Dryer Repair vs. Replace: How to Know Which Makes Sense in Calgary

Your dryer stopped working. Maybe it won't heat, maybe it's making a sound it definitely shouldn't be making, or maybe it just died mid-cycle without warning. Now you're standing in your laundry room trying to decide: do you call someone to fix it, or do you finally just buy a new one?

It's a question with real money on the line either way. A new mid-range dryer in Calgary will run you $700–$1,200 installed. But throwing money at a repair on an appliance that's on its last legs isn't smart either. The right answer depends on a few specific factors — and once you know what they are, the decision usually becomes pretty clear.

Here's the framework.

Start Here: The 50% Rule

The most widely used guideline in appliance repair is simple: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a comparable new unit, replacement usually makes more financial sense.

In practice, that means:

• A dryer worth $800 new → repair makes sense if the fix costs under $400
• A dryer worth $600 new → the threshold drops to around $300
• A dryer worth $1,000+ → you have more room to justify a higher repair cost

This rule isn't perfect on its own — age, reliability history, and the specific repair all matter — but it's a useful starting point before you go any further.

Factor 1: How Old Is Your Dryer?

Age is the single most important variable in the repair-or-replace decision. Here's why: dryers are typically designed to last 10–13 years with regular use. As a dryer approaches the end of that window, you're not just paying to fix the current problem — you're also accepting the risk that something else will fail in the next 12–18 months.

A practical age guide for Calgary homeowners:

Under 5 years old: Repair almost always makes sense, unless you're facing an unusually expensive fix. A relatively new dryer breaking down is typically a single component failure, not a sign of systemic decline. Get it fixed.

5–8 years old: This is the middle ground. Weigh the repair cost against the 50% rule and consider the repair history. If this is the first issue and the fix is reasonable, repair is likely still the smarter move.

8–10 years old: Start thinking harder about replacement, especially if repair costs are significant. You're close enough to the end of a typical lifespan that a major repair might just be delaying an inevitable replacement by a year or two.

10+ years old: Unless the repair is minor (under $150) and the dryer has been otherwise reliable, replacement is usually the better long-term investment. You're past the average lifespan and likely looking at reduced energy efficiency as well.

Factor 2: What Specifically Is Broken?

Not all dryer repairs are equal. Some common failures are cheap, fast, and reliable fixes. Others signal deeper problems or are expensive enough that they tip the math toward replacement.

Repairs that are almost always worth doing:

• Blown thermal fuse — Usually $150–$200 all in. One of the most common dryer repairs in Calgary, straightforward to fix, and often caused by a clogged vent rather than the dryer itself failing.
• Clogged or blocked exhaust vent — Inexpensive to clear, and often the root cause of other apparent issues like no heat or slow drying. Always worth addressing.
• Worn drum belt — $150–$250 typically. The belt that rotates the drum wears out over time. It's a standard repair that extends dryer life significantly.
• Faulty door switch — Usually under $150. The door switch tells the dryer the door is closed and it's safe to run. When it fails, the dryer won't start. Cheap part, quick fix.
• Cycling thermostat replacement — $150–$250 range. Controls temperature regulation and is a reliable, cost-effective fix when it fails.

Repairs worth weighing more carefully:

• Heating element replacement — $185–$400 depending on brand and model. On a newer dryer, this is a solid repair. On a dryer that's 9–10+ years old, it's worth factoring in the age before committing.
• Motor replacement — $200–$400+. The motor is a core component. If it's failed on an older machine, replacement is often the more sensible path.
• Control board failure — $200–$500+. Electronic control board repairs can be expensive and the part isn't always readily available for older models. This one often tips the scale toward replacement on machines over 8 years old.

Repairs that almost always point toward replacement:

• Multiple component failures at once — If a technician diagnoses two or three issues in a single visit on an older dryer, the math almost never favours repair.
• Drum or cabinet structural damage — Physical damage to the drum itself is expensive to fix and rarely worth pursuing on anything but a newer, high-end machine.

Factor 3: What's Your Dryer's Repair History?

A dryer that's had no issues for eight years and suddenly develops a problem is a different situation from one that's needed two repairs in the last 18 months.

If you've already put money into repairs recently and you're facing another one, add those previous costs to the current estimate. That's the true cost of keeping the appliance running and it often reframes the decision significantly.

