, depending on the brand. Replacing a dryer motor takes 60 to 90 minutes.
When a dryer motor fails, the drum will often slow or stop spinning.
Other signs of motor failure include humming noises or the circuit breaker tripping after the dryer starts.
Dryer roller replacement cost
Dryer roller repair costs $100 to $300 for a replacement. A dryer-drum roller costs $10 to $40 for the part alone. A dryer-drum support roller attaches to the back of the inner dryer frame and keeps the spinning drum in place.
Symptoms of worn-out drum rollers include scraping or thumping sounds.
Common causes of roller damage are overloading, improper drum alignment, and corrosion.
Dryer drum replacement cost
Dryer drum replacement costs $200 to $500 on average, depending on if an original part from the manufacturer is necessary. The drum part alone costs $130 to $400. Most drum replacements take 30 to 60 minutes.
A cracked dryer drum damages clothing and creates a fire hazard.
For safety reasons, pros replace all cracked drums instead of patching them.
Dryer felt seal replacement cost
Dryer felt seal replacement costs $150 to $350 installed. The technician removes and cleans the drum to apply special adhesive, so this job takes up to 2 hours total. This essential seal stops the spinning drum from rubbing against the metal dryer frame.
Signs that the seal needs replacing are scraping sounds, slower drying times, or the seal coming out of place.
A damaged or misaligned drum will damage a dryer felt seal.
Dryer thermostat replacement cost
Dryer thermostat replacement costs $100 to $300 on average, depending on the dryer brand and type. Dryers can have 2 thermostats, which often fail from overheating. When a thermostat breaks, dryers don’t heat up, or they can reach dangerously high temperatures.
Dryer control board repair cost
Dryer control board repair costs $250 to $500 for installing a replacement. The average price of a control board is $130 to $400 for the part alone. This part controls the dryer temperature, timer, and all the settings.
Signs of control-board failure are error codes, heating problems, and no power.
Common causes of control board malfunction are dryer overheating, age, and manufacturing defects.
Dryer pulley replacement cost
A dryer pulley replacement costs $200 to $350 on average depending on how many connecting parts need changing. Most idler pulley replacements take 30 to 60 minutes.
The idler pulley keeps the dryer belt tight to help the drum spin.
Squealing noises are the most common reason for dryer-pulley replacement.
Cost to replace a dryer timer
The cost to replace a dryer timer is $120 to $300 on average, depending on the brand. A dryer timer costs $50 to $150 for the part alone. Broken timers stop a dryer from completing a cycle, or they prevent a dryer from turning off when the cycle is complete.
Dryer bearing replacement cost
Dryer bearing replacement costs $100 to $300 on average. The bearing costs $15 to $70 for the part or kit alone. Dryers make scraping and squealing noises with failed bearings. Dryer glide bearings are necessary for the drum to spin smoothly.
Dryer vent repair
Dryer vent cleaning costs $80 to $185 on average to clear out the clogged duct.
Replacing a damaged vent duct typically costs $100 to $300, depending on the ductwork location. Faulty dryer vents overheat quickly and create fire hazards.
In comparison, a new dryer vent installation costs $200 to $800 for adding a new vent through an exterior wall.
Cost to fix a squeaky dryer
The cost to repair a squeaky dryer is $100 to $400 on average, depending on the parts that need replacing. Fix small squeaks by tightening and oiling the dryer legs, cleaning the lint trap, and clearing the dryer vent.
Prices increase for replacing bigger damaged parts that squeak:
Drive belt
Drum rollers
Idler pulley
Bearings
Motor
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dryer?
Most dryer repairs are $100 to $300 while buying a new dryer costs $800 to $1,200 for the unit alone. Replace a dryer when it’s more than 6 to 10 years older and needs frequent repairs.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Dryer repair with replacement parts | $100 – $300 |
| New dryer unit | $800 – $1,200 |
Dryer repair FAQs
Is it worth repairing a dryer?
Repairing a dryer is worth it if the dryer is less than 4 to 6 years old and only needs a minor repair. Dryers are also worth repairing when the cost to fix it is less than half of the cost of a replacement.
What are signs my dryer needs repair?
Signs that your dryer needs repair include:
Failure to start
Switching off mid-cycle
Running without heating
Making unusual scraping or thumping noises
Abnormally long amount of drying time
Burning smell
Dead lights
Drum failure to spin
Error code on the panel
Visible damage to connections
Movement of the dryer while operating
Who fixes dryers?
An appliance-repair specialist or handyman will fix a dryer. Plumbers may fix dryers but typically only handle plumbing hookups and dryer installation. Some home improvement stores also offer repair services to fix dryers.
How long does a dryer last?
A dryer will last for 8 to 13 years on average depending on the brand and usage.
Extend the life of a dryer with these tips:
Clean out the lint trap regularly.
Avoid overloading the dryer.
Keep the dryer’s vent ducts clear.
Follow the maintenance instructions in the manual.
Getting dryer repair estimates
Before hiring an local appliance repair service, be sure to:
Compare at least 3 estimates from specialists with 5+ years of experience.
Hire companies that have a license, surety bonds, and insurance.
Make sure the technician has NASTeC certification.
Read reviews on Google and HomeGuide and check references.
Beware of the cheapest bids that signal low-quality work.
Get a signed contract with the warranty before repairs start.
Pay in full only when the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been repairing dryers?
What type of dryers do you have the most experience with?
How long will my repair take?
What can I do to prevent future damages like this?
How should I prepare for the service call?
Are all materials, labor, and cleanup fees in this estimate?
Will you inspect the whole dryer unit to check for other problems?
When should I replace my dryer?
Do you offer weekend or after-hours repair services?
Will I need to pre-pay to order parts?
How much more will it cost if you must order a new part?
Do you offer a warranty?