How much does it cost to repair a dryer?

Appliance brand, type of repair needed, service fee, appliance parts needed, your ZIP code, and the hourly rates of the appliance repair technician all affect the cost of dryer repair.

The average cost for dryer repair is $170, with prices varying based on all the unique variables of your job.

According to Greg Mr. Fix It, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, dryers are usually easier to fix than washing machines. He typically charges about $180, including a $65 service fee, to repair dryers. Some independent technicians offer lower rates than large companies for diagnosing problems.

The dryer repair cost will be higher if you need expensive replacement parts — such as new safety coils — or if you live outside the pro’s standard service range. Ilya Uvaydov, owner of Urban Appliance Repair in Daly City, California, charges $45 – $65 for common repair work, plus the cost of parts.

As dryer replacement parts can range from $5 to $300, depending on what's needed, repair costs can vary greatly.

In general, repair technicians may charge between $30 and $100 for a service fee, regardless of whether or not you have them fix your dryer.

Almost all appliance repair professionals have a service fee built into their cost model. This is a flat fee they charge for coming to your home, assessing your dryer, and determining what will be required to put it back into working order. A service fee ensures that independent workers are able to meet their business overhead (insurance, vehicle, tools, salary, equipment, etc.) even if a customer opts not to repair their dryer. Many repair pros credit the service fee toward the total cost of the appliance repair service if the customer decides to move forward and hire them.

The type of replacement parts your dryer needs will impact your repair costs. Here is a list of average prices for dryer parts that commonly fail or need replacing:

• Safety coils: $160 – $280
• Clogged vent or duct: $75 – $150
• Drum belt: $10 – $15
• Thermostat: $100
• Fuses: $10 each
• Door latch: $5

Heating element replacements cost between $30 and $200 dollars on average, depending on the part needed.

Parts for older appliances can be more difficult to obtain, which could increase the cost — which is another reason it may not be cost-effective to repair an older dryer. On the other hand, refurbished parts may be available for common dryer makes and models, which can lower the overall repair cost.

The relative ease or difficulty a technician faces when accessing a dryer to diagnose a problem and make a repair can affect the total cost as well. If it’s wedged into a tight spot or located on an upper floor, for example, a second technician may need to help move the unit to access the area in need of repair.

Gas-powered appliances are a bit riskier to install and repair because of the gas hookup and possibility of carbon monoxide leaks. Depending on the problem, these appliances can cost more to work on. Gas dryers can suffer from problems with igniters, flame sensors, gas valves, and thermal fuses. With electric dryers, the heating element, fuses, and thermostat can fail.

It’s smart to weigh the pros and cons of repairing or replacing your dryer before hiring an appliance repair professional. The dryer’s make, model and age all play into that consideration.

Consumer Reports found that people save money using independent repair services compared with factory service technicians. If a dryer is relatively new (five years or less), having it repaired can extend its life that much longer and save money in the long run.

When deciding whether it’s better to repair a clothes dryer or buy a new one, first compare the cost of the repair with the cost of a new unit, then consider the life that might be left in your old appliance. It can be worth spending $150 – $200 to repair a midrange or high-end dryer that’s less than three years old, for example. While a new basic model costs only $300 or so, a nicer model would cost much more. Repairing it can extend its life so you can get your money’s worth.

Here are a few signs you should call a dryer repair pro:

• Strange noises are emanating from the dryer
• The appliance has stopped working completely
• Your clothes are no longer getting dry or they’re overheating
• There's a burning smell when you use the dryer

Be prepared before calling your dryer repair person to ensure the best possible outcomes. First, have the make and model number of your dryer ready. This is often located inside the dryer lid. Make a list of what is going wrong with the dryer, e.g., it doesn’t start half the time, there’s a squealing noise when it’s on, the clothes are getting overheated, etc.

Then, read online reviews of appliance repair technicians to find one who works with your brand and has positive customer experiences. On the phone, clarify what their service fee is, whether that fee will be applied toward your repair costs if you hire them, and what they anticipate total costs to be.