A good rule of thumb is that a dryer should last around 10 years, but you can extend that life span if you perform regular maintenance, including checking the exterior exhaust and cleaning out the lint screen and filter regularly. You can do many of these preventive steps on your own, but it may still be wise to have professional cleanings done once a year.
Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, pointed out that well-maintained dryers can last long past their average life spans. “The biggest factor is how long the manufacturer will be making replacement parts,” Shimek told us, “Personally, my dryer was manufactured in June of 1979 and it’s still running strong.”