How to Know if You Should Replace Your Dryer

Diagnosing Problems with Your Dryer

Observe your dryer's efficiency. The best way to tell if the appliance might be on its last legs is to simply see whether it's doing its job properly. Start paying close attention to how your appliance is working. If your clothes are coming out damp, for instance, it might mean that they just need a little more drying time, or it could indicate a problem with the dryer's heating elements. Look for recurring issues that point to a specific flaw in the unit itself. Failure to start, erratic drum rotation or a tendency to shut off mid-cycle are all common (and potentially serious) dryer issues.

Pay attention to strange sounds and smells. Squealing or banging noises may be a sign that one of the unit's key mechanical components, such as the drum belt or rollers, is wearing out. Similarly, a burning smell could indicate that the dryer is overheating. For the most part, your dryer should not make any noises or give off any smells other than those associated with the normal drying cycle. If left unaddressed, problems like overheating can quickly lead to safety hazards.

Confirm that it's actually broken. Inspect all the dryer's main components (including the drum, lint trap, dials or display and wall outlet) to see if another factor might be the cause. For instance, bad wiring can prevent a perfectly good dryer from turning on, and regular overheating could be the result of a clogged lint trap. Seemingly serious problems sometimes have simple explanations. Make sure you've exhausted every other possible option before shelling out the money for expensive repairs.

Take the age of the unit into account. Most dryers typically last somewhere between 10-13 years, according to consumer reports. If your dryer is approaching the 10 year mark, it may be a good idea to consider replacing it even if you haven't experienced any major performance issues yet. By springing for an updated model, you'll get a better return for your investment. While the quality will decline eventually, older dryers tend to last longer than newer dryers. Older dryers also tend to have parts that are less expensive to replace. It may help to look up consumer reviews on the internet to learn what other owners have to say about the longevity of your particular dryer model.

Deciding Whether to Replace Your Dryer

Find out if your appliance is under warranty. Some washers and dryers come with guarantees from the manufacturer that the unit will function correctly for a certain number of years. If your dryer is under warranty, the company may cover the cost of a repair or replacement for issues that pop up within the time frame specified. This will be the cheapest and simplest way to get your dryer back in good working order. Review the paperwork that came with your unit to see if it includes warranty information. You might also be able to get an answer by calling a company representative directly.

Follow the “50% rule.” If your dryer is more than 50% through its lifespan and is estimated to cost more than 50% of its original price to repair, you'll probably be better off buying a new one. This so-called 50% rule can be very useful in helping buyers decide whether to have older appliances repaired or replaced. The 50% rule doesn't always account for things like fluke breakdowns, but is more geared toward general deterioration.

See if the dryer can be repaired. If you feel confident with a tool set, you might be able to make the necessary adjustments yourself. If not, call a handyman to come and take a look at the dryer's potential problem areas. Repairing an appliance will almost always be far cheaper than replacing it. Important pieces like the heating elements, drum belt, and timer tend to be costly and labor intensive to replace. Don't try to save a dead dryer if it's going to be a bigger financial commitment than upgrading to a new one.

Buying a New Dryer

Compare the prices of newer models. Once you've made the decision to buy a new dryer, the next step is to find one that fits within your price range. Research your options, looking at the least expensive models first, then work your way up from there. Finding a dryer similar to the one you've been using can be a good place to start. Appliances vary in price from affordable basic units to more deluxe styles equipped with a host of sophisticated features. Come up with a budget that you'd be willing and able to spend, and stick that number to make the most economical purchase possible.

Look for a dryer that suits your needs. Now may be a good time to invest in features that your previous model lacked. Newer appliances boast customizable settings, higher loading capacities and even energy efficient drying modes that can all make your life easier, especially if you're used to dealing with an unreliable unit. These types of added conveniences usually justify a slightly higher price point. While you're shopping around, size up different models to make sure they'll fit comfortably in the space you have. Choose from various colors and finishes and settle on one that you like.

Match your new dryer with your washing machine. Assuming you're only replacing your dryer, you'll want to pick out one that's consistent with the look of your current washer. Both appliances should be roughly the same size so that you can place them close together without creating an obstruction. Sticking to the same color scheme and general construction will also keep mismatched units from being so obvious. It's important to choose appliances with similar capacities—the dryer should be able to hold the washing machine's maximum load size. If you have the space, consider buying a washer/dryer combo. That way, your appliances will match, and you can be sure that they'll both stay in good working order for years to come.