Is It Worth It to Fix a Dryer? Real Costs vs. Replacement in 2025

Every winter, someone in Dunedin pulls a damp load of laundry out of their dryer and wonders: is it worth it to fix a dryer? The machine sputters, makes a weird noise, or just stops heating. You look at the price of a new one-$800, $1,200, even more-and your stomach drops. But calling a repair technician feels like throwing money down a hole. So what’s the real answer?

When repair makes sense

If your dryer is less than 8 years old and the problem isn’t something major like a cracked drum or a burned-out heating element, fixing it is almost always the smarter move. Most dryers last 10 to 13 years with normal use. If yours is still in the first half of its life, spending $150 to $300 on a repair gives you another 4 to 6 years of reliable service. That’s a better deal than replacing it outright.

Common fixes that cost under $250 and are worth doing:

• Replacing a broken belt ($80-$150)
• Fixing a faulty thermal fuse ($60-$120)
• Cleaning or replacing a clogged vent ($100-$180)
• Replacing a worn-out idler pulley ($70-$130)

These aren’t rare issues. In fact, over 60% of dryer repairs I’ve seen in the last two years were one of these four. And they’re quick-usually done in under two hours. You get your dryer back, your clothes dry faster, and you avoid the hassle of hauling out an old machine and dragging in a new one.

When replacement is the better choice

There are times when repair is a trap. If your dryer is 10 years or older, and the issue is something expensive-like a failed motor, a damaged control board, or a cracked drum-it’s time to walk away. Replacing a motor can cost $300 to $500. That’s nearly half the price of a new dryer. And if the motor went, other parts are likely close behind.

Also, if your dryer is a basic model with no smart features, no moisture sensors, or no energy efficiency rating, replacing it might save you money in the long run. New dryers use 20% to 30% less electricity than models from 2010. In New Zealand, where power prices keep climbing, that adds up. A modern heat pump dryer might cost $1,400 upfront, but it can cut your annual drying costs from $180 to $90. Payback time? Less than 6 years.

And don’t forget the hidden cost of a broken dryer: time. If you’re stuck doing laundry at the laundromat because your machine won’t work, you’re paying $8 to $12 per load. That’s $120 to $180 a month. In just three months, you’ve spent more than most dryer repairs cost.

What’s the average repair cost in 2025?

Here’s what you’re likely to pay in New Zealand right now:

Most reputable technicians charge $80 to $120 per hour. A simple fix like replacing a fuse or belt takes under an hour. Complex jobs like motor or control board swaps can take 2 to 3 hours. Always ask for a quote before they start. A good technician will give you a clear estimate-and won’t charge you if they can’t fix it.

What you should check before calling a pro

Before you pay for a service call, do a quick self-check. You might save yourself $100.

1. Check the power. Is the dryer plugged in? Did a circuit breaker trip? Dryers use 240V-sometimes they trip the breaker without you noticing.
2. Look at the lint filter. A clogged filter doesn’t stop the dryer from running, but it makes it work harder and overheat. Clean it every load.
3. Inspect the vent hose. Is it crushed behind the dryer? Is it full of lint? A blocked vent is the #1 reason dryers overheat and fail prematurely.
4. Listen for noise. A squealing or grinding sound? Likely the drum rollers or belt. A thumping? Could be something stuck in the drum.
5. Check the door switch. If the dryer won’t start, the door might not be closing fully. Try pressing the switch manually with a pencil to see if it turns on.

If you’ve checked all that and it still won’t heat or spin, then yes-call a technician. But if it’s just a clogged vent, you can clean it yourself in 20 minutes with a vacuum and a brush. Save the money for something else.

What to ask before you pay

Not all repair techs are equal. Here’s what to ask before you say yes:

• “Do you offer a warranty on parts and labour?” A reputable company will guarantee their work for at least 90 days.
• “Do you carry the parts for my model?” If they have to order it, you’re looking at 3 to 5 days without your dryer.
• “Can you show me the old part?” If they replaced a fuse or belt, you should see the broken one. It proves they did the job.
• “Is this a common issue for this model?” If they say yes, it’s a good sign they’ve seen it before.

Also, avoid companies that pressure you into a full replacement. A good technician will tell you if repair is a waste of money. If they push you to buy a new one, find someone else.

How to decide: repair or replace?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• If the repair cost is under 50% of the price of a new dryer → fix it.
• If your dryer is over 10 years old → consider replacing it.
• If you’re spending more than $300 on repairs in a year → replace it.
• If your dryer uses more than 5 kWh per load → upgrade to a heat pump model.

For example: A new heat pump dryer costs $1,400. Your repair quote is $450. That’s 32% of the replacement cost. You’re 7 years into a 12-year lifespan. Fix it.

But if your dryer is 12 years old, it’s a basic electric model, and you’ve already spent $350 on repairs this year? Replace it. The next repair will likely be more expensive-and you’ll be back here in six months.

What happens if you wait too long?

Delaying a repair can cost you more than just money. A dryer with a broken thermostat can overheat and damage the wiring. A clogged vent can cause a fire. In New Zealand, there were 87 dryer-related fires reported in 2024-most from neglected maintenance.

And if your dryer dies in the middle of winter? You’re stuck hanging wet clothes indoors. That increases humidity, which leads to mould. Mould remediation costs $1,000 to $3,000. A $200 repair could have prevented it.

Don’t wait for disaster. If your dryer is acting up, get it checked. A $100 diagnostic call is cheaper than a $2,000 mould job.

Final verdict: Is it worth it to fix a dryer?

Yes-usually. Most dryers are worth fixing if they’re under 10 years old and the repair is under $300. The savings on energy, time, and avoiding a messy replacement job add up fast. But if your dryer is old, inefficient, or needs a major part replaced, it’s time to upgrade.

Don’t let fear of cost make you choose the wrong path. A quick diagnostic call costs $80. That’s less than two loads at the laundromat. You’ll walk away with a clear answer: fix it, or replace it. Either way, you’re making the smart move.