When your clothes dryer stops working, you may wonder if it is worth repairing or simply replacing it.
To help you decide, some important considerations include the age of the machine, the cost of repairs compared to replacement parts, energy efficiency, and warranty agreements.
Here’s a closer look at what you should evaluate when tackling this question of whether to repair or replace your broken dryer:
How to Know If Your Broken Dryer Is Worth Repairing?
If you have a broken dryer, there are several things to consider when deciding if it’s worth repairing or if you should move on and purchase a new unit.
Determine the Most Common Dryer Problems
Knowing what parts need fixing can help determine whether repairs are worth it or if replacement is better. Not all dryers have the same components, either — you may face the same problem or different problems depending on whether you have an electric dryer or a gas dryer.
Generally speaking, the repair bill for electric dryers is less expensive than clothes dryers with gas supply because they’re far more universal. Common problems for electric dryers include:
- Door latch problems
- A broken belt
- Bad heating element
- Venting system problems
- Bearing failure
- Less energy
On the other hand, gas dryers are more prone to problems like:
- Pilot light issues
- Gas line blockages and leaks
- Malfunctioning temperature sensor
- Clogged lint filter
- Clogged vents
- Thermal fuse issues
To ensure the proper repair of your gas dryers, it is recommended to find an experienced technician who specializes in this type of task, particularly if the issue with the whole dryer lies within its gas line.
Evaluate the Age of Your Clothes Dryer
Look for other appliances with signs of wear, such as rust buildup or frayed cords. If the dryer is over ten years old, it may not be worth repairing because parts for older models may be difficult to find.
Assess the Energy Efficiency
Assess energy efficiency by checking if your electric or gas dryer is Energy Star certified. Other models and new clothes dryers may have other ratings available to determine the dryer brand help you save money in energy costs over time.
Compare the Cost of Repairs to the Cost of Replacement Parts
When determining whether to repair or replace your dryer, it’s critical to consider the dryer repair cost compared to the expense of purchasing a new clothes dryer.
If the cost of parts and labor for repairs is more than half the price of a new dryer, replacing it might be more economical.
Additionally, suppose your clothes dryer has recurring issues and requires constant repairs. In that case, it could be time-consuming and expensive, and buying a new clothes dryer might be more sensible.
Determine the Warranty and Service Agreements
Consider any warranties or service agreements that come with purchasing a whole new dryer unit versus fixing yours.
Warranties may provide additional reassurance about getting your money’s worth from either option you choose for fixing or replacing your broken clothes dryer.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Clothes Dryers
Regardless of whether you choose to repair or replace your dryer, there are some tips you can follow to prolong its life and make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning out the lint screen regularly to avoid lint trap or lint buildup
- Use high-efficiency detergents and fabric softeners
- Avoid drying heavy items
- Check the outside exhaust vent annually
- Resist overloading the dryer
- Be sure not to mix different fabric types in a load
The Bottomline: Fix Your Old Dryer or Replace It?
When deciding whether to fix minor problems with your old dryer or replace it, the key is to weigh what’s best for your situation. If repairing an older model costs almost as much as buying a new machine, replacing it may be better.
On the other hand, if your current dryer has relatively low repair costs or is under warranty, then going down the repair route may make sense. It could save you money in the long run and still provide you with the same drying capabilities.
Ultimately it’s important to look at all options available before making any decisions to ensure that whichever option you choose will work best for your needs and budget.
