When to Replace Washer and Dryer?

Knowing when to replace your washer and dryer can save you time, money, and frustration. While these appliances are built to last for years, wear and tear from daily use can eventually lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and frequent breakdowns. If your laundry machines are showing signs of trouble or simply aren’t keeping up with your needs, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

How Do I Know It's Time for a New Washer?

We understand that you probably don’t want to purchase a new washer and your first inclination is to get it fixed. However, there are some circumstances when you might need to bite the bullet and purchase a new washing machine. But, how do you know it’s time? 

If your washing machine is anywhere older than 7 - 10 years then you might want to consider purchasing a new washer. Unless you have a commercial type machine, like a Speed Queen, it can be difficult to get past the 10 year mark without having issues. However, many customers have been able to keep their Maytag for several years with no issues, so it just depends on the brand sometimes.

Let’s discuss some of the signs it might be time for a new washer. 

One of the major definitive signs you need a new washer is if the seal breaks. If the sealed system in your washer fails, it's often a sign that it's time for a replacement. The sealed system typically includes essential internal components like the drum bearings, tub seals, and sometimes the motor—parts that are enclosed and not easily accessible. When these components wear out or break, they can cause major issues like water leaks, loud noises, or even total machine failure.

Repairing a sealed system is usually not practical. In many cases, the repair requires completely disassembling the washer, and the labor and parts can be so expensive that it's more cost-effective to buy a new machine. Some washers are even built in a way that makes it impossible to replace individual parts of the sealed system without replacing the entire drum assembly. If you're facing a sealed system issue, it's often smarter—and cheaper in the long run—to invest in a new, more efficient washer.

Another huge sign is if the control panel stops working. If the control panel on your washer stops working, it can bring your entire laundry routine to a halt. The control panel is essentially the “brain” of the machine—responsible for sending signals to start the wash cycle, adjust settings, and control water levels and temperature. If the buttons become unresponsive, the display stops working, or the machine won’t start at all, the control board may have failed.

In many cases, replacing the control panel can be costly, especially if the part is no longer manufactured or hard to find. Add in labor costs, and the total can come close to—or exceed—the price of a new washer. For older machines, investing in a new washer with modern features and better energy efficiency is often the more reliable and cost-effective choice.

Some smaller indications which you might want to consider the cost of fixing vs purchasing a brand new machine include leaking machine, not draining the water, loud noises, or the wash cycle is taking exceptionally long. 

If your washer isn’t draining properly, it could be a sign of a serious issue—one that might mean it’s time for a new machine. While a simple clog in the drain hose or pump filter can often be fixed easily, persistent drainage problems can indicate a failing drain pump, control board malfunction, or internal wiring issues. If you've already ruled out basic clogs and the problem keeps coming back, it's likely a more significant mechanical failure.

Repairing a faulty drain pump or electronic issue can be expensive, especially in older machines. In some cases, the parts may no longer be available, or the cost of repair could rival the price of a new washer. Additionally, standing water in the drum can lead to mold, odors, and damage to clothes. If your washer frequently struggles to drain, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model is often the safer and more cost-effective long-term solution.

How Do I Know It’s Time for a New Dryer?

Let’s discuss some of the signs it might be time for a new dryer. 

If your dryer is older than 7 -10 years then it might be time for a new dryer. 

If the control panel on a dryer stops working, it can be a sign of a serious issue — especially if the buttons don’t respond, the display won’t light up, or the cycle won’t start. If it fails, the dryer can become completely inoperable. In many cases, replacing the control panel can be expensive, especially when factoring in both parts and labor. If the dryer is several years old or out of warranty, it may not make financial sense to invest in such a costly repair, especially when the price approaches that of a new unit.

If the dryer is already showing other signs of wear — like longer drying times, strange noises, or overheating — a failed control panel could just be the beginning of more issues. Manufacturers sometimes discontinue parts for older models, making repairs difficult or even impossible. In these cases, replacing the entire dryer is often the more practical choice, ensuring you have a reliable appliance and potentially better energy efficiency with a newer model. However, for newer dryers or those still under warranty, it’s worth checking whether a repair is covered or if a simple fix could get things running again.

Another sign that there might be an issue is if the heating element fails. If the heating element in your dryer fails, the machine will run but won’t produce any heat, so your clothes won’t dry properly. While the heating element itself is usually a relatively affordable part to replace, whether you should get a new dryer depends on a few factors.

If your dryer is older or has multiple issues beyond the heating element, replacing the entire machine might be more cost-effective in the long run. If the cost of repair approaches the price of a new dryer or if replacement parts are hard to find, investing in a new model could save you time and future repair hassles. However, if your dryer is fairly new and in good condition otherwise, replacing just the heating element is typically a simple and economical fix.

What if your motor stops working? If the motor in your dryer stops working, the drum won’t spin, which means your clothes won’t tumble and dry properly—even if the heating element is fine. The motor is a critical part that powers both the drum and the blower fan, so without it, the dryer basically can’t do its job.

Replacing a dryer motor can be expensive and labor-intensive, especially if the dryer is older or if multiple components are worn out. In many cases, if the motor fails, it’s a sign that the dryer is reaching the end of its lifespan, and other parts may start failing soon too. Because of the high repair cost and potential for additional issues, many people find it more practical and cost-effective to replace the entire dryer rather than just fix the motor.

Purchase a New Washer and Dryer at Kelly’s Appliances

If you are looking for a new washer and dryer then come into Kelly’s Appliances! We are located throughout Oregon in Salem, Corvallis, Eugene and Central Point. We have the top brands at unbeatable prices.