A useful mental test: if you'd known a year ago that you'd spend $X repairing the dryer and then face another repair now, would you have bought a new one then? If the answer is yes, that's your answer now.

Factor 4: Energy Efficiency

Older dryers, particularly those over 8–10 years old are meaningfully less energy efficient than modern models. In Calgary, where natural gas and electricity costs have increased over recent years, an inefficient dryer running multiple cycles per week adds up over time.

If your existing dryer isn't Energy Star certified and is approaching end-of-life, the long-term operating cost savings of a new, efficient model are worth factoring into the calculation, especially for larger households that run the dryer frequently.

This doesn't change the core math dramatically, but it's a real consideration that tips borderline decisions toward replacement.

The Decision Framework: Repair or Replace?

Run through these four questions in order:

1. Is the repair cost over 50% of a comparable new dryer?

‍If yes, lean strongly toward replacement. If no, continue.

2. Is the dryer over 10 years old?

‍If yes and the repair is significant (over $200), lean toward replacement. If the repair is minor, it may still be worth doing. If under 10 years old, continue.

3. Has the dryer needed other repairs recently?

‍Add prior repair costs to the current estimate. If the combined total crosses the 50% threshold, replacement makes more sense. If not, continue.

4. Is this a reliable repair on a dryer with no other issues?

‍If yes — fix it. A single component failure on a well-maintained dryer under 10 years old is almost always worth repairing.

What Does Dryer Repair Actually Cost in Calgary?

To make this framework useful, you need realistic numbers. Based on current Calgary appliance repair pricing:

• Diagnostic / service call fee: $50–$100 (often waived or credited toward the repair)
• Thermal fuse replacement: $150–$200
• Heating element replacement: $185–$400
• Thermostat replacement: $150–$250
• Drum belt replacement: $150–$250
• Motor replacement: $200–$400+
• Control board replacement: $200–$500+

For context, a new entry-level dryer in Calgary starts around $600–$700. A mid-range unit runs $800–$1,000. A higher-end or matching pair replacement starts around $1,000–$1,200.

Happy Protection members receive 20% off all labour costs, which meaningfully shifts the repair-vs-replace calculation in favour of repair — particularly for mid-range fixes on newer machines.

A Note on Getting an Honest Assessment

One thing worth saying directly: a good appliance technician will tell you when repair isn't worth it. If a technician walks in, diagnoses the problem, and immediately tells you to buy a new dryer without exploring repair options, get a second opinion. Equally, if you're being pushed into an expensive repair on a 12-year-old machine, it's fair to ask whether replacement might be smarter.

The best technicians will give you the real numbers and let you decide. That's what Happy Protection is built around transparent pricing, honest diagnostics, and no pressure to go one way or the other.

Happy Protection Members Save on Dryer Repair in Calgary

When repair is the right call, Happy Protection members get priority access to licensed appliance technicians across Calgary, with 20% off all labour and no service call fee. That savings often makes the difference between a repair that makes financial sense and one that doesn't.

If your dryer has broken down and you're not sure whether to fix it or replace it, our technicians will give you an honest diagnosis and a clear quote so you can make the call with actual numbers in front of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dryers last in Calgary?

‍The average dryer lifespan is 10–13 years with regular use and basic maintenance. Calgary's climate doesn't significantly affect dryer lifespan directly, but cold winters can lead to frost buildup in exhaust vents — a common cause of reduced efficiency and premature component failure if not addressed annually.

Is it worth repairing a 7-year-old dryer?

‍Generally yes, if the repair cost is reasonable and this is the first significant issue. A 7-year-old dryer is well within its useful life, and a single component failure is not a reliable indicator that the appliance is declining. Apply the 50% rule to the specific repair cost and go from there.

What is the most expensive dryer repair?

‍Control board replacement and motor replacement are typically the most expensive dryer repairs, ranging from $200–$500+. These are the repairs most likely to tip the math toward replacement on older machines, particularly if other components are also showing wear.

Should I repair or replace a dryer that keeps breaking down?

‍If you've had two or more repairs within 18 months, add those costs together when evaluating the next repair. Frequent breakdowns on an older machine are a reliable signal that the appliance is declining, and continued repairs are unlikely to be cost-effective.

Does Happy Protection cover dryer repair in Calgary?

‍Yes. Dryer repair is included under Happy Protection's appliance repair coverage. Members receive priority scheduling, no service call fee, and 20% off all labour costs. The first eligible service call is covered under the membership.