Tips for Deciding: Repair or Replace That Dryer?

Shopping for a new dryer rarely falls into the “fun” category. There are so many options to choose from, and they’re not exactly showy like stainless steel kitchen appliances. Then there’s that little niggle of guilt for using a dryer in the first place instead of line-drying your clothes. With all of these factors in play, it’s no wonder you want to delay shopping for a new clothes dryer if you can.

Even with that reluctance to shop for a new dryer, it’s tough to know whether to repair or replace a dryer. If you call Gator Appliance Repair for dryer repair in Miami, you’ll have some help with this dilemma. Experienced dryer repair technicians are your partner in maintaining your dryer for as long as possible. Those same techs can tell you when your dryer is too far gone to salvage.

Tip 1: Repair vs. Replacement Cost
So your dryer is making a funny noise and taking longer than usual to dry clothes. You call in your trusted dryer repair service, and the repair will cost $150. The general rule of thumb for any appliance is that if repair costs are more than half of the replacement cost, it’s time to buy a new appliance. You can get a basic dryer for about $300, but it’s not Energy Star rated so utility savings are minimal. In this scenario, it’s a toss-up on whether to repair or replace. Consult your dryer repair service expert and consider other important factors.

Tip 2: Age Matters . . . Sort of
For the first 15 years of this century, dryers improved their efficiency somewhat. Still, it wasn’t until 2015 that the Environmental Protection Agency began certifying some dryers as Energy Star worthy. If you bought your dryer in 2013, it’s more efficient than a 2005 model. It’s probably not quite as energy efficient as a 2016 model. If you spent $1,200 on a Bosch dryer three years ago, and repairs are minimal, it’s probably best to hold onto your current dryer for a few more years.

Tio 3: Note the Life Expectancy of Your Dryer
The average electric dryer should last about 14 years. The average gas dryer is a little less durable, lasting about 13 years. If you’re approaching your dryer’s average lifespan, but a $40 repair will last you another year or two, it may be best to repair it for now. This buys you a little extra time to research potential dryers for reliability, energy efficiency and cost.

You can actually help get the most years out of your dryer with a little regular maintenance. If you haven’t had a need for appliance repair, you can start by finding a reputable service. You can do this by searching online with the term, “dryer repair near me.” You’ll get a list of local dryer repair companies that you can research for suitability. Making sure your dryer is properly maintained each year can add a few years to most dryers.

Tip 4: Energy Efficiency
Some of the features that make dryers energy efficient actually debuted years before the EPA started rating dryer efficiency. Does your dryer possess some of these features? Will repairs cost less than half the cost of replacement? If you answered “yes” to both of these statements, sticking with your dryer may be a good choice.

Here’s a list of some of the energy efficient features to look for:

-Moisture sensors. Dryer manufacturers have been placing moisture sensors in their appliances for at least a decade. This technology has improved somewhat over the intervening years, but any moisture sensor will save energy compared to a timed drying cycle.

-Gas powered dryers. Gas dryers can save you as much as half the running cost of an electric dryer. If you currently have a gas dryer, and your repair costs will be minimal, keep your dryer around for a little while longer.

-Low heat settings. It seems counterintuitive, but low heat drying cycles save energy and utility costs even though the cycle takes longer.

Tip 5: Make Sure Your Dryer is the Right Size
Does your ailing dryer fit the capacity of your current washer? For your home’s efficiency, you need a dryer that can handle your washer’s average load. Most experts recommend that your dryer be about twice the capacity of your washer. If your washer capacity is 4.1 cubic feet, for example, your dryer capacity should be at least 8 cubic feet. If your dryer capacity isn’t suitable for your new washer, and your dryer is on the fritz, it may be time to look for a new dryer.

Smart Features You’re Missing

Plenty of fancy new WiFi-enabled dryers have hit the market in the last couple of years. It’s hard to resist these smart dryers that integrate with your whole home. Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to start and stop your dryer with the touch of a remote button? There’s a cost to that new technology though. Here are a few issues to weigh in deciding whether you’ll have your dryer repair service fix your dryer or scrap it:

-Does the smart technology save you energy usage and costs?

-Is the technology-enabled dryer compatible with your existing smart home system?

-What’s the cost of maintaining a smart dryer? Check with your favorite dryer repair in San Francisco to find out how expensive it is to maintain a smart appliance.