Your dryer is making a strange noise; or your dryer is taking ages to dry the clothes properly. Maybe it’s filling the entire room with moist heat. In any event, it is apparent that something is seriously wrong with your dryer. Now, should you repair it or replace it? That’s a big decision, and in this post, we’ll examine the various factors you should consider.
The 50% Rule
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodelling and want something that’s a better fit or are concerned about energy efficiency.
Kind and Cost
Is your dryer a vented or ventless dryer? Your house is set up for one or the other and the kind you currently have will impact your choice of repair or replace. Vented dryers are common, so they are also the least expensive to purchase. You can get a vented dryer for as little as $300 and as much as $1500. A condenser dryer can be anywhere from $600 to $2000. Heat pump dryers were only introduced to the U.S. market in 2015, and are the most expensive. They can cost $1300 and up. These are just initial costs, however. Over time, condenser dryers can save you money, especially the heat pump dryers. When there’s no vent to the outdoors, the energy efficiency of your home naturally increases. Also, the ventless dryer recycles the air it uses, thereby creating a potential savings (especially during Milwaukee winters).
What’s The Environmental Impact?
Often, the environmental impact of repairing or replacing isn’t considered at all. But perhaps you should think about it. If your appliance is old and inefficient, it may be using a lot of electricity. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your utility bills. If your appliance was made after 1992, it should have an Energy Star Rating to let you know how efficient it is. You can compare it to current appliances’ efficiency. On the other hand, your old appliance can’t just be thrown out. Major household appliances are banned from landfills in Wisconsin and the state urges that they be reused or recycled. In many places in Wisconsin, appliances are not picked up at the curb with other recyclables, nor are they accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. It may be the more environmentally-responsible choice to repair rather than replace.
Warranty Issues
Although consumer surveys indicate that on average people are happier with repairs performed by local repair services over factory repairs, you’ll want to call on your warranty if it’s still in force. If it’s not, the experienced repairmen at Dave’s Appliance can help. A telephone consultation is free.
Installation Fees
Don’t forget that installation costs can be significant for major appliances. Those are included in any quotes that Dave’s Appliance gives you, so you’re not going to be unpleasantly surprised: No Hidden Costs, Ever.
If you’re still wondering whether you should repair or replace your dryer, give the experts at Dave’s Appliance a call and we can advise you based on your specific situation.
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