Replacement Cost of a Heating Element in a Dryer?

Dryer Heat Element Replacement Cost Factors

If your dryer suddenly stops generating the heat needed to dry clothes, it indicates that a repair may be necessary. The cost of fixing a dryer largely depends on which component is causing the issue. While several parts can lead to a lack of heat, a faulty heating element often means replacement will be needed.

Dryer Type

Clothes dryers generally come in two main types: electric and gas. Both function by moving heated air through the drum to dry clothes but differ in how they produce that heat. Electric dryers rely on a heating element powered by electricity, while gas dryers use a burner assembly composed of several parts to generate heat.
These differences are typically minor in terms of repair and replacement costs. Replacing a heating element in an electric dryer is usually straightforward, while gas dryers often only require replacing specific parts of the burner assembly rather than the entire unit. Overall, repairs for gas dryers can be slightly pricier at SD Appliance Repair.

Dryer Age

Replacement part costs for dryer heating elements often decline as the appliance ages. Newer dryers may have pricier components, though warranties on these machines typically cover repair expenses for a period. For dryers older than a decade, heating element or burner assembly parts tend to be more affordable, but without a warranty, any repairs become an out-of-pocket expense. Dryers less than ten years old without a warranty generally incur the highest repair costs.

Additional Parts

If your dryer isn’t effectively drying clothes, multiple issues could be responsible. In some instances, the failure of one component can cause other parts to malfunction as well. Alongside or in place of the heating element or burner assembly, additional parts may need attention or replacement.

Brand and Model

Generally, the brand of your dryer has minimal impact on repair costs, though the specific model can influence expenses. Major brands like Maytag, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, and Speed Queen tend to have similar repair costs for comparable models. However, repairs on more complex models can be pricier due to the additional time needed for diagnostics and part replacements. Simpler models are typically less costly to repair, as fewer components and complexities are involved.

Labor

Labor rates for replacing a heating element or burner assembly in a dryer typically range from $100 to $190 per hour. Some repair technicians may offer flat rates for particular services or impose a minimum fee for smaller tasks. In some cases, replacing a heating element or burner assembly might meet the minimum charge set by SD Appliance Repair.