Professional dryer repair typically costs $100 to $430, with most homeowners paying approximately $180 to $200. Minor repairs, such as replacing a thermal fuse or door switch, may cost less than $150. More complicated motor, drum, control-board, or multiple-component repairs can cost $400 to $500 or more.
The final price depends on the failed component, dryer type, brand, age, accessibility, and local labor rates. Gas dryers commonly cost $50 to $100 more to repair than comparable electric models because diagnosis and service may require specialized expertise.
Before replacing parts, a technician should also inspect the dryer vent. Restricted airflow can cause long drying times, overheating, blown thermal fuses, damaged heating elements, and increased fire risk.
Dryer Repair Cost at a Glance
| Dryer repair | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Average dryer repair | $100–$430 |
| Common national average | $180–$200 |
| Appliance service call | $70–$130 |
| Technician labor | $50–$125 per hour |
| Heating element replacement | $150–$350 |
| Drive belt replacement | $100–$250 |
| Thermal fuse replacement | $75–$150 |
| Motor replacement | $150–$400 |
| Drum roller replacement | $100–$300 |
| Dryer drum replacement | $200–$500 |
| Felt seal replacement | $150–$350 |
| Thermostat replacement | $100–$300 |
| Control board replacement | $250–$500 |
| Idler pulley replacement | $200–$350 |
| Timer replacement | $120–$300 |
| Drum bearing replacement | $100–$300 |
| Door switch repair | $80–$200 |
| Gas valve coil replacement | $100–$200 |
| Igniter replacement | $100–$250 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $80–$185 |
| Vent duct replacement | $100–$300 |
These are national budgeting estimates that generally include parts and professional labor. Premium brands, difficult access, expedited parts, and after-hours service can increase the total.
Dryer Repair Parts and Labor Cost
Service-call and diagnostic fee
An appliance repair service call generally costs $70 to $130. This fee commonly includes travel, diagnosis, and up to the first hour of labor, although company policies vary. Emergency appliance service can cost $140 to $400 before major parts or additional labor.
Before booking, ask:
- Is the diagnostic fee applied toward the repair?
- Does the quote include parts and labor?
- Will a second visit cost extra?
- Are parts covered by a warranty?
- Is there a minimum labor charge?
- Does the company service gas appliances?
Labor cost
Appliance repair technicians typically charge $50 to $125 per hour. Some companies use flat-rate pricing based on the repair instead of billing by time.
Labor costs rise when the dryer is:
- Stacked beneath a washing machine
- Installed in a tight closet
- Surrounded by cabinetry
- Difficult to disconnect from the vent
- Located far from the service area
- A premium or uncommon model
- Experiencing several related failures
The replacement part may be inexpensive, but the technician still needs to disassemble the appliance, install the component, reassemble the dryer, and test it safely.
Dryer Is Not Heating
Repairing a dryer that tumbles but does not produce heat generally costs $75 to $500, depending on the cause.
Possible failures include:
| Possible problem | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Thermal fuse | $75–$150 |
| Thermostat | $100–$300 |
| Electric heating element | $150–$350 |
| Gas valve coils | $100–$200 |
| Gas igniter | $100–$250 |
| Control board | $250–$500 |
| Clogged dryer vent | $80–$185 |
A dryer that does not heat does not automatically need a new heating element. A blown thermal fuse, failed thermostat, gas ignition problem, damaged wiring, restricted vent, or faulty control board can create the same symptom.
Heating element replacement
Replacing an electric dryer heating element costs $150 to $350. Generic elements may cost $15 to $35 for the part, while original manufacturer components can cost up to approximately $200 before labor.
Heating elements may fail because of age, electrical problems, or overheating caused by restricted airflow. The vent should be inspected before the repaired dryer returns to service.
Thermal fuse replacement
Thermal fuse replacement typically costs $75 to $150. The part itself may cost only $5 to $60, but it cannot be reset and must be replaced after it opens.
A blown fuse is often a symptom rather than the original problem. Replacing it without addressing a clogged vent, failed thermostat, or overheating condition may lead to another failure.
Gas dryer igniter or coil repair
Gas valve coil replacement generally costs $100 to $200, while igniter replacement costs $100 to $250.
Stop using the dryer and contact a qualified professional if you smell gas. Do not attempt to locate the leak with an open flame or continue restarting the appliance.
Dryer Drum Is Not Spinning
A dryer that runs without turning the drum generally costs $100 to $400 to repair.
Common causes include:
- Broken drive belt
- Failed motor
- Worn idler pulley
- Damaged drum rollers
- Jammed drum
- Failed door switch
- Electronic control problem
Dryer belt replacement
Dryer belt replacement costs $100 to $250, including parts and labor. The belt itself generally costs $10 to $70, while professional labor commonly contributes $90 to $180.
