Buyer's Guide

A clothes dryer is a busy household's best friend. But, how do you know if it's time to part ways and upgrade to a newer model? 

EFFICIENCY

The best way to tell if the appliance might be on its last legs is to simply see whether it’s doing its job properly. Start paying close attention to how your appliance is working. If your clothes are coming out damp, for instance, it might mean that they just need a little more drying time, or it could indicate a problem with the dryer’s heating elements.

COST

Sometimes it can be more cost-effective to have your dryer repaired however if your repairs cost more than 50% of what you originally paid for it, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

STRANGE SOUNDS AND SMELLS    

For the most part, your dryer should not make any noises or give off any smells other than those associated with the normal drying cycle. If left unaddressed, problems like overheating can quickly lead to safety hazards.

AGE

The average lifespan of a dryer is 10-13 years. If your dryer is 10-13+ years old then it could actually be costing you money. For example, if your dryer isn’t an Energy Star-certified model you could be using up to 20% more energy than a newer, certified model!

RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR CURRENT NEEDS?

Does your current dryer fit the capacity of your washing machine? For better efficiency, you need a dryer that can handle an average load from your current washing machine. If your dryer capacity doesn’t match or have more capacity than your current washing machine it may be time to look for a new dryer.