Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Clothes Dryer?
CR’s interactive tool leverages product costs, depreciation rates, and survey data to help you make the right choice
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Dryers are relatively simple machines. They have fewer parts than washers and generally chug along for a decade or so. But they still break down sometimes. Our 2025 survey data—reflecting the experiences of 86,609 dryer owners—showed that a range of problems can occur. The most common complaint (at 12 percent) was that the dryer simply wasn’t drying, followed by tangled clothes (10 percent).
When your dryer breaks down, your first reaction may be to repair it. But not every problem can be fixed, and not all fixable situations make economic sense. Our interactive repair-or-replace tool, below, leverages our survey data to help you determine the best course of action based on your dryer’s age, type, original cost, and potential repair cost. We also share tips on the next steps, from finding a dependable repair professional to tracking down a new replacement that will stand the test of time.
Factors to Consider
When deciding whether to replace your dryer, don’t base your decision solely on repair costs. Think about how the repair cost compares with the original cost. In general, costlier dryers are worth repairing for a longer period of time because the cost of a typical repair is a smaller proportion of the machine’s value. You can find the median repair cost in our interactive tool, depending on your machine’s age and type.
For example, if you spent $600 on an electric dryer nine years ago and you’re pushing it to the limit (say, seven loads per week), a new dryer purchase may be worth it. Shouldering the median repair cost of $118 makes little financial sense in this case. You’re better off flipping that money into a new dryer with excellent reliability and Energy Star certification because it will last longer and save energy with each load. But if you paid $2,200 for a Speed Queen DF7004WE three years ago, a $188 repair (the median cost for higher-priced dryers) is probably a worthy investment.
Of course, if your machine is under warranty (as is typical for a year after purchase), it makes sense to simply have it repaired.
Even if your warranty has lapsed, take a minute to look up your model on the manufacturer’s website. That way, you can check whether the problem is related to a recall and, if so, whether it’s covered for parts and service or for a replacement. Smart dryers may even provide self-diagnostics and maintenance alerts or allow manufacturers to send remote patch fixes.
How to Fix Your Dryer: DIY or Hire a Pro?
Most dryer problems require a technician, but a few can be fixed yourself. For instance, if you notice your dryer’s performance is lagging and clothes are taking longer to dry, check for lint buildup. “Anyone can clean the lint screen and check the external ducting to ensure proper airflow,” says Dean Landers, president of Landers Appliance, a certified service center in Baltimore. If the external ducts are made out of vinyl or foil, they should be replaced with metal flex or rigid ones.
Appliances and Electronics Should be Easy to Fix—Not Just Thrown Away!
In our 2024 survey, of those who turned to professionals for repairs, 68 percent paid out of pocket, 22 percent were at least partly covered by an original manufacturer’s warranty, and 10 percent were at least partly covered by an extended warranty.
The median repair cost was $116 for a lower-priced gas dryer (under $700), $158 for a midpriced gas dryer (between $700 and $900), and $200 for a higher-priced gas dryer (over $900). For electric dryers, the median repair cost was $118 for lower-priced machines (under $700), $160 for midpriced ones ($700 to $900), and $188 for higher-priced models (over $900).
The good news: 90 percent of all dryers purchased from 2015 to 2025 were still in use. This raises the question of whether you should even buy an extended warranty. For a majority of CR members, the answer was no. Only 21 percent of respondents purchased an extended warranty or service contract.
Depending on your location, a $120 to $170 service charge is usually added to the total cost, according to Landers. Repairs on large cities and on both coasts may be more expensive, boosting the cost to upward of $275, he says.
Finding a New Dryer That Will Last
If it turns out that repairing your dryer isn’t worth it, try to find a nearby recycling center at Earth 911 to save it from a landfill. Over 2 million tons of waste, generated by large appliances, ended up in landfills in 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Replace the old model with one that not only meets your needs now but has demonstrated long-term reliability.
When you’re ready to shop, start by narrowing your choices to those that are a good match for your washer. For instance, if your washer doesn’t effectively remove excess moisture from your clothes, look for a dryer with a standout drying performance rating. (Check our clothes dryer buying guide to learn more about your options.)
CR members can read on for top-rated models in our clothes dryer ratings. We highlight electric, gas, and compact dryers that are high performers based on CR’s tests and made by reliable dryer brands, according to data from our member surveys. Some are also Energy Star certified—meaning they use 20 percent less energy than conventional dryers—which will save you money over the long term. About half of the electric dryers in our ratings are Energy Star certified.
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