How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Heating Element in a Dryer? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to replace a heating element in a dryer typically ranges from $100 to $350, depending on your dryer's age, type, and the scope of the repair. Key cost factors include whether you have an electric or gas dryer, the price of add-on parts like thermal fuses or igniters, and local labor rates.

Dryer Heating Element Replacement Cost: Key Price Factors

When your dryer stops producing heat, the culprit is often a failed heating element that needs full replacement. Dryer repair costs vary significantly depending on which parts need attention. Several dryer parts can cause heat failure, but a bad heating element almost always means a replacement rather than a repair.

Dryer Type

Electric dryer heating parts cost $90 to $250 to replace, while gas dryer heating parts cost about $100 to $350. Gas dryers can cost slightly more to repair because their heating systems contain multiple components, while electric dryers typically rely on a single heating element.

Both dryers work similarly by generating and circulating heated air through your clothing, but they produce heat differently. Electric dryers use an electric heating element, which is typically replaced as a single component when it fails. Gas dryers use a burner assembly made up of several parts, such as an igniter, flame sensor, and gas valve coils.

In many cases, dryer type has only a modest impact on heating repair costs. Gas burner assemblies rarely require complete replacement, since a technician can often replace only the faulty component. However, gas dryer heating repairs can reach higher prices depending on which burner assembly parts need replacement.

Dryer Age

As dryer models age, their replacement heating parts usually drop in price. Newer dryers feature more expensive components, but their initial warranty coverage protects you from out-of-pocket repair costs.

Heating element and burner assembly parts for machines older than ten years may be less expensive than those for newer machines. However, with the warranty long gone, repair costs come out of pocket.

Dryers under ten years old with expired warranties are the most expensive to repair.

Additional Parts

There may be more than one reason your dryer isn't drying, and the failure of one part can sometimes trigger the failure of others. Additional parts beyond the heating element or burner assembly are often needed to fully restore heat. The table below shows average materials costs for the most common add-on replacement parts:

Brand and Model

In most situations, the cost of repairing your clothes dryer will have little to do with its brand, but the machine model can play a role. Common brands, such as Maytag, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Speed Queen, and several others, will all share similar repair costs for comparable models.

More complex models within brands cost more to repair, regardless of the repair type, due to the extra time it may take to diagnose and replace parts. Simpler models cost less to repair because there are less variables to contend with.

Labor

Professional labor for heating element and burner assembly replacements runs between $60 and $150 per hour. The professional who fixes your dryer may offer flat rates for specific repairs or apply minimum charge requirements for smaller jobs. Heating element replacements can sometimes fall under those minimums, so it's worth asking upfront how your repair company structures its pricing.

Clothes Dryer Ongoing Costs: What To Budget For

Every dryer—gas, electric, stackable, side-by-side, ventless, top-loading, side-loading, or all-in-one—comes with ongoing costs to keep it running safely and efficiently. Budgeting for routine maintenance, energy use, and occasional repairs will help you avoid larger, unexpected expenses down the road. Knowing what to expect in each category makes it easier to plan ahead.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your dryer running efficiently and reduces the risk of fire or mechanical failure. Cleaning the lint filter after every load and periodically clearing the exhaust vent are the two most important tasks. Exhaust vent cleaning can cost very little as a DIY project or up to around $200 for extensive professional work.

Operating Costs

Both gas and electric dryers consume energy, and that usage shows up in your monthly utility bill. How much you pay depends on how frequently you run your dryer and how energy-efficient your model is. Upgrading to a more efficient dryer or running full loads can meaningfully reduce these ongoing costs over time.

Repairs

Once your dryer's warranty expires, out-of-pocket repair costs become a real budget consideration. Dryer repairs not related to heat-producing parts average between $100 to $430, depending on the component and labor involved. Keeping up with routine maintenance is the most effective way to reduce how often those repair bills arise.

Most Frequently Cited Washer and Dryer Issues

According to Angi customers, about 21% of washer and dryer problems involve a system that doesn't work at all. Other commonly cited problems include being too noisy and not draining properly, at 10% each.

Dryer Service Pro Costs: What To Expect

Most dryer service pros charge $60 to $150 per hourfor a heating element replacement, but it saves time and reduces the risk of a misdiagnosis. A professional can also identify any underlying issues beyond the heating element itself, which helps you avoid a repeat service call.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a dryer service pro

There are good reasons to hire a professional to replace your dryer's heating element, including:

• A professional can determine if the heating element is the only issue or if there are other underlying problems that need to be addressed.

• Leaving the job to a pro will often be much faster.

• If something goes wrong during the repair, a pro's insurance will protect you.

• Most pros can also service and clean your dryer while doing the repair

If you want to help with replacing a dryer heating element

As long as you are comfortable working with large appliances, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for your dryer pro's arrival, including:

• Check the make and model of your dryer to determine the correct replacement parts and procedures.

• Ensure your dryer is unplugged before your pro arrives to replace the component.

• Document all electric connections before the service.

• Vacuum or clean any lint or dust buildup before your pro arrives.

• Double-check to make sure no wires are bent, exposed, or damaged.

Dryer Additional Costs: What Else To Consider

When a technician is already at your home for a dryer heating element replacement, it's a smart time to address other laundry room needs. Bundling services into a single visit can save you on additional trip charges and get everything handled at once. Common add-ons to consider are listed below:

Ways You Can Save Money on Dryer Heating Element Replacement

When your dryer stops heating, the best time to save money on heating element replacement is over. However, there are some preventative steps you can take to minimize dryer repair costs in the future.

First, always keep the lint filters clean. Second, consider hiring a pro to complete your dryer's annual maintenance, purchasing an extended warranty if necessary, or asking your repair company about an appliance repair and maintenance plan.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.