Clothes come out damp after a full cycle. The drum won't spin. It heats for 5 minutes then shuts off. Before you start shopping for a new dryer, know this: 80% of dryer problems cost $100-$275 to fix. That's 15-35% of what a new dryer costs.
Dryer Not Heating: The #1 Repair Call
Four components cause a no-heat dryer: thermal fuse ($75-$125), heating element ($150-$275), gas valve solenoid on gas dryers ($100-$175), or high-limit thermostat ($100-$150). The thermal fuse blows as a safety response to overheating, usually caused by a clogged dryer vent. If we replace your thermal fuse and don't clean the vent, the new fuse will blow within weeks. We check the vent on every no-heat call.
Dryer Won't Spin: Belt, Motor, or Roller
A broken drive belt is the most common cause and one of the cheapest repairs: $100-$175 including parts and labor. The belt wraps around the drum and connects to the motor. After 5-8 years of constant use, it stretches, cracks, and snaps. Worn drum rollers ($125-$200) cause a thumping sound before the drum stops spinning entirely. A burned-out motor ($200-$350) is less common but happens on dryers over 10 years old.
Dryer Runs But Takes 2-3 Cycles to Dry
This is almost always a vent problem, not a dryer problem. A clogged or kinked dryer vent restricts airflow, trapping moisture inside the drum. The dryer runs fine mechanically but can't push humid air out fast enough. Professional vent cleaning costs $75-$150 and often solves the problem completely. In Florida, lint accumulates faster because humidity makes it stick to vent walls. Clean the vent annually at minimum.
When to Replace Your Dryer
Replace when the dryer is 10+ years old AND needs a motor ($200-$350) or control board ($250-$400). Replace when you've repaired it twice in the past year. Replace when it's a gas dryer over 12 years old with a failed gas valve assembly, as other gas components are aging too. For dryers under 8 years old, almost any single repair under $300 is worth doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer not heating?
Four common causes: blown thermal fuse ($75-$125), failed heating element ($150-$275), faulty gas valve solenoid ($100-$175 on gas dryers), or tripped high-limit thermostat ($100-$150). A clogged vent is the root cause in about 40% of no-heat calls.
How much does dryer repair cost?
Most dryer repairs on the Treasure Coast cost $100-$350. Belt replacement is $100-$175. Heating element is $150-$275. Motor replacement is $200-$350.
Is it worth fixing a 10-year-old dryer?
For simple repairs under $200 (belt, thermostat, rollers), yes. For expensive repairs over $300 (motor, control board), run the 50/50 rule. A 10-year-old dryer has used 77-100% of its expected lifespan.
Need Appliance Repair on the Treasure Coast?
Same-day service 7 days a week. Diagnostic fee applied toward repair. All brands.