How long do dryers last? About 13 years, by the figure in InterNACHI's life expectancy chart, which assumes regular maintenance. Airflow is the biggest factor: a dryer with a clean lint filter and an open vent runs shorter, cooler cycles, and that's easier on every part.
Typical lifespan
InterNACHI lists clothes dryers at 13 years and treats the figure as a guideline that depends on use and maintenance. It doesn't separate gas from electric models.
One manufacturer claims more for its own machines. Speed Queen's product brochure lists longevity of 25 years, tested to 10,400 cycles, for its residential washer and dryer lines. That's a testing claim for one brand, not an average, but it shows the same idea as the washer post: dryers wear by cycles, so a busy household uses up its dryer's life faster.
What wears out first
| Part | Typical sign of wear |
|---|---|
| Drum belt | Squealing, then a motor that runs while the drum doesn't turn |
| Drum rollers and idler pulley | Thumping, squeaking or a rhythmic rumble as the drum turns |
| Drum glides or front bearing | Scraping or grinding at the front of the drum, lint stained black |
| Heating element (electric) | Longer dry times, then no heat |
| Igniter (gas) | Slow or no ignition, longer dry times |
| Thermal fuse and thermostats | A dryer that won't start or won't heat, often after a vent blockage |
| Door switch and latch | A door that won't stay shut or a dryer that won't start |
What shortens its life
- •A lint filter that isn't cleaned every cycle. The U.S. Fire Administration says to clean the lint filter before and after each cycle and never to run the dryer without one.
- •A vent that's crushed, kinked, too long or clogged, which makes the dryer run longer and hotter.
- •Overloaded drums, which strain the belt, rollers and motor.
- •Very wet loads from a washer with a weak spin.
- •Shoes, heavy rugs and other items that pound the drum.
What helps it last
- •Clean the lint filter every load and the area behind the dryer where lint builds up, as the USFA advises.
- •Make sure the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer runs. See dryer vent duct lifespan for how long vent materials last.
- •Load to the manual's capacity.
- •Use the washer's normal or high spin so loads go in less wet.
- •Have the dryer installed and serviced by a professional, as the USFA recommends.
Signs of age vs. signs of a fixable fault
An aging dryer tends to get louder in several ways at once and takes a little longer to dry over months. Even then, check the vent before blaming age.
A single fault is usually sudden and specific. A drum that won't turn while the motor runs points to the belt. No heat at all with normal tumbling points to the heat source or a safety part. A dryer that won't start may have a door switch or thermal fuse problem. Our post on dryer belt and roller wear covers the noises. Gas dryer problems belong with a technician, and our dryer service handles gas and electric models.
Sources
- •InterNACHI: Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
- •Speed Queen: Product Brochure (PDF)
- •U.S. Fire Administration: Clothes Dryer Fire Safety (PDF)
Takeaway: Airflow is a dryer's lifeline: a clean lint filter and an open vent shorten every cycle and spare every part.
Dryer taking longer, running louder or not heating? Reach True Fix Chicago at (312) 896-8111.