How long does a clothes dryer last?

A clothes dryer typically lasts 13 to 14 years. The home builders’ survey gives 13 years for gas and electric dryers alike, and the US Department of Energy’s analysis uses an average of 14.

What the published figures say

YearsSourceWhat the figure is
13NAHB and Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (2007)The same for gas and electric dryers. Figures describe use by the first owner.
14US Department of Energy, energy conservation standards for consumer clothes dryers, final rule (2024)Average lifetime in the Department’s cost analysis, built from household survey data.

The sources measure different things, which is why they differ. A survey of first owners gives a shorter figure than an analysis that follows units until they are scrapped. All of them describe typical equipment. A given unit can fail sooner or run far longer, and age alone is not a reason to replace anything that works safely.

How old is yours?

The build date is coded into the serial number. Where to find it: How old is my appliance?

Find the age from the serial number

Look for “Serial”, “Serial No.” or “S/N” on the rating plate. It is not the model number. What you type stays in your browser.

What shortens or extends its life

  • A clogged vent. Lint in the duct makes every load run longer and hotter, and it is a fire hazard. Clean the lint screen after each load and the vent duct regularly.
  • Overloading, which strains the drum rollers, the belt and the motor.
  • A long or crushed vent hose behind the machine.

Signs that replacement is near

  • Loads that take much longer to dry than they used to. Check the vent first.
  • Squealing, thumping or grinding from the drum.
  • A drum that will not turn, or no heat.
  • A burning smell. Stop the dryer and have the vent and the machine checked.

Sources

Other equipment

Figures last checked against their sources on October 5, 2026. Method and sources.