Should I Repair, or Replace, My Commercial Dryer In My Rental Property?

For multi-housing complex owners and property managers, one question seems to arise with regular frequency: Is it worth repairing a dryer, or would replacement be more cost-effective? All machines, no matter how durable or built for heavy-duty usage, eventually succumb to wear and tear and break down. Deciding whether to repair or replace will depend on several factors, including cost-effectiveness, the age of the equipment, the frequency of repairs needed, and available alternatives. Taking the time to evaluate these areas properly will help property managers maximize their return on investment and can potentially create more space in operational budgets.

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Table of contents

Is It More Cost-Effective to Repair or Replace Your Commercial Dryer?
Are Certain Repairs a Sign That the Laundry Machine Is Nearing the End of Its Life?
How Long Does a Commercial Dryer Typically Last?
What our customers are saying
Can You Lease a New Dryer Instead of Paying for Major Repairs?
Key Takeaways: Is It Worth Repairing A Dryer

Is It More Cost-Effective to Repair or Replace Your Commercial Dryer?

Is it worth repairing a dryer? The first step in making that decision when upgrading commercial laundry facilities is to crunch the numbers, paying particular attention to the following factors:

• Repair Fees. The national average to fix a commercial dryer ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the parts required and the complexity of the repair. On the other hand, a complete replacement can cost up to $1,000 or even more.
• Replacement Costs. While investing in a brand-new machine comes with a hefty price tag, there may be benefits to replacing it that make the investment worthwhile, especially if newer models can improve your laundry room efficiency or increase tenant satisfaction. Be sure to take accurate measurements (knowing your old machine’s model number helps here) and consider the options within your budget.
• Expected Downtime. Keeping residents happy is a crucial part of the job as a property manager, and a significant aspect of that role includes ensuring that amenities are operational and functioning correctly. Having downtime in a laundry room is expected, but the length of that period will have a direct impact on tenants. A day is acceptable–a few days to a week (or more) might raise some red flags.
• Machine’s Age. When did you purchase that machine? If it’s been a while, then a replacement might make sense. However, if it’s still relatively new, it may have parts under warranty, which could make repairs less costly. Even if it’s past that guarantee date, newer machines are often easier to fix when they break down. Are you on a payment plan from your last purchase, and if so, is it paid off? If you’re still financing this machine, replacing it might not be the best option for your needs.
• Break Down Frequency. Is this the first time this particular machine has needed to be repaired recently, or is it a frequent offender? Even the best washing machines for tenants will eventually break down, creating disruptions in your laundry facilities, which can lead to unhappy tenants and additional administrative headaches, not to mention more repair costs that continue to accumulate.

One method for making this decision easier is to apply the 50% Rule. This isn’t a hard and fast requirement, but rather a gauge: if the cost of a repair is 50% or more of the price of a new dryer, it’s generally a good idea to choose the replacement route. Otherwise, if the dryer is relatively new, the downtime needed is manageable, and this isn’t a regular occurrence for this dryer, a repair might be the more prudent choice.

Are Certain Repairs a Sign That the Laundry Machine Is Nearing the End of Its Life?

Eventually, all dryers will reach the end of their usefulness, and repair will no longer be worthwhile, regardless of how those numbers are crunched. Luckily, some key signs let property managers know the end could be near for their units:

• Is the machine working less efficiently? Does it take longer to dry clothes, or seem to cost more to run?
• What’s the frequency of breakdowns? How often are repairs needed? Have there been frequent service calls required in a short period?
• Is the machine on the older side? Are parts discontinued or harder to source, resulting in significant periods of downtime while you wait for shipments to arrive?
• Are major parts, such as the motor, drum, or control boards, the source of your issues?
• Are there any recurring electrical issues or safety concerns?

In these cases, repeated spending on repairs can quickly surpass the cost of replacement, even if each individual repair seems minor or affordable at the time. Additionally, older units may not have the most up-to-date features (like card payments or app-based operations), which keeps your laundry facility looking (and working) like a blast from the past.