Signs of a broken or worn belt include:
- Motor runs but the drum does not turn
- Burning rubber smell
- Squealing or thumping sounds
- Visible fraying
- Pieces of belt beneath the appliance
Belt replacement commonly takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on dryer design and accessibility.
Dryer motor replacement
Motor replacement generally costs $150 to $400. The motor alone may cost $60 to $200, and installation commonly takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Possible signs of motor failure include:
- Drum turns slowly or stops
- Dryer hums but does not begin tumbling
- Motor overheats and shuts off
- Breaker trips shortly after startup
- Burning electrical odor
A technician should rule out the belt, rollers, pulley, door switch, and electrical supply before replacing the motor.
Dryer Is Squeaking, Grinding, or Thumping
Fixing a noisy dryer typically costs $100 to $400, depending on which moving component is worn.
| Noise-related repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Drum rollers | $100–$300 |
| Drum bearing | $100–$300 |
| Drive belt | $100–$250 |
| Idler pulley | $200–$350 |
| Felt seal | $150–$350 |
| Motor | $150–$400 |
Drum rollers
Replacing dryer drum rollers costs $100 to $300. Worn rollers commonly cause rhythmic thumping, scraping, or rumbling as the drum rotates.
Drum bearing
Dryer bearing replacement generally costs $100 to $300. Failed bearings may create persistent squealing, scraping, or grinding noises.
Idler pulley
Replacing an idler pulley typically costs $200 to $350. Its purpose is to maintain tension on the drive belt, and a worn pulley commonly produces a sharp squeal.
Continued operation with grinding or scraping noises can damage the belt, drum, motor, or clothing.
Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes
Slow drying may cost $80 to $500 to correct, depending on whether the problem is restricted airflow or an internal component failure.
Common causes include:
- Clogged lint filter
- Blocked dryer vent
- Crushed transition duct
- Excessively long vent route
- Damaged blower wheel
- Weak heating element
- Faulty moisture sensor
- Failed thermostat
- Overloaded drum
- Washing machine not extracting enough water
Professional dryer vent cleaning costs approximately $80 to $185, while replacing a damaged duct costs $100 to $300. Installing a completely new vent route can cost $200 to $800.
The U.S. Fire Administration warns that failing to clean dryer vents and lint filters increases fire risk. It recommends cleaning the lint filter before and after each cycle and checking that the vent behind the dryer is not damaged, crushed, or restricted.
Dryer Overheats or Produces a Burning Smell
Repairing an overheating dryer generally costs $75 to $500, depending on the failed part.
Potential causes include:
- Clogged vent
- Blown thermal fuse
- Faulty cycling thermostat
- Heating element shorted to the housing
- Failed blower wheel
- Motor overheating
- Belt rubbing against another component
- Lint buildup inside the cabinet
- Damaged wiring or electrical connection
Stop using the dryer when you notice:
- Smoke
- Burning odor
- Scorched clothing
- Melted wiring
- Sparks
- Dryer exterior becoming unusually hot
- Breaker repeatedly tripping
Disconnect electrical power when it is safe to do so. For a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply if you can access the valve safely.
Failure to clean was the leading factor contributing to ignition in 31% of home clothes-dryer fires studied by the U.S. Fire Administration for 2018–2020.
Dryer Will Not Start
Repairing a dryer that does not start typically costs $75 to $500.
| Possible cause | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Thermal fuse | $75–$150 |
| Door switch | $80–$200 |
| Drive belt | $100–$250 |
| Timer | $120–$300 |
| Motor | $150–$400 |
| Control board | $250–$500 |
Before scheduling service, check that:
- The dryer is plugged in
- The breaker has not tripped
- The door closes completely
- The control-lock setting is off
- The cycle is correctly selected
- The start button is not physically damaged
Electric dryers normally require a 240-volt circuit. A dryer may tumble without heating if one side of the electrical supply has failed, so electrical testing may be necessary.
Dryer Shuts Off During the Cycle
A dryer that stops prematurely may cost $100 to $500 to repair.
Possible causes include:
- Motor overheating
- Restricted vent
- Faulty moisture sensor
- Failed thermostat
- Damaged timer
- Loose electrical connection
- Control-board failure
A motor that restarts after cooling may be overheating because it is failing or because the drum is difficult to rotate. The technician should inspect the rollers, bearing, belt, pulley, and airflow before recommending a new motor.
Control Board and Timer Replacement Cost
Control board
Dryer control board replacement generally costs $250 to $500. The board alone may cost $130 to $400.
