Heating Element Cost: Quick Guide for Homeowners

If your oven isn’t heating, your dishwasher won’t dry, or your dryer takes forever to warm up, the culprit is often the heating element. Knowing the cost before you call a technician can save you panic and pennies. Below you’ll get the typical price range, what drives the price up, and smart ways to keep the bill low.

Typical Price Ranges by Appliance

Here’s a snapshot of what most UK households see for a brand‑new heating element:

• Oven or hob: £30‑£120 for the part, plus £50‑£150 for labor.
• Dishwasher: £20‑£80 for the element, with £40‑£100 for fitting.
• Clothes dryer: £25‑£90 for the element, labor £60‑£130.
• Water heater: £40‑£150 for the element, plus £80‑£200 for installation.

These numbers are averages; high‑end brands or hard‑to‑reach locations can push the total higher. If you have a combo appliance (like a washer‑dryer), expect the cost to sit at the upper end of the range.

What Affects the Final Bill?

Part quality. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts cost more but usually last longer. Generic copies can be cheap, but they sometimes fail sooner, which means another repair down the road.

Accessibility. Elements tucked behind panels, inside ovens, or deep inside a dryer need more disassembly time. The more steps, the higher the labor charge.

Age of the appliance. Older models may need a special part that’s no longer in regular production. In that case, a technician might suggest a modern replacement, which can raise the price.

Location. If you live outside major towns, travel fees can add £20‑£40 to the invoice.

Knowing these factors helps you ask the right questions when you get a quote. For example, “Is this a genuine part, and how many minutes will the install take?”

When the price feels steep, consider a few hacks: check if the element is visibly burnt or broken before ordering, and compare at least two local tradespeople. Some plumbers and electricians offer a flat‑rate “heating element swap” deal that can be cheaper than a full service call.

If you’re handy and the element is easy to reach (like most dishwashers), you can replace it yourself. All you need is a screwdriver set, the correct replacement, and the appliance’s unplugged. Plenty of YouTube videos walk you through the steps in under ten minutes. Just remember to turn off the power at the breaker to stay safe.

Finally, regular maintenance can delay a pricey replacement. Keep heating elements clean from food debris, lint, or mineral buildup. A quick wipe once a month after each use can extend life by months, sometimes years.

Bottom line: heating element costs are predictable when you know the appliance, part quality, and labor factors. Use this guide to budget, ask the right questions, and decide whether a DIY swap or a professional install makes sense for you.