Clothes dryer
How much electricity does a clothes dryer use?
2,500–5,000 W · 2.5–4 kWh/load · $25–$60 per month
An electric dryer heats a large volume of air and blows it through wet fabric. Turning several kilograms of water into vapour takes real energy, and it all comes from a 2,500–5,000 W element.
Cost per load by type
- Vented electric dryer: 2.5–4.0 kWh per load
- Condenser dryer: 2.5–3.5 kWh per load
- Heat pump dryer: 1.0–1.8 kWh per load — roughly half
- Gas dryer: 0.3 kWh electricity plus gas
At 16.5¢/kWh, a vented electric dryer costs about 50–65 cents per load. Five loads a week is $130–170 a year.
What actually helps
- Spin faster in the washer. A 1,400 rpm spin leaves far less water than 800 rpm — the dryer then runs 20–30% shorter. This costs nothing.
- Clean the lint filter every load. A clogged filter restricts airflow and dramatically extends drying time.
- Dry loads back to back. The drum is already hot, so the next load starts warm.
- Don't overfill. A packed drum blocks airflow and can double the time.
Heat pump dryers
They cost 50–80% more up front and take longer per cycle, but they use about half the electricity and do not need an external vent — which matters for flats. For a household running five loads a week, the running-cost saving usually covers the price gap in four to six years.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a clothes dryer use?
2,500–5,000 W. The figure on the rating label is the maximum draw; actual use varies with settings, age and usage pattern.
How much does it cost to run a clothes dryer per month?
With the defaults above it comes to the monthly figure shown in the calculator. At 16.5¢/kWh — the US residential average — that is a realistic middle estimate. Your own bill may be 30% lower or higher depending on state.
Is it cheaper to run a clothes dryer at night?
Only if your utility offers a time-of-use plan and you avoid the 4pm–9pm peak window. On a flat-rate plan, the time of day makes no difference to the total.
Does the calculator account for real-world duty cycles?
Not automatically — you enter the effective hours yourself. For compressing appliances like refrigerators and AC units, enter the running watts and roughly the proportion of time the compressor is on, which is usually 30–50%.
Will a newer clothes dryer actually save money?
Compare the kWh figure in the calculator against an Energy Star model's stated annual use. If the difference is a few hundred kWh a year, the payback on a replacement is usually long; if it is over 500 kWh, it is worth pricing out.