10-13 years (well-maintained units, especially with clean vents, can reach closer to 15)
Typical lifespan
| Type | Typical lifespan | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes dryer (gas or electric) | 10-13 years (well-maintained units, especially with clean vents, can reach closer to 15) | Appliance-industry lifespan data widely cited (Angi, Thumbtack, appliance-repair industry sources) |
Signs you need to replace it
- !Taking two or three cycles to fully dry a single load
- !Unusual squealing, grinding, or thumping noises during operation
- !Clothes coming out excessively hot — can indicate a faulty thermostat or a restricted vent
- !Frequent repair calls
What replacement costs
$800–$2,000
New unit alone: $800-$1,200 average (basic electric from ~$250, premium/gas up to $3,000). Fully installed replacement: roughly $955-$2,056.
Maintenance that extends its life
- Clean the lint trap after every load — this alone prevents most "takes forever to dry" complaints
- Have the exhaust vent professionally cleaned every 1-2 years; a clogged vent is both a fire hazard and the most common cause of poor drying performance
- Don't overload — it restricts airflow around the clothes
FAQ
My dryer takes forever to dry clothes now — is it dying?
Check the lint trap and exhaust vent first. A clogged vent is the single most common cause of slow drying and is a cheap, DIY-fixable problem — not necessarily a sign the unit itself is failing.
Is a hot-running dryer dangerous?
It can be — excessive heat combined with lint buildup is a real fire risk. If cleaning the lint trap and vent doesn't fix it, get it inspected rather than continuing to use it.