Dryer Repair Cost: What Homeowners Should Expect and How to Avoid Overpaying

Kirill Anikin
22 minutes ago
4 min read

TL;DR: Dryer Repair Cost

Most dryer repair costs fall between $150–$400 for common issues like heating elements, belts, or sensors
High-end or electronic repairs can reach $600–$800, especially for control boards or motors
Electric dryers are usually cheaper to fix than gas or smart models
Brand matters: Whirlpool and GE are typically cheaper to repair than Samsung, LG, Bosch, or Miele
Use the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new dryer, replacement is often smarter
Clogged vents and poor maintenance are major hidden cost drivers
Cleaning the lint filter every load and the vent yearly can significantly reduce future repair bills
A proper diagnosis saves money. Guessing parts usually increases the total repair cost
Call us for a free Dryer Repair Estimate

The average household runs a dryer nearly 300 times per year. That’s a lot of heat, motion, and electrical load packed into one appliance. Eventually, something gives. When it does, the first question most homeowners ask is simple: what is the dryer repair cost going to be?

I’m writing this from the perspective of a service team that sees dryer issues every single week. Some repairs are quick and inexpensive. Others are a clear signal that replacement makes more financial sense. This guide breaks it all down so you can make a calm, informed decision instead of a rushed one.

What Determines Dryer Repair Cost?

Dryer repair pricing isn’t arbitrary. It’s driven by a small set of predictable variables.

1. Type of Dryer

Not all dryers are built the same.

Electric dryers are mechanically simpler and usually less expensive to repair
Gas dryers involve ignition systems and gas components, which increases labor and risk
Stacked or compact dryers take longer to access and disassemble
High-end or smart dryers rely on proprietary electronics and control boards

The more complex the system, the higher the dryer repair cost tends to be.

If your unit is electric, you may want to review our focused electric dryer resource:https://www.getitcomplete.ca/electric-dryer-repair

2. The Failed Component

Some dryer parts wear out regularly. Others fail less often but are costly when they do.

Here’s a quick example of how part type affects cost:

Component	Typical Repair Cost (CAD)
Thermal fuse or thermostat	$120–$220
Heating element	$200–$400
Drum belt	$150–$300
Rollers or idler pulley	$180–$350
Door switch or knob	$120–$250
Control board	$350–$700+

These ranges typically include both parts and labor.

Dryer Brands and Average Repair Costs

Different brands have different parts, warranties, and common failure modes. This affects the typical dryer repair cost.

Brand	Average Repair Cost (CAD)	Notes
Whirlpool	$220–$380	Easy parts access
GE	$200–$360	Widely available parts
Samsung	$260–$420	Electronics can add cost
LG	$250–$430	Smart features increase cost
Bosch	$240–$400	Reliable, parts moderately priced
Miele	$320–$550	Premium parts and service
Maytag	$230–$390	Similar to Whirlpool

These numbers are averages based on common service calls. Your specific model and issue will change the final price.

Other Factors That Impact Dryer Repair Cost

Labor Time and Accessibility

Dryers installed in tight closets, stacked configurations, or custom cabinetry require more time to service. Labor time directly affects the final dryer repair cost, even when the part itself is inexpensive.

Emergency or Same-Day Service

Urgent repairs often come with a premium. Same-day or after-hours service reflects technician availability, scheduling disruptions, and travel time.

Brand and Parts Availability

Some brands maintain strong parts availability. Others don’t. If a component is discontinued or backordered, both cost and downtime increase.

Average Dryer Repair Cost Range

Most homeowners want a realistic benchmark.

In Ontario, the average dryer repair cost typically falls between $150 and $400 for common mechanical or heating issues. More complex electronic failures can reach $600 to $800, especially when control boards or motors are involved.

Once costs move beyond that range, replacement should be seriously considered.

Repair vs Replacement: The 50 Percent Rule

A simple guideline used by many appliance professionals.

If the dryer repair cost exceeds 50 percent of the price of a comparable new dryer, replacement is usually the more practical option.

Example

Dryer age: 8 years
New replacement cost: $900
Repair estimate: $550

That’s rarely worth it.

By contrast:

Dryer age: 4 years
Repair estimate: $220

That’s typically a solid repair decision.

Hidden Costs Homeowners Often Overlook

Venting Problems

Restricted airflow is one of the most common underlying causes of dryer failure. A clogged or poorly routed vent can repeatedly blow thermal fuses and overheat heating elements.

Routine care matters. This maintenance guide explains why it’s so critical:

Repeat Breakdowns

A low-cost repair that doesn’t address the root cause often leads to repeat service calls. Over time, that inflates the true dryer repair cost well beyond the original quote.

Higher Energy Bills

Failing components make dryers run longer and less efficiently. That extra runtime shows up every month on your utility bill.

How to Reduce Your Dryer Repair Cost

Small habits make a measurable difference.

Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load

Not weekly. Every load.

Inspect and Clean the Vent Annually

This single step prevents many heating and airflow-related failures.

Address Unusual Noises Early

Squealing, grinding, or thumping usually indicates worn belts or rollers. Catching them early keeps repairs smaller and cheaper.

Avoid Overloading

Excess weight strains motors, belts, and bearings.

When a Dryer Is No Longer Worth Repairing

Some situations clearly point toward replacement.

Repeated Major Repairs

Multiple high-cost failures over a short period usually mean the appliance is nearing end of life.

Structural Corrosion

Rust inside the drum or cabinet compromises safety and reliability.

Obsolete or Unavailable Parts

Long delays or discontinued components often make repair impractical.

Why Professional Diagnosis Matters

Dryer symptoms are misleading.

No heat could be a fuse, thermostat, heating element, or control board
A non-spinning drum could be a belt, motor, door switch, or electronic fault

Replacing parts based on guesswork often increases the dryer repair cost rather than reducing it.

For homeowners who want professional assessment and repair, you can review our full service offering here: