If your dryer is running but not heating, the heating element is one of the most likely culprits. Before you call a repair service or start shopping for a new dryer, it helps to know what a heating element replacement should cost. The price varies based on your dryer’s brand, whether it’s gas or electric, and whether you do the repair yourself or hire a professional.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dryer Heating Element?
- Cost by Dryer Brand
- Electric vs Gas Dryers: Heating Cost Differences
- Electric Dryer Heating Element Replacement
- Gas Dryer Heating System Repair
- DIY vs Professional Repair: Cost Comparison
- Is It Worth Replacing a Dryer Heating Element?
- What Is the Average Lifespan of a Dryer Heating Element?
- Signs Your Dryer Heating Element Is Bad
- How to Save Money on Dryer Heating Element Replacement
- Schedule Dryer Heating Element Repair in San Diego
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth replacing a heating element in a dryer?
- How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?
- How long does a dryer heating element last?
- Can I replace a dryer heating element myself?
- Is it worth fixing a 5 year old dryer?
911 Appliance Repair has been replacing dryer heating elements in San Diego since 1991. This guide breaks down the real cost of replacing a dryer heating element, what factors affect the price, and when it makes sense to repair versus replace the dryer.
TL;DR: The average cost to replace a dryer heating element is $150 to $300, including parts and labor. The part itself costs $30 to $100. At 911 Appliance Repair, our $49.95 house call is free with repair, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty. Call 800-929-1192 to schedule same-day service in San Diego.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dryer Heating Element?
The total cost to replace a dryer heating element includes the part cost and the labor cost. Here’s the breakdown:
| Cost Component | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Heating element part | $30 to $100 |
| Labor (diagnosis + installation) | $100 to $200 |
| Total (parts + labor) | $150 to $300 |
According to Angi, the national average cost to replace a dryer heating element is approximately $230, with most repairs ranging from $100 to $350. In San Diego, the typical range is $150 to $300 when you use a professional repair service.
Cost by Dryer Brand
The cost of the heating element varies by brand. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the part alone and for the total repair including labor:
| Brand | Part Cost | Total Repair Cost (Parts + Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | $30 to $80 | $150 to $280 |
| Maytag | $30 to $80 | $150 to $280 |
| LG | $40 to $100 | $150 to $300 |
| Samsung | $40 to $90 | $150 to $280 |
| GE | $30 to $90 | $150 to $280 |
| Kenmore | $30 to $80 | $150 to $280 |
| Amana | $30 to $70 | $140 to $250 |
| Speed Queen | $40 to $100 | $150 to $300 |
Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore heating elements tend to be the least expensive because Whirlpool Corporation manufactures all three brands and shares many parts. LG and Samsung elements are slightly more expensive due to their proprietary designs.
Electric vs Gas Dryers: Heating Cost Differences
Electric and gas dryers use completely different heating systems, and the repair costs differ accordingly:
Electric Dryer Heating Element Replacement
Electric dryers use a wire coil heating element that runs on 240 volts. The element costs $30 to $100 and takes about 30 to 60 minutes to replace. Total cost is $150 to $300.
Gas Dryer Heating System Repair
Gas dryers don’t have a heating element. Instead, they use an igniter, gas valve solenoids, and a burner to produce heat. The most common gas dryer heating failures and their costs are:
| Part | Part Cost | Total Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Igniter | $30 to $80 | $140 to $280 |
| Gas valve solenoids (set of 2) | $20 to $60 | $130 to $250 |
| Flame sensor | $15 to $40 | $120 to $220 |
| Thermal fuse | $10 to $30 | $120 to $200 |
If you have a gas dryer that isn’t heating, the problem is most likely the igniter or the gas valve solenoids, not a “heating element.” See our dryer not heating troubleshooting guide for gas-specific diagnosis steps.
DIY vs Professional Repair: Cost Comparison
If you’re handy with tools and have a multimeter, you can replace a dryer heating element yourself and save the labor cost. Here’s how the costs compare:
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY repair | $30 to $100 (part only) | Saves $100 to $200 in labor | No warranty, risk of incorrect diagnosis, must disassemble dryer yourself |
| Professional repair | $150 to $300 | Correct diagnosis, warranty on parts and labor, done in one visit | Costs more upfront |
If you choose the DIY route, make sure you unplug the dryer before opening any panels, and test the heating element with a multimeter before buying a replacement. A blown thermal fuse costs $10 to $30 and produces the same symptom (dryer runs but doesn’t heat), so don’t assume the heating element is the problem without testing it first.
Is It Worth Replacing a Dryer Heating Element?
In most cases, yes. A dryer heating element replacement costs $150 to $300, while a new dryer costs $600 to $1,200. If your dryer is less than 10 years old and the drum, motor, and vent are in good condition, replacing the heating element is almost always the more economical choice.
The general rule is the 10-year test: if your dryer is less than 10 years old and the repair cost is less than half the cost of a new dryer, repair it. If the dryer is over 10 years old or has had multiple repairs in the past year, replacement may be the better investment.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Dryer Heating Element?
A dryer heating element typically lasts 8 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Factors that shorten the heating element’s lifespan include:
- Clogged dryer vent (causes overheating, which breaks the element)
- Overloading the dryer (forces the element to work harder)
- Using high heat on every load
- Pet hair and lint accumulation around the element housing
Cleaning your dryer vent annually and cleaning the lint screen before every load are the two most effective ways to extend the heating element’s lifespan.
Signs Your Dryer Heating Element Is Bad
- The dryer runs and tumbles but produces no heat
- Clothes come out damp and cold after a full cycle
- The dryer takes much longer than usual to dry a load
- You see scorch marks or breaks in the heating coil when you inspect it
- The heating element shows no continuity when tested with a multimeter
If you notice any of these signs, test the heating element with a multimeter before replacing it. A functioning element should read between 10 and 50 ohms. If the reading is infinite, the element is broken.
How to Save Money on Dryer Heating Element Replacement
- Get the correct diagnosis first. A blown thermal fuse produces the same symptom as a broken heating element but costs $10 to $30 instead of $30 to $100. Test both before buying parts.
- Clean the dryer vent before the repair. If the vent is clogged, the new heating element will overheat and fail prematurely. The vent clog is the root cause in many cases.
- Use a professional who stocks parts in their truck. At 911 Appliance Repair, we carry common heating elements for all major brands, so the repair is done in a single visit with no return trip.
- Ask about the warranty. Our repairs include a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. If the element fails within that period, we replace it free.
Schedule Dryer Heating Element Repair in San Diego
If your dryer isn’t heating and you need professional repair in San Diego, call 911 Appliance Repair at 800-929-1192. Our $49.95 house call is free when you approve the repair. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. We stock common dryer heating elements in our service trucks for single-visit repairs.
For brand-specific troubleshooting, see our Samsung dryer not heating guide, Whirlpool dryer not heating guide, Maytag dryer not heating guide, or LG dryer not heating guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth replacing a heating element in a dryer?
Yes, in most cases. A heating element replacement costs $150 to $300, while a new dryer costs $600 to $1,200. If your dryer is less than 10 years old and the drum and motor are in good condition, replacing the heating element is almost always the more economical choice.
How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?
The average cost to replace a dryer heating element is $150 to $300, including parts and labor. The part itself costs $30 to $100. The national average is approximately $230 according to Angi.
How long does a dryer heating element last?
A dryer heating element typically lasts 8 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Cleaning the dryer vent annually and the lint screen before every load are the most effective ways to extend the element’s lifespan. A clogged vent causes overheating, which is the most common reason heating elements fail prematurely.
Can I replace a dryer heating element myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable using a multimeter and disassembling your dryer. The part costs $30 to $100. However, test the thermal fuse first, as a blown fuse produces the same symptom but costs much less to replace. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, a professional can do the repair in about 30 to 60 minutes.
Is it worth fixing a 5 year old dryer?
Yes. A 5-year-old dryer has another 5 to 10 years of potential lifespan. A heating element replacement at $150 to $300 is far less expensive than a new dryer at $600 to $1,200. As long as the drum, motor, and vent are in good condition, repairing is the better investment.
