How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Heating Element in a Dryer? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $350
The cost to replace the heating element in a dryer is $230 on average, or between $100 and $350, depending on the nature of the repair work.
The cost to replace the heating element in a dryer averages $230 but often ranges from $100 to $350 depending on the machine's age, type, and the nature of the repair work. Whether you have an electric or a gas dryer, its heating element is essential to delivering those fresh, fluffy clothes.
- Average
- $230
- Low end
- $30
- high end
- $550
Dryer Heat Element Replacement Cost Factors
When your clothes dryer suddenly stops producing heat to dry your clothing, it's a sure sign that something is amiss. Dryer repair costs highly depend on which parts need attention. While there are several dryer parts that can cause heat failure, if the bad part is a heating element, it will likely require replacement.
Dryer Type
Clothes dryers are available in two basic types—electric and gas versions. Both of these dryers work similarly by producing and passing heated air through your clothing. How each creates that heated air is the primary difference between them.
An electric dryer uses electricity running through wires in what's called a heating element. A gas dryer has a burner system it relies on for its heat. A gas dryer's heating mechanism isn't called a heating element. Instead, the term is a burner assembly and it consists of several individual parts.
In most cases, the differences in styles have only a marginal effect on replacement and repair costs when heating is concerned. While replacing an electric dryer's heating element is fairly straightforward in most cases, gas burner assemblies rarely require complete replacement, and only need the replacing of individual parts to get the assembly operating agains as it should. On the high end of average, gas dryers tend to be slightly more expensive to repair.
| Dryer Type | Average Heating Parts Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Electric | $90–$250 |
| Gas | $100–$350 |
Age of Machine
While the age of your clothes dryer doesn't matter much regarding the overall cost of heat element replacement, the prices of replacement parts tend to decrease over time. However, while new clothes dryers are equipped with parts that may be more costly to replace, they also have warranties that almost eliminate repair costs for a time.
Heating element and burner assembly parts for machines older than ten years may be less expensive than those for newer machines. However, with the warranty long gone, repair costs come out of pocket.
Clothes dryers under ten years old with expired warranties are the most expensive to repair.
Additional Parts
There may be more than one reason your dryer isn't drying. In fact, the failure of one part can, in some cases, lead to the failure of others. Parts in addition to or instead of the heating element or burner assembly may be necessary.
| Additional Replacement Parts | Average Parts-Only Cost |
|---|---|
| Timer | $100 |
| Sensor(s) | $20 |
| Thermal Fuse | $15 |
| Igniter (gas) | $30 |
| Flame Sensor (gas) | $20 |
| Valve Coils | $10 |
Brand and Model
In most situations, the cost of repairing your clothes dryer will have little to do with its brand. However, the machine model can play a role. Common brands, such as Maytag, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Speed Queen, and several others, will all share similar repair costs for comparable models.
More complex models within brands cost more to repair, regardless of the repair type, due to the extra time it may take to diagnose and replace parts. Simpler models cost less to repair because there are less variables to contend with.
Labor
Professional labor costs for heating element and burner assembly replacements cost between $60 and $150 per hour. However, the professional who fixes your dryer may offer flat rates for particular repairs or have minimum charge requirements for small jobs. Heating element and burner assembly replacements may fall under minimum charges for some repair companies.
Clothes Dryer Ongoing Costs
Regardless of the type of dryer you have, whether gas, electric, stackable, side-by-side, ventless, top-loading, side-loading, or all-in-one model, there will be some ongoing costs associated with keeping it running at its best.
Maintenance
Proper and regular maintenance is necessary to help your dryer work efficiently and safely. Keeping the lint filters clean is a must, as is occasionally cleaning the exhaust vent. Exhaust vent cleaning can cost very little as a DIY project or up to around $200 for extensive professional work.
Operating Costs
Both gas and electric clothes dryers consume energy, which will be reflected in your monthly utility bill. The costs depend on how often you use your dryer and its efficiency.
Repairs
After the warranty on a newer laundry machine expires, you may occasionally have to repair it. On average, dryer repair costs not associated with the heat-producing parts run between $100 and $430.
DIY Dryer Heating Element Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
The trick to DIY appliance repair, especially clothes dryers, isn't the repair itself but diagnosing the problem. DIY dryer repair is certainly possible and not too difficult with some patience. However, it's also possible to do more harm than good by misdiagnosing or using the wrong replacement parts.
To avoid frustration and possibly spending more money than necessary through trial and error, we recommend calling in your local dryer repair technician. Doing so ensures the heating element replacement job is completed safely and effectively while you enjoy your day doing something more entertaining.
Cost of Common Heating Element Replacement Add-Ons
When your dryer stops heating, you likely want to get it up and running again ASAP. However, if a technician is coming over anyway, it's likely a good time to knock off some other to-dos in the laundry room.
Washing machine repair cost: $125–$450
Dryer vent cleaning cost: $100–$185
Ways You Can Save Money On Dryer Heating Element Replacement
When your dryer stops heating, the best time to save money on heating element replacement is over. However, there are some preventative steps you can take to minimize dryer repair costs in the future.
First, always keep the lint filters clean. Second, consider hiring a pro to complete your dryer's annual maintenance, purchasing an extended warranty if necessary, or asking your repair company about an appliance repair and maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is less expensive to repair a clothes dryer than it is to replace it. However, there are exceptions. Replacing an old dryer with a new one can make sense, especially for ones that are on sale or relatively simple machines that cost less overall than more complex ones. Even if the repair cost is slightly lower than the replacement cost, having a new machine warranty is beneficial. You may also save on utility bills by choosing a more efficient machine than your existing one.
The life expectancy of a dryer is subject to numerous variables. On average, clothes dryers last between ten and 15 years. However, heavily used machines may only last five years, while well-maintained ones used just a couple of times per month can last 20 years or more. The most crucial factor regarding dryer longevity is how well it's maintained by keeping lint traps and exhaust vents clear of debris.