In general, aging dryers, even if they’re still operational most days, may start to show their life cycle is coming to an end through longer cycle times, increased utility bills, frequent breakdowns or repair needs, and increasing malfunctions.

How Long Does a Commercial Dryer Typically Last?

The average lifespan of a commercial dryer is 10 to 15 years, although some durable brands and well-maintained units can last up to 20 years with proper care. However, many factors can affect results:

• Environment. Where is your laundry room? Is it in a well-ventilated room or area of your building, or is it facing the elements in any way? Keeping a machine in a dry room with ample space for hot air to circulate increases the chances of a longer lifespan for this crucial machine.
• Traffic & Usage Intensity. How many residents typically use this machine and how often? Dryers with high regular usage tend to break down and need to be replaced more frequently than those in complexes with smaller populations.
• Machine Durability. A regular residential unit repurposed for a multi-housing unit laundry facility is unlikely to last as long as a heavy-duty, commercial-grade unit.

For property managers and building owners exploring new equipment options like a laundry payment app for tenants, selecting a machine designed specifically for the rental housing market can make choosing the right replacement easier if it’s time to replace your current unit.

What our customers are saying

Can You Lease a New Dryer Instead of Paying for Major Repairs?

Leasing commercial laundry equipment is an increasingly popular way for property managers to maintain reliable laundry facilities with minimal hassle due to some key factors:

• Lower Upfront Costs: Leasing eliminates the need for a substantial initial investment, making replacements or upgrades easier on tight budgets or short notice.
• Predictable Payments: With a rented unit, your budget is fixed. You know exactly how much you’ll pay each month, and with many leasing programs including maintenance plans in their packages, surprise repair bills can become a thing of the past.
• Better Technology: Features in the appliance world are constantly changing, with improved tech appearing on commercial dryers approximately every 3 to 7 years. With the average machine lasting anywhere from a decade to two, purchasing a unit at the wrong time could leave you with outdated tech for many years to come. But with leasing, your laundry facilities can get a facelift every time a new product launches.
• Reduced Downtime: The time it takes to remove and install a freshly rented dryer is significantly less than diagnosing and fixing a problem through repair. This keeps the operational flow moving with minimal interruptions, ensuring your residents are pleased.
• Tax Breaks: Energy Star machines and other environmentally friendly units often come with tax cuts to incentivize consumers. Additionally, your monthly expenses can be written off on your taxes, potentially creating more savings.

Key Takeaways: Is It Worth Repairing A Dryer

• The expected lifespan of a well-maintained commercial dryer is about 10 to 15 years, with some models even lasting multiple decades. This means repair is an extremely viable option in many cases.
• Repair can be cost-effective if the fixes are minor and infrequent, parts are easy to source, and the service fees are less than 50% of the replacement price.
• Major or repeated repairs, especially for core components like drums or motors, are a sign to consider replacing them.
• Leasing offers a budget-friendly, lower-risk alternative (often with regularly scheduled maintenance included) that can minimize downtime and keep your budget more predictable with fewer surprise repair costs.
• Upgrading to new technology gives you and your residents access to features like coinless operating systems with card-based payments or app controls, which can improve tenant experience, increase your property value, and reduce operational costs.

If you’re unsure about is it worth repairing a dryer or replacing it, lease options can let you enjoy state-of-the-art machines without the hefty up-front expense. Evaluating long-term operational costs, tenant satisfaction, and your property’s unique needs will help you make the best investment.

Ready to upgrade your laundry room or need expert advice on the best solution? Contact Commercial Laundries today. Our team of experts can help you decide if it’s worth repairing a dryer or if it’s time to replace (or lease) a new unit. Call Commercial Laundries at 305-889-7966 to learn about customized options that will keep your rental business running smoothly and efficiently.