Potential symptoms include:
- Dryer has no power
- Controls respond inconsistently
- Cycle stops unexpectedly
- Heat does not operate correctly
- Error codes appear
- Dryer will not turn off
Electronic symptoms can also be caused by sensors, wiring, switches, or power problems. Testing should confirm board failure before replacement.
Dryer timer
Timer replacement costs $120 to $300, including a part commonly priced from $50 to $150.
A faulty timer may prevent the cycle from advancing, cause the dryer to stop early, or allow it to continue running after the selected time.
Dryer Drum and Felt Seal Repair Cost
Replacing a dryer drum generally costs $200 to $500. A cracked drum can catch or damage clothing and should be replaced rather than patched.
Felt seal replacement costs $150 to $350. The seal prevents the rotating drum from rubbing directly against the dryer frame and helps maintain proper airflow.
A worn felt seal may cause:
- Scraping noise
- Clothes becoming trapped
- Slow drying
- Hot spots
- Visible felt protruding into the drum
Gas vs. Electric Dryer Repair Cost
Electric dryer repairs generally cost $100 to $430. Gas dryers may cost $50 to $100 more because gas valves, igniters, burner assemblies, and combustion components require additional expertise and safety checks.
Gas dryer repair should be handled by a technician qualified to work on gas appliances. Stop using the dryer immediately if you smell gas, see soot, or notice abnormal burner operation.
Electric dryer problems more commonly involve:
- Heating elements
- Thermal fuses
- High-limit thermostats
- 240-volt power supplies
- Terminal blocks
- Wiring connections
Repair or Replace a Dryer?
Repair is generally worthwhile when:
- The dryer is relatively new
- The problem involves a fuse, belt, switch, roller, thermostat, or igniter
- The repair costs less than 50% of replacement
- The appliance has been otherwise reliable
- Parts remain readily available
- The dryer is still under warranty
Replacement may provide better value when:
- The dryer is more than 6 to 10 years old
- It has required several recent repairs
- The motor, drum, and control system have multiple problems
- Replacement parts are discontinued
- The cabinet is rusted or structurally damaged
- The repair approaches half the cost of a new dryer
A new dryer commonly costs $800 to $1,200 for the appliance, before delivery, installation, vent modifications, or removal of the old unit.
ENERGY STAR-certified dryers use moisture sensors and automatic cycle termination to reduce unnecessary drying and help prevent clothing from being overdried. These features may strengthen the case for replacement when an older dryer needs an expensive repair.
How to Save Money on Dryer Repair
- Check the warranty and recall status. A covered part may be repaired at little or no cost.
- Provide the model and serial number. The technician can research parts before visiting.
- Clean the lint filter. Restricted airflow can imitate or contribute to mechanical problems.
- Inspect the visible vent connection. Replace crushed or damaged ducting with an approved material.
- Ask whether the diagnostic fee is credited.
- Request an itemized parts-and-labor estimate.
- Avoid after-hours service for nonhazardous problems.
- Compare repair cost with replacement cost.
- Ask about the parts and labor warranty.
- Stop operating a noisy or overheating dryer. Continued use can damage additional parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dryer repair cost?
Professional dryer repair generally costs $100 to $430, with national averages around $180 to $200.
How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?
Heating element replacement typically costs $150 to $350, including parts and labor.
How much does dryer belt replacement cost?
Dryer belt replacement costs $100 to $250, with an average near $160.
How much does dryer motor replacement cost?
A replacement dryer motor generally costs $150 to $400 installed.
How much does it cost to repair a dryer that is not heating?
Repairing a dryer that does not heat commonly costs $75 to $500, depending on whether the problem involves the thermal fuse, thermostat, heating element, gas ignition system, or control board.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dryer?
A minor repair may still be worthwhile. Replacement is usually more practical when a dryer of that age needs a motor, drum, control board, or several repairs at once.
Who repairs clothes dryers?
An appliance repair technician handles most dryer problems. Gas dryers should be serviced by a professional qualified to diagnose gas appliances and combustion systems.
Conclusion
Dryer repair generally costs $100 to $430, with most homeowners paying approximately $180 to $200. Thermal fuses, door switches, gas coils, and belts are usually among the least expensive repairs. Motors, drums, control boards, and multiple-component failures cost more.
Long drying times and repeated thermal-fuse failures may be caused by a blocked vent rather than the dryer itself. Inspecting and cleaning the complete exhaust system is essential for performance and fire safety.
Before approving a repair, request an itemized estimate covering the service call, replacement part, labor, additional visits, and warranty. Repair usually makes sense for a newer dryer with one failed component, while replacement becomes more attractive when the appliance is old or the repair approaches 50% of the cost of a comparable new model.