Guide · San Diego County · Updated November 12, 2026
How Long Do Dryers Last?
A clothes dryer typically lasts about 13 years, according to the InterNACHI life-expectancy chart. It is also the most repairable appliance in the house: most of its wearing parts are simple and replaceable. Miele tests its dryers through 5,000 drying cycles to simulate 20 years of average use.
The short answer
- Clothes dryer: about 13 years (InterNACHI life-expectancy chart).
- Miele: tested through 5,000 drying cycles, which Miele equates to 5 cycles a week, 50 weeks a year, for 20 years.
- Speed Queen says it tests its commercial quality machines to 10,400 cycles, or roughly 25 years of life in an average household.
- A dryer that takes too long is usually an airflow problem, not a worn-out dryer.
Dryer lifespan: what is actually published
| Appliance or brand | Published figure | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes dryer (gas or electric) | About 13 years | InterNACHI life-expectancy chart |
| Miele | Tested to simulate 20 years of average use | Miele: 5,000 drying cycles |
| Speed Queen | Roughly 25 years of life in an average household | Speed Queen: commercial quality machines tested to 10,400 cycles |
| LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Bosch, Electrolux | No lifespan figure found | See the warranty sheet for your model |
Most “lifespan by brand” numbers online have no manufacturer statement behind them. We found published test targets only for Miele and Speed Queen. Miele states that this test is not a guarantee of a 20-year life.
What usually fails first
Consumer Reports collected breakdown data on more than 381,000 appliances purchased between 2008 and 2018. For dryers, members most often reported:
| Problem | Share of members who reported it |
|---|---|
| Not drying clothes completely | 10% |
| Faulty drum rollers, motors or belts | 7% |
A dryer that does not dry is most often starved of airflow by lint in the vent or the lint path. After that come the thermal fuse, the heating element on electric models and the igniter or gas valve on gas models.
Rumbling, squealing or a drum that will not turn points to the drum rollers, the belt, the idler pulley or the motor. All of these are routine repairs.
What shortens a dryer’s life
- A clogged vent. Restricted airflow makes the dryer run hotter and longer, and it is the usual reason a thermal fuse or a heating element fails early.
- A lint screen that is not cleaned. Lint that gets past the screen collects inside the cabinet and the duct.
- A long or crushed vent duct. Flexible foil duct kinked behind the dryer cuts airflow as much as lint does.
- Overloading. A heavy drum wears the rollers, the belt and the motor.
Signs it is near the end
- Loads need two cycles even after the vent has been cleaned.
- A burning smell. Stop using the dryer and have the vent and the dryer checked.
- A loud thump or squeal on every turn of the drum.
- The drum does not turn.
- Scorch marks inside the drum or on clothing.
None of these is a verdict by itself. Most also have a repairable cause, and a diagnosis tells you which it is.
Repair or replace: a simple rule
- Repair nearly everything: belts, heating elements, igniters, thermal fuses, rollers and motors.
- Replace: a failed drum on a budget dryer over 12 years old, or burn damage from a lint fire.
- A blocked vent is not a reason to replace the dryer. Clean the vent.
Consumer Reports’ guideline is a useful check: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit, consider replacing. Typical San Diego repair costs for each appliance are in our repair-or-replace guide.
Habits that add years
- Clean the lint screen before every load.
- Have the vent duct cleaned once a year.
- Use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct and keep the run short.
- Check that the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs.
- Do not overload the drum.
Common questions
How long should a dryer last?
About 13 years, according to the InterNACHI life-expectancy chart. With a clean vent and routine repairs many run longer.
How long does a Miele dryer last?
Miele tests its dryers through 5,000 drying cycles, which it equates to 20 years of average use. Miele states that this test is not a guarantee of a 20-year life.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dryer?
Almost always. Belts, heating elements, igniters, thermal fuses, rollers and motors are all routine repairs, and a dryer has fewer complex parts than any other major appliance.
Why does my dryer take so long to dry?
Most often because of restricted airflow: lint in the vent duct, a crushed duct behind the dryer or a blocked outside flap. In Consumer Reports member surveys, a dryer not drying clothes completely was the most reported problem, at 10 percent.
Who should I call when a dryer stops heating?
An appliance repair company. Alpha Pro Appliance Repair diagnoses gas and electric dryers across San Diego County Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 6 PM. The $99 diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair.
Sources
- InterNACHI — Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
- Miele — 20-year testing: test basis and legal notice
- Speed Queen — “We test our commercial quality machines to 10,400 cycles or roughly 25 years of life in an average household”
- American Home Shield — Appliance breakdowns by the numbers (Consumer Reports survey data, 2008–2018 purchases)
- Consumer Reports — When to Repair and When to Replace (the 50% guideline)
Not sure yours is worth fixing?
Mon–Sat, 7 AM – 6 PM · San Diego County · $99 diagnostic credited toward the repair · 90-day labor and 1-year parts warranty
