How Long Do Hand Dryers Last? (4 Models Checked)

Hand dryers are most popular in commercial settings like public bathrooms. We’ve already looked at how much hand dryers cost, and now it’s time to look at how long they last.

Not only are hand dryers more sanitary, but they also help to reduce the amount of waste which makes them eco-friendly as well.

How long are they meant to last?

Here’s How Long Hand Dryers Normally Last:

Popular hand dryer brands like Xlerator and Dyson are built to last for years. A high-quality hand dryer will last anywhere from 7 to 10 years, depending on your specific model. The lifespan also depends on how often you use it as well.

What Hand Dryer Brands Last The Longest?

When buying a hand dryer for your home, it is important to note that they do not come cheap.

Most hand dryers will run anywhere from $400 to $1500, depending on the style and brand. So, you want to invest in one that will last for a long time.

Which hand dryer brands are the best when it comes to longevity?

Here is what we learned:

Dyson Brand Hand Dryers:

On average, Dyson hand dryers will last eight years.

Dyson has been sweeping the market with their wide range of products, from vacuum cleaners to hot hair tools. Dyson uses their special suction and air technology patented specifically for Dyson products.

When it comes to hand dryers, the best product that Dyson offers is the Dyson Airblade. Unlike other hand dryers, which specifically blow air, the Dyson Airblade uses suction to pull moisture off the skin, which will dry your hands and do a better job of not spreading germs.

Regarding price, Dyson hand dryers top the list with some of the most expensive models, with the Dyson Airblade coming in at $899.

But, the real reason why Dyson is so popular is that they are built to last for a long time.

XLERATOR Hand Dryers:

These hand dryers, on average, last seven years.

Perhaps the most recognizable brand of commercial hand dryers that are finding their way into people’s homes is the XLERATOR hand dryers.

XLERATOR has a handful of different models to choose from, ranging in price from $400 up to $1200, depending on the size and power.

When talking about how long an XLERATOR hand dryer will last, we are talking about the models most commonly found in homes.

Of course, this depends on how often the hand dryer gets used and how well it is cared for and maintained.

Dryflow Elite Hand Dryers:

Dryflow guarantees you will get 5,000 hours of the dryer out of one machine. Since it only takes a few seconds for your hands to completely dry with a Dryflow hand dryer, you can expect it to last up to 6 years.

Another popular brand of hand dryers that is not as well known as the others on this list but is slowly growing in popularity is Dryflow Elite hand dryers.

The biggest perk of the Dryflow hand dryers is that they claim to dry your hands in only 5 seconds. This not only helps to save power but will also help you to save some time.

However, to make that claim, the hand dryer has to have a good deal of power working behind it. It might not last quite as long as others on this list.

Check also our guide to hand dryers and filters.

Panasonic Hand Dryers:

Panasonic hopes to follow Dyson’s lead in dominating different home department needs. Panasonic offers everything from home entertainment to personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and hand dryers.

The Panasonic hand dryers use high-velocity airflow to completely dry your hands in less than 20 seconds. However, Panasonic has one of the lowest lifespans for hand dryers.

A Panasonic hand dryer, on average, will last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. This means that you will either have to completely replace the model after five years or see if you can get it repaired. It should also be noted that Panasonic hand dryers are on the lower price scale as its most basic model only runs around $400.

How Many Hours Can a Hand Dryer Run?

Each time you run a hand dryer, you can expect the drying cycle to be anywhere from 40 to 65 seconds. While some hand dryers offer a much faster dry, the average is still around a minute.

Also, many customers state that no matter what brand of hand dryer they use, they must run the drying cycle at least two times to ensure that their hands are completely dry.

So, if you live in a household with four people, you can expect your hand dryer to run on average for around 6-10 minutes daily. This, of course, depends on how often you use it.

Most hand dryer brands state that their models are meant to run anywhere from 5,000-12,000 hours before the dryer will not function as it is meant to.

However, commercially made models, like the Dryflow Viska hand dryer, promises to last up to 20,000 hours.

It is important to mention that you shouldn’t plan on running your hand dryer consistently for hours on end. Not only will this burn out the motor far quicker, but it can also create a dangerous situation to let hot air blow for an extended time.

What Typically Breaks First on Hand Dryers?

Knowing what to expect before making a big purchase, like a hand dryer, is a great way to prepare for things to come. This is especially true regarding what type of repairs you can be expected to make on your hand dryer throughout the time you own it.

So, what is the most common thing that breaks first when using a hand dryer? You may not be surprised to learn that it is the motor and the fan.

The motor is what makes the hand dryer work. This controls how quickly it turns on and how efficiently it is drying your hands. The fan is what moves the air around, allowing it to flow out at high speeds.

The typical lifespan of a hand dryer motor is three years. Once the motor or fan breaks on a hand dryer, it can easily be repaired.

Most hand dryer brands expect that the motor will burn out before the hand dryer completely breaks. This is why many brands offer a warranty lasting up to 10 years. This warrant often includes part replacement. However, you will have to install the new part on your own or spend some money to get it maintained.

As mentioned, the fan should be covered under your warranty. If not, the cost of a new fan will only be anywhere from $20 to $80, depending on the model. That isn’t too bad for a piece of equipment costing thousands.

How Often Do Hand Dryers Need Servicing?

You can expect maintenance on your hand dryer every 6-8 months. This maintenance should only be done by someone certified in hand dryer technology and who knows how to properly repair it.

Keep in mind that it won’t only be repairs that will be needed to be done for a hand dryer. The maintenance person will also take the hand dryer apart to clean it out.

Cleaning your hand dryer is important because dirt and grime will build up quickly inside the hand dryer. If there is too much build-up or dirt inside the hand dryer, it will affect how efficiently the motor will work.

Also, if you don’t regularly clean your hand dryer, you could damage much more than the motor. Without cleaning, you can also expect the drying sensor to burn out. Once the sensor of your hand dryer breaks, it can be very expensive to have it repaired or replaced.

Of course, this all depends on what type of environment your hand dryer is in. If it is used very frequently or in an area that collects lots of dust, you can expect to have to do regular maintenance sooner than every six months.

How Much Do Hand Dryers Cost To Service and Repair?

Getting regular repairs done to your hand dryer should be an expense you should expect before purchasing a hand dryer.

Regular services to your hand dryer, like cleaning and inspecting, should only cost, on average, $70. You will have to pay this fee every 6-8 months, depending on how often you need your hand dryer serviced.

You can also expect the cost to increase if your hand dryer needs special repairs like a motor or fan replacement.

More difficult services can run you anywhere from $150-$200 per hour of repair. However, most typical repairs on a hand dryer can easily be done in an hour.

A good tip is to find a certified hand dryer maintenance person before purchasing your hand dryer. Loyal clients often get perks like regular check-ups and discounts on special services.

Reference Links:

Hand Dryer Maintenance Guide

Which Is The Best Commercial Hand Dryer On The Market?