How much does it cost to run a dryer?
How much does it cost to run a dryer?
$1.70 – $28.60 average cost per month
$21 – $343 average cost per year
Average cost to run a dryer
The cost of running a clothes dryer is $1.70 to $28.60 per month or $21 to $343 per year, depending on the settings, usage, and local energy rates. Families and individuals who do several loads of laundry per week will spend more on gas or electricity to dry their laundry.
| Time span | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Per week | $0.40 – $6.60 |
| Per month | $1.70 – $28.60 |
| Per year | $21 – $343 |
*For 2 to 6 loads per week
Clothes dryer running costs by fuel
Most dryers use natural gas or electricity to operate. The cost to run your dryer will depend on local utility rates and the type of laundry hookups in your house.
| Fuel type | Average cost per load |
|---|---|
| Gas | $0.30 – $0.95 |
| Electricity | $0.20 – $1.10 |
Cost to run gas dryer
Most gas dryers use 20,000 to 25,000 BTUs or 0.2 to 0.25 therms per hour, plus 1.5 kWh of electricity to spin the dryer drum. This equates to $0.30 to $0.95 per load on average for a 30- to 60-minute cycle.
| Loads per week | Cost per week* | Cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.30 – $0.95 | $15.60 – $49.40 |
| 2 | $0.60 – $1.90 | $31.20 – $98.80 |
| 3 | $0.90 – $2.80 | $46.80 – $145.60 |
| 4 | $1.15 – $3.75 | $59.80 – $195.00 |
| 5 | $1.45 – $4.70 | $75.40 – $244.40 |
| 6 | $1.75 – $5.65 | $91.00 – $293.80 |
| 7 | $2.05 – $6.60 | $106.60 – $343.20 |
*Based on $1.10 to $2.56 per therm plus $0.12 to $0.20 per kWh
Cost to run an electric dryer
Electric dryers use 1.8 to 5.5 kWh per load, which translates to $0.20 to $1.10 per load. Most dryers take 40 minutes per load, but they can take anywhere from 30 to 60+ minutes depending on how big the load is and the heat setting you choose.
| Loads per week | Cost per week* | Cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.20 – $1.10 | $10.40 – $57.20 |
| 2 | $0.40 – $2.20 | $20.80 – $114.40 |
| 3 | $0.65 – $3.30 | $33.80 – $171.60 |
| 4 | $0.85 – $4.40 | $44.20 – $228.80 |
| 5 | $1.10 – $5.50 | $57.20 – $286.00 |
| 6 | $1.30 – $6.60 | $67.60 – $343.20 |
| 7 | $1.50 – $7.70 | $78.00 – $400.4 |
*Based on $0.12 to $0.20 per kWh
Making a few energy-efficient home upgrades can save you money by reducing electricity costs over time.
What affects the cost of running a dryer?
Several factors can affect the cost of running a clothes dryer:
Local utility costs: Depending on where you live, the electricity costs $0.12 to $0.40 per kWh. Gas costs $1.10 to $2.56 per therm on average and up to $5.15 per therm in Hawaii.
Loads per week: The more laundry you do each week, the more you'll end up paying in utility costs. A larger family does 5 to 7 loads of laundry per week, while a small family or single person may only do 1 to 3 loads.
Temperature: Using a high-heat setting requires more energy. However, your clothes may take less time to dry, which offsets some of the cost.
High-efficiency: Energy-efficient dryers use less gas or electricity, although they cost more up front. Front-loading machines tend to use less fuel than top-loaders.
Dryer sheets: Using dryer sheets can help make your clothes feel soft and reduce static. However, using a lot of sheets every time can create buildup and residue on the filter, which reduces efficiency.
Repairs: Dryer repair and maintenance costs add up over time:
Dryer repair costs $100 to $300 on average.
A dryer belt replacement costs $100 to $250, including parts and labor.
Cost of using a washer and dryer
The cost to run a washing machine is $1 to $17 per month, for water and electricity. Combined with drying, this adds up to about $3 to $46 per month to wash and dry your laundry, depending on your settings and how many loads you do per week.
| Time span | Average utility cost (washer and dryer)* |
|---|---|
| Per week | $0.60 – $10.50 |
| Per month | $2.70 – $45.60 |
| Per year | $32 – $546 |
*For 2 to 6 loads per week
Other appliances
Dryers use quite a bit of energy when you're using them, but they don't run constantly like a refrigerator, so the cost is a little more variable. For comparison, this list shows the average cost of using other home appliances:
The cost to run a refrigerator is $3 to $13 per month.
The cost to run a dishwasher is $3 to $6 per month.
The cost to run a ceiling fan is $2 to $5 per month.
The cost to run an air conditioner is $30 to $270 per month.
The cost of running a space heater is $60 to $90 per month.
FAQs about running a dryer
How long do dryers last?
A dryer lasts 8 to 13 years on average before it needs a repair or replacement. The exact lifetime depends on the brand, machine quality, and how often you run it. You may need a replacement if your dryer shows one or more of the following signs:
Loud noises or squealing
Drum isn't spinning
Clothes take too long to dry
Won't turn on
Leaking water
Turns off mid-cycle
Can you put shoes in the dryer?
Most shoes should not go in the dryer. This can cause some of the materials to shrink or warp. For most shoes, the safest drying method is air-drying overnight. Check the care label on your shoes to see if they can tolerate a low-heat dryer cycle.
How hot does a dryer get?
A standard dryer reaches 120°F to 160°F, depending on the heat setting and dryer model. Higher heat settings like "normal" or "cotton" get closer to the higher end of the range, while "delicate" settings will be much lower.
What do dryer sheets do?
Dryer sheets help make your laundry softer, add fragrance, remove lint, and reduce static and clinging. However, the softeners on the sheets may cause buildup in your dryer vent and clog the filter, which can reduce effectiveness. Make sure to follow the instructions on the laundry sheet box when using them.
Tips for saving energy while using a dryer
Using a dryer can save lots of time compared to air-drying, but it can also use a lot of energy, especially if you do several loads of laundry per week. Follow these tips to keep your utility bills as low as possible:
Air dry: Whenever possible, hang your clothes to dry to save energy. Keep in mind this will add some humidity to your home, so this may not be the best option if dampness is already an issue.
Don't overstuff: Laundry takes longer to dry if there's no room for the air to circulate between clothes or other items.
Energy-efficient settings: If possible, use energy-saving settings on your dryer's control panel.
Empty the filter: Make sure to empty the lint trap after every load and clean the vent regularly to keep your dryer running efficiently. Professional dryer vent cleaning costs $80 to $250.
Multiple loads: If you're drying multiple rounds of clothes in a row, start the second load as soon as possible after the first one. The residual heat from the first load will help dry the second load faster and save energy.
Off-peak hours: If your utility company uses time-based rates, run your dryer when rates are lowest.
Similar items together: Group related items, as mixing light fabrics like t-shirts with heavy ones like towels may result in uneven drying.
Dry towel: Adding an already-dry towel to your dryer can help absorb moisture more quickly
For even more eco-friendly tips, check out our guides about how to lower your water bill and how to lower your electric bill.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.