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How Long Do Dryers Last?
Most dryers last about 10 to 15 years, but how long yours lasts depends on the vent, the load and the care. Here are the signs and the fixes.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026. Written and reviewed by the Plano Dryer Pros team. How we create content
Clothes dryers commonly last about 10 to 15 years, depending on the brand, how heavily they are used and how well the vent and lint screen are kept clear. A dryer with a clean vent often outlasts one that runs hot. Warning signs include longer drying times, noise, a burning smell and repeated repairs.
Key takeaways
- Dryers commonly last about 10 to 15 years, and care changes the number.
- A clear vent is the biggest single factor in how long a dryer lasts.
- Noise, long drying times and a burning smell are early warning signs.
- Gas and electric dryers show no reliable difference in lifespan.
The typical range
| Dryer age | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Under about 5 years | Failures are rare and usually small parts |
| About 5 to 10 years | Wear parts such as belts, rollers and fuses start to appear |
| About 10 to 15 years | Many dryers are still fine, with more frequent repairs |
| Over about 15 years | Treat any big repair with caution, and consider replacing |
How long do dryers last?
Clothes dryers commonly last about 10 to 15 years. The range depends on the brand, how heavily the dryer is used and how well the vent and lint screen are kept clear. A dryer with a clean vent often outlasts one that runs hot. Age is a guide, so judge the repair and the condition together.
What shortens a dryer’s life
- A restricted vent, which makes the heat parts and the motor run hot
- Overloading the drum, which strains the belt, rollers and motor
- A dryer that is not level, which causes vibration and wear
- Ignoring noise, so a worn pulley or roller damages other parts
- Heavy use, such as large households and daily loads
What shortens the life of a dryer?
A restricted vent is the biggest factor, because it makes the heating parts and the motor run hot. Overloading the drum, a dryer that is not level and ignoring early noises also add wear. Heavy daily use in a large household ages a dryer faster. Keeping the vent clear and fixing small problems early helps most.
Warning signs a dryer is wearing out
| Sign | What it often means |
|---|---|
| Clothes need two cycles | Restricted airflow, or a weakening heater |
| Squealing, thumping or grinding | Worn belt, pulley, rollers or bearing |
| A burning smell | Overheating, lint or a slipping belt |
| Repeated blown fuses or tripped breakers | An underlying fault or overheating |
| Several repairs within a year or two | The dryer is nearing the end |
How do I know when it is time to replace my dryer?
Look at three things: age, the cost of the repair against a new dryer, and whether parts are wearing out together. If the dryer is over about 12 years old and needs a major part, the repair nears half the price of a new dryer, or the drum is rusted, replacing is usually smarter. See the 10-year-old dryer post.
How to make a dryer last longer
- Empty the lint screen every load, and wash it a couple of times a year.
- Have the full vent run checked or cleared about once a year.
- Do not overload the drum.
- Keep the dryer level, and the area around it clear.
- Fix noises and long drying times early, before they damage other parts.
Do gas dryers last longer than electric ones?
There is no reliable difference. Both commonly last about 10 to 15 years, and what matters most is the brand, the usage and how well the vent and lint screen are kept clear. Do not choose a fuel type for lifespan alone. See the gas versus electric guide.
See the repair or replace guide and the maintenance checklist.
Sources
- Your dryer’s installation and service manual, which governs over any general guidance on this page
- Plano Dryer Pros estimates of typical local repair pricing, checked against national consumer cost guides for context. See our Editorial Policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 10-year-old dryer worth repairing?
Usually yes, if the repair is a small part and nothing else is failing. If the repair nears half the price of a comparable new dryer, or the drum is rusted, replacing may be smarter. See the full post on this.
Does cleaning the vent really extend a dryer’s life?
Yes. Restricted airflow overheats the heat parts and the motor, so a clear vent reduces wear and the chance of a fuse or element failure. It is the cheapest thing you can do for a dryer.
How can I find my dryer’s age?
The model and serial number on the tag inside the door frame or on the back usually encode the date, and the maker’s website or a lookup can decode it. Photograph the tag and ask a technician if you are unsure.
Do washers and dryers last the same time?
They have similar typical lifespans, but each depends on its own use and care. A dryer’s life is affected strongly by the vent, which a washer does not have. Judge each by its own condition.
Which parts wear out first?
Wear parts such as belts, idler pulleys, drum rollers and thermal fuses usually go first, and they are small repairs. Heating parts, switches and the motor follow, and the control board and drum bearing are costlier and often come later.
Get your dryer working again
Call and a person will answer, or request a repair online. You get the full price in writing before any work starts.