Is It Worth It to Fix a Dryer? Real Costs, Common Problems, and When to Replace

You hear a loud thumping noise coming from your dryer. Then it stops heating. Or maybe it just won’t spin anymore. You look at the age of the machine-seven years old, maybe eight-and wonder: is it worth it to fix a dryer?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s the truth most repair shops won’t tell you: sometimes fixing a dryer makes perfect sense. Other times, you’re throwing good money after bad. Let’s cut through the noise and break down exactly when to repair and when to walk away.

How Old Is Your Dryer?

Age matters more than you think. Most tumble dryers last between 10 and 13 years. If yours is under five years old and it’s broken, fixing it is almost always the right move. Machines this young rarely have widespread wear. A single part failure-like a broken belt or faulty thermostat-is usually the culprit.

Between five and eight years? You’re in the gray zone. This is when small issues start popping up more often. A worn-out drum roller or a failing heating element isn’t necessarily a sign the whole machine is dying. But if you’ve already repaired it once in the last two years, you’re on borrowed time.

If your dryer is nine years or older, you’re past the halfway point. At this stage, multiple components are likely worn out. Even if you fix one thing, another could go next month. Replacing parts on an old dryer often costs more than half the price of a new one. And new dryers are more efficient, quieter, and come with better safety features.

What’s Actually Broken?

Not all dryer problems are created equal. Some fixes are cheap and simple. Others are expensive and messy. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with:

• Thermal fuse blown - This safety device cuts power if the dryer overheats. It’s a $10 part and takes 30 minutes to replace. If the fuse blew because of a clogged vent, fixing the vent is the real solution.
• Heating element failed - Common in electric dryers. Costs $40-$80 for the part. Labor adds another $80-$150. Total: $120-$230. If your dryer is under eight years old, this is worth fixing.
• Drum belt broken - The belt keeps the drum spinning. Replacement parts cost $20-$35. Labor runs $100-$180. Easy fix. Worth it on any dryer under 10 years old.
• Motor burned out - This is expensive. The motor itself costs $150-$300. Labor adds another $150-$250. Total: $300-$550. At this point, you’re paying close to what a new mid-range dryer costs.
• Drum rollers or idler pulley worn - These cause thumping or squealing. Parts cost $25-$60. Labor $100-$150. Worth fixing unless the dryer is already over 10 years old.
• Control board failure - Digital displays flashing error codes? The control board might be dead. Replacement costs $150-$400. Labor $120-$200. Total: $270-$600. This is almost never worth it unless the dryer is under five years old.

Here’s a quick rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new dryer, walk away. A basic new dryer costs $400-$600. So if your repair quote is over $300, think hard.

Energy Efficiency: The Hidden Cost

Old dryers eat electricity. A 10-year-old model might use 7.5 kWh per load. A new ENERGY STAR certified dryer uses 4.5 kWh or less. That’s a 40% drop in energy use.

In Toronto, electricity averages $0.17 per kWh. If you run your dryer five times a week, that’s 260 loads a year. Your old dryer uses about 1,950 kWh annually. That’s $331 in electricity. A new one? Around $117. You save $214 a year just on power.

That means if you spend $300 to fix your old dryer, you’ll break even on energy savings in under 18 months. After that, you’re saving money every year. But only if the dryer lasts another 3-5 years. If it’s already on its last legs, you’re betting on luck.

Repair vs. Replace: The Decision Tree

Here’s a simple flow to help you decide:

1. Is your dryer under five years old? → Fix it (unless the repair is over $400).
2. Is it five to eight years old and the repair is under $250? → Fix it.
3. Is it five to eight years old and the repair is over $300? → Replace it.
4. Is it nine years or older? → Replace it, unless the repair is under $150 and you’re attached to the model.

There’s one exception: if your dryer is a high-end brand like LG, Samsung, or Whirlpool with a solid warranty history, it might be worth stretching a little further. But if it’s a no-name brand or a discount model from a big-box store? Don’t risk it.

What About Gas Dryers?

Gas dryers cost more upfront but use less energy. They’re also more expensive to repair because they involve gas lines and valves. A faulty gas valve or igniter can cost $200-$400 to fix. If your gas dryer is over seven years old, replacement is usually smarter. New gas dryers are more reliable, and you’ll save on gas bills faster than you think.

Also, gas dryers need annual vent inspections. If you’ve skipped maintenance, you’re asking for trouble. A clogged vent can cause a fire. If your dryer is old and the vent hasn’t been cleaned in years, replacing it isn’t just smart-it’s safer.

What You’ll Pay for a New Dryer

Here’s what you can expect in Toronto in 2025:

Most people in Toronto end up buying a mid-range electric or gas dryer. The sweet spot is $600-$800. You get sensors, moisture detection, and enough capacity for a family. And most come with a one-year full warranty and five-year parts coverage.

When to Call a Pro (and When Not To)

You can fix some things yourself: belts, thermal fuses, lint traps, even heating elements if you’re handy. YouTube has great step-by-step videos. But if you’re not comfortable with electrical components or gas lines, don’t risk it. A mistake can cost you more than the repair.

Call a technician if:

• You hear a loud grinding or metal-on-metal noise
• The dryer doesn’t heat at all (and you’ve checked the circuit breaker)
• There’s a burning smell or smoke
• You see water pooling under the dryer

Don’t call for:

• A dryer that just takes longer to dry (likely a clogged vent)
• Minor squeaking (could be drum rollers you can replace yourself)
• Display errors you can look up online

What to Do If You Decide to Replace

If you’re replacing your dryer, here’s how to make the switch smooth:

• Measure your space. Dryers vary in depth. A new one might not fit if your old one was compact.
• Check your vent. Older homes often have undersized or kinked vents. A new dryer needs a clean, straight 4-inch vent. If yours doesn’t have one, budget $200-$400 for an upgrade.
• Consider a stackable unit if you’re in an apartment. They save space and work with washer-dryer combos.
• Ask about delivery and haul-away. Most retailers will remove your old dryer for $50-$100.

Also, check for rebates. Ontario’s Home Energy Savings Program sometimes offers up to $100 off ENERGY STAR dryers. Your utility provider might have deals too.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It to Fix a Dryer?

Yes-if the repair is under $250 and your dryer is under eight years old. Yes-if you’re attached to the model and it’s been reliable. Yes-if you’re saving money on energy and plan to keep the machine for another few years.

No-if the repair costs more than half the price of a new one. No-if your dryer is over nine years old and you’ve had multiple repairs. No-if you’re paying for a control board or motor replacement on a budget model.

Most people wait too long. They keep fixing a dying dryer because they don’t want to spend money. But the real cost isn’t the repair bill-it’s the extra time drying clothes, the higher electricity bill, and the risk of a fire from a neglected vent.

Fix it if it makes sense. Replace it if it doesn’t. Either way, don’t ignore the signs. Your clothes-and your safety-depend on it.