How long does a tumble dryer last?
Typical
10 years
Range
8–12 years
Tumble dryers typically last 8–12 years. Heat-pump dryers run cooler and tend to the top of the range; vented and condenser dryers run hotter and wear faster. Lint discipline is most of the battle (and a fire-safety matter).
What decides it
- Cleaning the lint filter every load and the condenser/heat exchanger monthly
- Ventilation — a dryer in a tight cupboard cooks itself
- Heat-pump models: gentler on themselves and on clothes
When to replace rather than repair
Heater and belt failures are repairable; a failed heat-pump module usually is not economical outside warranty.
Typical ranges from manufacturer guidance and industry surveys — individual machines vary with use and care. General information, not advice on a specific appliance.