Michael Thompson Key Takeaways
- Most LG dryer repairs (From $100) are well under the replacement threshold
- Gas dryers are almost always worth repairing due to lower ongoing operating costs
- Motor and control board failures on dryers over 9 years old may justify replacement
- Energy savings from new dryers are modest — don't let them overshadow repair economics
The Bottom Line
LG dryer repairs are among the most cost-effective of any appliance. Most common fixes cost From $100, well below the $300 threshold where replacement becomes competitive.
LG dryer repair or replace — here's what you need to know.
Dryer repairs are generally the most affordable of any major appliance, which means repair is the right choice more often than with other appliances. Here's how to evaluate your specific situation.
Dryers Are Repair-Friendly
Unlike appliances with complex sealed systems or expensive electronics, dryers are relatively simple machines. Their most common failures (thermal fuses, heating elements, belts, rollers) involve inexpensive parts and straightforward labor. This means the average dryer repair costs significantly less than comparable repairs on refrigerators, washers, or dishwashers — making repair the right call in the majority of situations.
Gas vs Electric: Different Calculations
Gas dryers cost more upfront but are cheaper to operate — about $0.15–$0.20 per load compared to $0.35–$0.45 for electric. This operating cost difference makes gas dryers more worth repairing at any age. If you replace a gas dryer with an electric model (because you can't get a gas hookup in a new home), you lose those ongoing savings. Conversely, if you're replacing anyway and have a gas hookup, switching to gas can pay for itself in 2–3 years.
Repairs That Always Make Sense
Thermal fuse (From $80), belt and rollers (From $150), heating element (From $125), and gas igniter/solenoids (From $100) are all well within the repair-friendly zone. These repairs cost a fraction of replacement and restore full function. Even on a 10-year-old dryer, these repairs typically provide 2–4 more years of reliable service.
When Replacement Makes Sense
Motor failure (From $250) on a dryer over 9 years old is the primary scenario where replacement becomes the better choice. Control board failures (From $200) on older units are similar. If the dryer has needed multiple repairs in recent years, the cumulative cost and inconvenience favor buying new. And if the drum is physically damaged (cracked, warped, or with a failed seal), repair costs can approach replacement territory.
Energy Efficiency: A Modest Factor
Unlike washers and refrigerators, where new models offer significant energy savings, dryer efficiency improvements have been more modest. A new LG dryer might save From $20 per year compared to a 10-year-old model. Over 10 years, that's From $200 — a factor, but not enough to override the repair-vs-replace math on its own. Don't let energy savings be the primary justification for replacement.