How long does a gas dryer last?
Updated August 2026
A gas dryer lasts 13–15 years, typically a year or two longer than an electric one. The reason is heat: a gas burner warms the drum faster and dries loads in less time, so the machine spends fewer total minutes hot and every part ages a little slower. The rule that governs any dryer still rules here, though. A vent choked with lint strangles the airflow, stretches cycles, and overheats the cabinet, undoing the gas advantage and raising the fire risk. The parts unique to gas, the igniter and gas valve, do wear out, but they are usually inexpensive fixes rather than reasons to replace the machine.
Lifespan by type and situation
| Type or situation | Typical lifespan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gas dryer, vent kept clear | 14–15 years | Fast heat plus free airflow puts it at the top of the range |
| Gas dryer, average care | 13 years | The typical result with only occasional vent attention |
| Electric dryer, for comparison | 10–14 years | Slower heat means longer, hotter cycles and a bit more wear |
| Vent clogged with lint | Cut 2–4 years | Trapped heat cooks the parts and is a leading cause of dryer fires |
| Igniter or flame sensor worn | Cheap fix, not the end | A $30–60 part and a short repair restore the heat |
| Long or restricted duct run | Low end | A stacked or interior install traps lint and heat over time |
Signs yours is near the end
- The dryer runs but the burner never lights, so loads tumble cold, usually a failed igniter or flame sensor
- Clothes needing two cycles to dry, the classic clogged-vent symptom on any dryer
- A faint gas smell around the machine, which means shutting off the gas and calling a pro immediately
- Banging, grinding, or squealing from worn drum rollers and bearings
- A cabinet that runs very hot to the touch because lint is trapping the heat
How to add years
Vent airflow decides everything, gas or not. Clean the lint screen every load and have the full duct cleared once a year so heat and moisture leave freely, which keeps cycles short and the burner from overworking; this one habit is the difference between a 13-year dryer and a 15-year one, and it cuts the fire risk trapped lint creates. Do not overload the drum, since packed loads pound the rollers and bearings. Have a technician glance at the burner, igniter, and gas connection during any service call, because a worn igniter ($30–60) is a cheap fix, not a death sentence. Put the yearly vent cleaning on your home maintenance checklist alongside the general dryer and washer timelines.
What it costs to replace: plan on $600–1,300 (premium and stackable gas models $1,000–1,600, plus any gas-line work). Replacing on your own schedule, before it fails, is almost always cheaper than the emergency version. The home maintenance cost calculator helps you set the money aside before it comes due.
OnOtto tracks your dryer vent cleanings age and service history, and warns you before end of life instead of after the flood.
Track your home's systems, free for 30 daysFrequently asked questions
Do gas dryers last longer than electric dryers?
Slightly, usually 13–15 years against 10–14 for electric. Gas heats the drum faster, so a load finishes in less time and the machine spends fewer minutes running hot, which eases wear on the bearings, belt, and electronics. The offset is a more complex machine: gas adds an igniter, a flame sensor, and a gas valve. Those can fail, but they are cheap, sub-$250 repairs rather than reasons to scrap the dryer. Vent maintenance still matters far more than fuel type in deciding how long yours lasts.
Why is my gas dryer running but not heating?
On a gas dryer, no heat almost always points to the ignition system: a worn igniter, a bad flame sensor, or a failed gas-valve coil. The motor and drum still run, so clothes tumble cold. A clogged vent can also trip the high-limit thermostat and cut the heat as a safety measure. The igniter is the usual culprit and a common, inexpensive fix at $30–60 for the part. If you smell gas at any point, stop, shut off the gas, and bring in a professional rather than troubleshooting it yourself.
Is a gas dryer safe, and what about carbon monoxide?
A properly installed and vented gas dryer is safe. It burns gas, so it produces combustion byproducts including carbon monoxide, which is exactly why the vent must run to the outside and stay clear, never into an attic or crawlspace. A blocked or disconnected vent can push exhaust back into the home, so keep the duct clean and sealed and make sure a working carbon monoxide detector is nearby. Any gas smell, soot, or a yellow burner flame instead of blue means shut it off and call a pro.
Is it worth repairing an older gas dryer?
Often yes, because gas dryers run to 13–15 years and many failures are cheap. An igniter, flame sensor, thermal fuse, belt, or roller repair typically lands at $150–350, well worth it on a machine with life left. Hold off when the bill climbs toward a control board, a motor, or a full bearing job at $300–500 on a dryer already near 13 or 14 years. The half-the-replacement-cost rule applies: past that line, a new dryer is the better spend.