How to Decide If a Dryer Repair is Worth It

Perhaps one of the most common questions surrounding appliance repair is the tradeoff between repairing and replacing. And how to know when you should opt for one over the other. This is something that’s sent homeowners for a loophole for years. And unfortunately, there’s still not a clear cut answer out there that’s universally accepted. If anything, the lines have blurred more so now that the cost of purchasing new appliances are lower than they’ve ever been before. That’s why we made this comprehensive guide to deciding if dryer repair is worth it or should you buy a new dryer.

But one thing is for sure. No one likes to waste money. Especially money that would have otherwise been saved. And while it’s true that appliances are cheaper now than they were back then, it’s still a sizable investment. Especially if it’s a newer model and more expensive brand. And the last thing you want to do is to replace something that could’ve easily been fixed for a fraction of the price. So in order to help prevent this from happening to you, you’ll need to know what to look out for the next time your dryer breaks down and you’re faced with the dilemma of repairing or replacing. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some considerations you should take into account before making your decision. Layering these into your ultimate decision will save you both time and money in the long run.

Weigh the costs of the repair vs. replacement

So your dryer is malfunctioning or you dryer is not spinning. Great. Maybe it’s making weird noises, or just not getting the job done like it used to.

What now?

Well, usually the first step would be to call up your local home appliance repair company and ask for a quote. Many times though, a technician will be unable to accurately diagnose the problem over the phone. It’s common for an appliance technician to charge a flat rate service fee to come out and take a look. And from there, diagnose the problem, and have the service fee act as the deposit toward the repair or any appliance parts that are needed to fix it if you choose to do so.

Depending on how much the company is estimating the total charge to be for the repair, they may recommend a few options. A truly honest technician will ensure that you’re not requesting to repair something that does not make monetary sense to do so. But in case the repair cost is something that you’re comfortable with, a general rule of thumb is to ensure that the repair fee is no more than half the cost to replace your dryer. If it is, then it’s probably worth reconsidering that dryer repair in Buffalo NY that you were planning, as a WNY local. And opt for a new unit instead.

Consider the age of your appliance

This is one that’s difficult to set a specific standard or number to. And the reason for that is there’s a lot of mixed information out there regarding the appropriate age that an appliance should function without displaying any issues. But what makes it difficult to assess is that brands are evolving and updating their technology at different rates. And while the technology used in appliances have generally improved over the years as a whole, there’s still a margin of difference across the board based on the brand and model. And because it’s difficult to stay on top of the ever changing standards as a consumer, it’s best to take this consideration with a grain of salt.

Familiarize yourself with appliance life expectancy

It’s important to know that not all appliances are created equal. And furthermore, not all dryers are created equal. Each appliance has its own life expectancy that should be taken into account. As should the brand and model of dryer that you purchase as mentioned above.

For example, the life expectancy of a refrigerator is generally set to 13 years (give or take), while dryers typically last 10-14 years. With electric dryers lasting on average a little longer than gas powered ones. But dishwashers, on the other hand, usually last much less overall, at 6-10 years. The best way to understand the life expectancy for your specific appliance and dryer is to consult with your appliance maker. And to research what’s written in your user manual or on their company website.

Scrutinize your electricity bills and energy efficiency

According to the experts from Fridge Repair in Ottawa, if your energy bill has been steadily increasing month over month, one reason could be the quality and efficiency of your appliances. Dryers have become more energy efficient over the years and chances are, if you purchased your dryer years ago, there are better alternatives on the market. This can save you hundreds in the long run in your monthly utility bills. Especially if your dryer continuously breaks down and sucks up unnecessary energy. In that case dryer repair is not worth it.

Now, the tricky part comes into play when we break down the two types of dryers available: gas vs. electric. Generally speaking, gas dryers are a more efficient energy source and are cheaper to operate. But before you go purchasing a new gas dryer for your home, make sure to consult with an appliance expert. Because you cannot just convert a dryer from one type to another (from electric to gas and vice versa). The system by which they each operate is entirely different. And so it’s important to know what energy source your dryer is currently using and then to go from there.

But even if you can’t change the type of dryer you operate in your home, it’s still worthwhile to use your utility bills and energy usage as a gauge for understanding your existing dryer’s quality of energy use. And if it makes more sense to replace it for long term cost savings, you should do so.

Examine your long term needs and wants

This final point is based on personal preference. As we mentioned earlier, technology has greatly advanced the quality of appliances we all know and use today. There are higher end options that are now available to those who wish to upgrade but if your dryer is working then replacing the dryer is not worth it.

So if your dryer is working fine, but is outdated, you may still want to consider replacing it. That is, if you want a dryer that does more than what it does currently. There are so many add-ons and specifications to consider nowadays. Some examples of this include the size, style (front or top load), settings and cycle options, temperature controls, etc. Matching up your wants and needs with what’s available on the market will help you decided if it’s better for you to keep what you have currently or if it’s time for an upgrade.

These considerations can act as guidelines for you the next time your dryer or appliance breaks down. They’re questions that will help aid in your decision making. But ultimately the final decision will boil down to your preferences and needs. If you still need assistance in determining the right choice for you, we are happy to assist. Leave your question in the comments below and we’ll get back to you!