How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
This project can cost anywhere from $10 to $550, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
The average cost to repair a dryer is $180, with most homeowners paying between $100 and $430.
Factors affecting cost include the type of repair, local labor costs, replacement parts required.
Common repairs include fixing the heating element, motor, and drum.
Hiring a professional dryer technician ensures safe and efficient repairs, potentially extending the life of your dryer.
Regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns and improve dryer efficiency.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Dryer repairs cost between $100 and $430, with most homeowners paying an average of $180. The exact amount you'll pay depends on the type of repair, your dryer's size and type, and local labor rates. While some minor issues can be fixed yourself, most dryer repairs require hiring a professional dryer technician to keep your appliance running efficiently.
Cost to Repair a Dryer by Part
Your dryer is made up of many parts that can occasionally fail or wear out. Some components are more expensive to fix or replace than others. The most costly repairs involve the heating element, motor, and drum, while fixing a broken belt, door switch, or bearing tends to be less
| Faulty Dryer Part | Average Cost to Replace |
|---|---|
| Start switch | $5 – $40 |
| Thermal fuse | $5 – $20 |
| Thermostat | $15 – $60 |
| Lint filter | $10 – $35 |
| Drive belt | $15 – $35 |
| Control board | $90 – $280 |
| Door switch | $8 – $30 |
| Motor | $60 – $150 |
Cost to Repair a Dryer by Type of Issue
The cost to repair your dryer depends on the specific issue you're dealing with. Here are some of the most common dryer problems and what you can expect to pay to fix them.
Dryer Not Spinning
If your dryer drum is not spinning during a cycle, it's likely experiencing a motor malfunction or its belt is broken. Another potential culprit is that the drum rollers are worn out by overuse or wear and tear. You can expect to pay $30 to $250 to repair a non-spinning dryer, depending on the cause of the issue.
Dryer Not Heating
A cold dryer is an ineffective one, and it's likely caused by a failure of one of its heating elements. That includes a broken thermostat, heating element, or thermal fuse. The cost of re-heating a dryer ranges between $80 and $420, with an inspection required by a dryer repair professional.
Dryer Won't Turn On
If your clothes are loaded but the dryer won't turn on, you may have a bad door switch, start switch, or blown control board. Consult a dryer repair professional to find the cause of the issue, and budget between $15 and $300 for the repairs.
Dryer Overheats
An overheating dryer is an urgent issue, as it can cause an electrical fire. This problem is frequently caused by a clogged vent or a malfunctioning thermostat. You can expect to pay $90 to $320 to resolve this time-sensitive problem.
Dryer Shuts Off
If your dryer shuts off before the dry cycle is complete, that's a clear sign of a bad thermostat or clogged vent. Similar to an overheating dryer, this issue requires the attention of a dryer repair professional, costing $25 to $300, depending on its severity.
Dryer Makes Loud Noises
Dryers aren't silent, but they shouldn't make a racket either. If you hear loud banging noises coming from your dryer, you may have a loose drum bearing, belt motor, or loose screws. Depending on the cause, you should budget $10 to $450 for repairs.
Dryer Sparks or Smells
If you notice sparks or fire-like smells coming from your dryer, you should address it immediately. This urgent issue is likely caused by a malfunctioning electrical system, and it usually requires a complete replacement. This expensive repair costs $400 to $600.
Gas vs. Electric Dryer Repair Cost
Gas dryers usually cost about $50 to $100 more to repair than electric ones. Since they're less common, parts can be harder to find, and you might need a specialist technician even for basic repairs. If you have a gas clothes dryer that needs repairing, get an estimate from a gas appliance repair specialist near you.
Labor Costs to Repair a Dryer
Technicians often charge a service fee of $50 to $80, plus an hourly rate of $50 to $100. In some cases, they might waive this fee if you hire them for the repair. Some pros offer flat-rate fees for specific fixes. Considering labor can make up a significant portion of the repair cost—sometimes up to 90%—you might save money by handling simple repairs yourself. Before scheduling a repair, it's a good idea to ask your technician how they charge and what you can expect to pay.
DIY vs. Hire a Professional to Fix a Dryer
If you have the proper tools and experience, you might consider tackling minor dryer issues yourself—like replacing a faulty switch or a worn belt. These tasks can often be done with basic tools and a bit of patience. However, for complex electrical issues or if you're unsure about the problem, it's safer and more cost-effective to hire a professional dryer repair technician. Attempting complicated repairs yourself could void your warranty or lead to further damage. A dryer repair pro has the experience and tools to ensure your dryer is repaired safely and efficiently.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you should repair a dryer depends on its age and the quoted price of repair. For example, if the appliance is still below the life expectancy given by the manufacturer, it may be worth repairing.
Use the 50% rule: If the cost of repairing your dryer exceeds 50% of the cost of a new dryer, you’re better off buying a new one. Installing a new dryer costs between $300 and $2,000.
Dryers have a life span of eight to 12 years on average. Whether your dryer actually lasts that long depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. To keep your dryer in top shape and ensure it doesn’t break down prematurely, schedule an annual maintenance service. The service can include cleaning the dryer hoses and vents. Cleaning dryer vents cost between $100 and $180.
Heating elements in a dryer usually burn out if they overheat. A technician can help you identify the cause of overheating, but in most cases, it’s usually down to a lack of airflow, power surges, and faulty shut-off switches. Regular and correct duct maintenance, installing a surge protector, ensuring the circuit isn't overloaded, and replacing any broken switches can help keep your heating element from overheating and, by extension, burning out.
If the dryer belt breaks, the drum will no longer turn around and clothes won't dry properly, even if other components operate normally. The belt connects the drum (the part of the dryer where you load your clothes that circles around) to a motor. The belt can break due to damage from heat and normal wear and tear due to extended use.