Your guide to Dryer repair costs
Dealing with a broken dryer is never fun. As life will have it, you typically find out there's a problem with your dryer right after you’ve done a load in the washer and have soaking wet clothes. The end result is you finding places all over the house where you can hang your draping soggy jeans.
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If you are having dryer issues or think it’s in need of repair, you don't have to suffer through months of clotheslining damp and sticky clothing. With this guide, you can find out ways to budget for dryer repairs and achieve warm, fluffy, dry clothes again.
How to tell what sort of Dryer repair you need
The first step in figuring out the cost of repairs for your dryer is determining what the problem is in the first place. Dryers are actually fairly complicated appliances, and one little issue could be enough to cause bigger issues. In some cases, getting it running again might just require $10 in parts, but in other cases, repairs can be so pricey that you are better off buying a brand-new dryer.
To identify the problem, look at what is going wrong. If your dryer will not turn on at all, the issue may be electrical. When a dryer is not spinning, you may have a malfunctioning motor, belt, or capacitor. If your dryer runs but does not dry clothes, there could be a problem with the thermal fuse or heating element.
Average costs of Common Dryer repairs
In our research, we found that on average labor and parts for a dryer repair could cost around $180. However, keep in mind that this is just the median price. If it is a small problem like a dryer belt, you might be able to get a professional to fix it for around $70. For larger problems like a busted drum, repair costs might be more than $400.
Costs will also depend on the type of dryer you have. An electric dryer is usually less expensive to repair because this appliance is more common. If you have a gas dryer, you should expect repair prices to be higher. Gas dryer repairs are more expensive because parts can be harder to find, and the problem may be related to your gas line.
Find ways to save on Dryer repairs
If the price of repairs sounds too high for you, you have a few alternatives. First of all, you can just replace your dryer. According to The Washington Post, a good rule of thumb is that you should never pay for repairs that are more than half the current value of your machine. In these cases, you are better off getting a new dryer that will not break for several years.
Another option is repairing the dryer yourself. Smaller problems like a blocked vent, lint buildup, or a broken belt can be handled on your own. This can cut costs greatly. Instead of having to pay around $50 to $100 in labor, you just have to pay for the part yourself. In some cases, repairs on a dryer can end up being as cheap as $8 to get a dryer belt from Home Depot.
It is also important to do your homework and shop around before agreeing to dryer repairs. You can ask multiple companies for an estimate to find one with fair pricing. In some instances, you may be able to find parts for a cheaper price and just have to pay labor costs. You can also find dryers on sale, especially around holidays. This can end up making it even more reasonable to replace the dryer instead of repairing it.
The best way to deal with dryer repairs is to be prepared with a plan before the issue arises. With a Combo plan from HomeServe, you can have the peace of mind knowing the costs of covered repairs to your appliances will be taken care of and that you’ll have a one year guarantee on covered repairs.
Don’t be stuck with damp clothes for days or months. Over 4.4 million customers in North America turn to us for home repairs and home warranties. Be ready with a plan from HomeServe and when something goes wrong, you’ll receive reliable service from local, licensed technicians - when you need it the most.
