How Long Do Dryers Last?

According to a study by Energy Star, the U.S. government-backed energy efficiency program, dryers typically last between 12 and 16 years on average. However, some dryers can last longer—20 years or more—especially those from brands known for their durability, such as Speed Queen, Maytag, and Miele.

However, several other factors influence how long a dryer lasts, which this article will explore. We’ll also discuss steps you can take to prolong the life of your dryer and the signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Factors that affect a dryer’s lifespan

Here are the main factors that influence how long a dryer lasts.

How frequently it’s used

A family household with multiple children who spend a lot of time outdoors will naturally use their dryer more frequently than a couple or someone living alone. Increased usage leads to more wear and tear on components over time, meaning the dryer in the busy household will likely have a shorter lifespan in terms of years, but roughly the same lifespan in terms of operational hours.

Whether overloading occurs

Consistently shoving as much laundry into your dryer as possible, jamming it full, is a surefire way to reduce its lifespan. That’s because overloading a dryer puts additional strain on its motor and other critical components, causing them to wear out faster.

How well it’s maintained

Dryers need to have their lint traps cleaned after every load, and the vent on vented dryers should be cleaned at least once a year to ensure the dryer runs efficiently and doesn’t overheat. Neglecting these and other general maintenance tasks can shorten the lifespan of a dryer.

The quality of the brand and model

Premium models from reputable dryer brands with a track record for durability, such as Speed Queen, Miele, Whirlpool, and Maytag, will generally last longer on average due to their superior quality than cheaper models from less well-known brands. However, even with premium models, a degree of luck is involved—any dryer can experience issues if you’re unlucky.

Ways to prolong your dryer’s lifespan

Here are some of the best steps you can take to ensure your dryer lasts as long as possible:

Clean the lint trap

This should be done after every load to ensure the dryer has adequate airflow to run efficiently, preventing overheating and faster wear.

Clean the vent

Vented dryers need to have their venting system and ductwork cleaned at least once per year to prevent blockages. Consider hiring a professional if you can’t or don’t want to do it yourself.

Clean the dryer

Cleaning the interior and exterior of the dryer regularly with a damp cloth will prevent the buildup of grime, reducing the risk of corrosion and rust.

Don’t overload the dryer

It’s tempting to throw more laundry into your dryer than you should, but remember that this puts greater strain on your appliance, causing it to wear out faster. Generally, filling the dryer between 50% and 75% full is best.

Keep the dryer level

You always want your dryer to be sitting level on a flat, stable surface to reduce vibrations and shaking while it’s running, which can cause increased wear and tear and slower drying times.

Regularly check the door seal

A damaged or dirty door seal can allow heat to escape, which causes longer drying times, and therefore, more wear on your dryer.

Line dry clothes when you can

During the warmer months, dry your laundry outside on a clothesline as often as possible. This not only reduces wear on your dryer but also on your clothes. It’s also more environmentally friendly.

Signs that it’s time for a new dryer

As a dryer approaches the end of its lifespan, it’s common for multiple warning signs to appear simultaneously. If two or more of the following apply to your dryer, it may be time to consider purchasing a new dryer.

Performance issues

If your dryer isn’t getting as hot as it used to, clothes are coming out damp, or it’s taking longer to dry laundry properly, with no obvious cause other than the machine getting old, it may be a sign that it’s time to get a new dryer.

Your dryer is making loud noises

If you’re hearing unusual noises from your dryer, such as loud banging, rattling, grinding, or screeching sounds, it can be a sign of underlying mechanical problems or worn-out moving parts. It’s recommended to have a professional inspect your dryer to determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.

There’s an electrical burning smell

The smell of burning electrical components can indicate a serious problem, especially if it’s related to the control board. If your dryer is now working intermittently, stopping mid-cycle, or behaving strangely, this could be a sign that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Your dryer needs frequent repairs

If your dryer’s components, such as the motor, heating element, or thermostat, are frequently breaking down, or if you’re dealing with recurring issues like the dryer not heating, shutting off mid-cycle, or providing inconsistent drying results, it may be a sign that your appliance is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Your dryer is over a decade old

Considering the typical lifespan of a dryer is between 12 and 16 years, if your appliance is over a decade old and exhibiting one or more of the above warning signs, it could be nearing the end of its lifespan. At this point, you may want to consider replacing your dryer with a newer model.