Tumble Dryer Running Cost Calculator
Enter electricity per drying load rather than multiplying nameplate power by the full cycle time. Dryers cycle heat and may vary power during a program, so measured or model-specific kWh is the stronger input.
Quick answerAt 2.5 kWh per load, four loads per week and $0.17/kWh, dryer electricity costs about $0.43 per load, $7.37 per month and $88.40 per year, using 520 kWh annually.
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Air-dry suitable items or test a shorter cycle
The drying rack avoids machine energy for suitable items. Dryer balls are a reusable accessory, but count savings only if a measured load finishes sooner.
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How it works
Cost per load = kWh per load × electricity rate. Annual electricity = kWh per load × loads per week × 52. Annual cost = annual kWh × rate; monthly cost = annual cost ÷ 12. The result covers dryer electricity only.
Tumble-dryer electricity-cost examples
Every example uses four loads per week and $0.17/kWh. The kWh values are editable scenarios, not performance claims for a dryer type or model.
| Electricity per load | Cost per load | Annual electricity | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 kWh | $0.14 | 166.4 kWh | $28.29 |
| 1.0 kWh | $0.17 | 208.0 kWh | $35.36 |
| 1.5 kWh | $0.26 | 312.0 kWh | $53.04 |
| 2.5 kWh | $0.43 | 520.0 kWh | $88.40 |
| 3.0 kWh | $0.51 | 624.0 kWh | $106.08 |
| 4.0 kWh | $0.68 | 832.0 kWh | $141.44 |
Gas dryers and combination washer-dryers require a different accounting boundary. This page models electricity entered per tumble-dryer load and does not add gas, purchase, repair or vent-installation cost.
Worked example: four loads per week
At 2.5 kWh/load, four weekly loads use 10 kWh/week. Multiply by 52 to get 520 kWh/year. At $0.17/kWh, that is $88.40/year or $7.37/month; one modeled load costs $0.425, displayed as $0.43.
If use varies by season, total representative loads across the year rather than assuming the same schedule every week.
Why kWh per load is stronger than nameplate watts
A rated input indicates possible power at an operating condition, not necessarily constant draw for the entire program. Resistive heaters, motors and heat-pump compressors can cycle or change state, while moisture sensors can end a cycle early.
Use an exact model’s program data or safely measured accumulated kWh for representative loads. When an energy label provides annual kWh under a standardized test, use that annual figure to compare models on the same basis rather than inventing a per-load result without the test assumptions.
Compare efficiency with the right metric
ENERGY STAR defines Combined Energy Factor as test-load weight divided by operational plus standby/off energy; a higher CEF means more pounds dried per kWh under the test. It is an efficiency comparison metric, not the kWh for your exact load.
ENERGY STAR says certified heat-pump dryers can use around 70% less energy than conventional dryers. Verify a specific model’s label, capacity, program, installation, drainage, venting and cycle-time needs before turning that category statement into a household saving.
Reduce repeat time and overdrying
ENERGY STAR recommends automatic termination/moisture sensing and cleaning the lint filter after each load to support airflow and avoid overdrying. The washer’s final spin can also remove more water before drying.
Follow garment, dryer, vent and lint-maintenance instructions. Do not overload the drum; ENERGY STAR notes that clothes need room to tumble and air to circulate. Measure before-and-after kWh if you want to quantify a change.
Sources used for assumptions: ENERGY STAR — clothes-dryer buying guidance, heat-pump comparison and savings tips; ENERGY STAR — clothes-dryer Combined Energy Factor and current criteria; U.S. Federal Trade Commission — EnergyGuide labels and annual energy disclosures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one tumble-dryer load cost?
Multiply kWh per load by your electricity rate. At 2.5 kWh and $0.17/kWh, one modeled load costs $0.425, displayed as $0.43.
Where can I find kWh per drying load?
Use exact-model program data or safely measured accumulated kWh for representative loads. An annual EnergyGuide figure is intended for standardized model comparison and must not be divided without understanding its test assumptions.
Why not multiply dryer kW by cycle time?
Nameplate power may not be drawn continuously. Heaters, motors and compressors can cycle, and sensor programs can end early, so accumulated kWh is a stronger input.
Are heat-pump dryers more efficient?
ENERGY STAR says certified heat-pump dryers use around 70% less energy than conventional dryers as a category. Compare specific model labels, capacity and programs before estimating savings.
What is Combined Energy Factor?
CEF is test-load weight divided by operational plus standby/off energy. A higher CEF means more test-load weight dried per kWh; it is not your household kWh per load.
How can I reduce dryer electricity?
Use moisture-sensing automatic termination where suitable, avoid overdrying, clean the lint filter as instructed, allow clothes to tumble freely and maximize safe washer spin extraction.
Does this include gas dryer fuel?
No. It calculates the entered electricity only. Gas fuel, purchase, maintenance, venting and installation require separate inputs.
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