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

The cost to replace the heating element in a dryer averages $230 but often ranges from $100 to $350 depending on the machine's age, type, and the nature of the repair work. Whether you have an electric or a gas dryer, its heating element is essential to delivering those fresh, fluffy clothes.

Dryer Heat Element Replacement Cost Factors

When your clothes dryer suddenly stops producing heat to dry your clothing, it's a sure sign that something is amiss. Dryer repair costs highly depend on which parts need attention. While there are several dryer parts that can cause heat failure, if the bad part is a heating element, it will likely require replacement. 

Dryer Type

Clothes dryers are available in two basic types—electric and gas versions. Both of these dryers work similarly by producing and passing heated air through your clothing. How each creates that heated air is the primary difference between them. 

An electric dryer uses electricity running through wires in what's called a heating element. A gas dryer has a burner system it relies on for its heat. A gas dryer's heating mechanism isn't called a heating element. Instead, the term is a burner assembly and it consists of several individual parts. 

In most cases, the differences in styles have only a marginal effect on replacement and repair costs when heating is concerned. While replacing an electric dryer's heating element is fairly straightforward in most cases, gas burner assemblies rarely require complete replacement, and only need the replacing of individual parts to get the assembly operating again as it should. On the high end of average, gas dryers tend to be slightly more expensive to repair. 

Dryer Age

The prices of replacement parts for your heat element tend to decrease over time. However, while new clothes dryers are equipped with parts that may be more costly to replace, they also have warranties that almost eliminate repair costs for a time. 

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. In fact, the failure of one part can, in some cases, lead to the failure of others. Parts in addition to or instead of the heating element or burner assembly may be necessary.

Brand and Model

In most situations, the cost of repairing your clothes dryer will have little to do with its brand. However, 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 costs for heating element and burner assembly replacements cost between $60 and $150 per hour. However, the professional who fixes your dryer may offer flat rates for particular repairs or have minimum charge requirements for small jobs. Heating element and burner assembly replacements may fall under minimum charges for some repair companies. 

Clothes Dryer Ongoing Costs

Regardless of the type of dryer you have, whether gas, electric, stackable, side-by-side, ventless, top-loading, side-loading, or all-in-one model, there will be some ongoing costs associated with keeping it running at its best.  

Maintenance 

Proper and regular maintenance is necessary to help your dryer work efficiently and safely. Keeping the lint filters clean is a must, as is occasionally cleaning the exhaust vent. 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 clothes dryers consume energy, which will be reflected in your monthly utility bill. The costs depend on how often you use your dryer and its efficiency.  

Repairs

After the warranty on a newer laundry machine expires, you may occasionally have to repair it. On average, dryer repair costs not associated with the heat-producing parts run between $100 and $430. 

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.

Why You Should Hire a Dryer Service Pro

While a heater element replacement is not the most difficult task, hiring a dryer service pro will save you both time and hassle. Most pros charge $60 to $150 per hour for this job.

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.

Cost of Common Heating Element Replacement Add-Ons

When your dryer stops heating, you likely want to get it up and running again ASAP. However, if a technician is coming over anyway, it's likely a good time to knock off some other to-dos in the laundry room. 

• Washing machine repair cost: $125–$450

• Dryer vent cleaning cost: $100–$185

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. 

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