How Long Should Your Dryer Last?

The dryer is a common fixture in modern homes, with almost 80% of American families owning one, notes Energy Star. However, the dryer is an appliance that needs a little more care than the average addition to the home. This appliance includes a number of expensive internal parts, which are used to apply concentrated heat to the clothing inside, meaning that repairs can be costly.

Dryers require constant cleaning of the lint trap and good ventilation in order to function correctly. All this leads homeowners to the inevitable question of when a dryer has run its last cycle. Dryers are generally quite durable and it can be hard to identify problems that are reducing their lifespan. Therefore it's important to consider your dryer's age, the condition of its parts, and how often you use it, as this will help you determine when it's time to replace the unit with a new appliance.

As with any other appliance in the home, you can expect your dryer to wear out over time, and understanding the typical limits of this unit can help you plan for its replacement. According to Spencers TV & Appliance, the average dryer will last between 10 and 13 years.

A washing machine will often last about the same length of time as a dryer, and for this reason, many homeowners look to replace both units together. An old washer won't clean your clothes as well as a brand-new appliance, nor is it as energy efficient, and the same can be said for your dryer.

Conner's Appliance reports that a homeowner can extend the life of their dryer with a few simple steps. Checking the ventilation on a regular basis and clearing any debris that may have built up is an essential practice. The exhaust vent can easily become overrun with lint and other debris that sticks to clothing.

If your dryer is starting to creep toward old age, there are a few signs to look out for. Most importantly, if your clothes aren't drying completely, then this is a telltale sign that something is wrong. While you may just be dealing with excessive lint stuck in the trap or vents, the dryer may be losing its potency and may need replacing soon, explains Superior Air Duct Cleaning.

CNET warns that, in this situation, it's entirely possible for your dryer to catch fire. The lint that collects in the unit and the heat applied to the drum and clothing can cause it to ignite. Moreover, WikiHow reports that if your dryer is making strange noises it may be a sign that one of the components of the drum has started to wear out (or failed completely). This is a sign of intense wear and should also be taken seriously. Thankfully, there is an upside to replacing your dryer, as CNET also notes that a new, Energy Star-certified unit can reduce energy usage by as much as 20% over the old model that you have in your home.