As with most machines and devices, the older a dryer gets the less efficient it becomes. The majority of clothes dryers that are in use are between 2-9 years old. Dryers are typically somewhere in the range of 2,000 to 6,000 watts. What that means is a dryer uses between 2 and 6 kilowatts an hour.
Key Takeaways. Using a clothes dryer three times a week will use about 468 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. It costs an average of $5.53 to run a dryer for a month and $66.41 to run for a year. The best way to save on electricity is to install solar panels.
For example, if your current dryer is more than 15 years old, it's probably best to replace it since this is about the time when most dryers reach the end of their serviceable lifespan (both gas and electric unit).
How much electricity your dryer uses will vary, but you can always find the exact wattage in the manual it came with, or by looking up the model online. Dryers use around 1,800 – 5,000 watts, with 3,000 being the average.
Electric dryers span a wide range of wattages, from about 2,000 to 6,000 watts. That translates to about 2 to 6 kWh of electricity. Based on the national average rate of 12¢ per kWh, each hour of electric drying will cost somewhere between 24¢ and 72¢, depending on the model.
Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.
We've already established that overnight is the cheapest time to do your laundry. However, that's not the only factor to consider.
As with most machines and devices, the older a dryer gets the less efficient it becomes. The majority of clothes dryers that are in use are between 2-9 years old. Dryers are typically somewhere in the range of 2,000 to 6,000 watts. What that means is a dryer uses between 2 and 6 kilowatts an hour.
Clothes dryers use 3000 to 5000 watts. Assume 3000 watts, used 1/2 hour per day, and electric cost $0.10 / kWh. This will cost about $55 per year.
On average, an old refrigerator uses about 35% more energy than a model that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement.
Banging, popping, squealing or grinding noises are telltale signs that a dryer is broken. If you're hearing banging and popping, the usual culprit is a worn-out belt. As a dryer belt wears down over time, it can cause the drum to move erratically and create the noises you're hearing.
The average life expectancy of a dryer is around 10-13 years. And no matter how great your clothes dryer is, all appliances will wear down eventually.
Dryer Costs:
Once your clothes are washed, the drying cost comes into play. Typically, you'll find that dryers charge by time, with a standard drying cycle lasting around 30 to 45 minutes. The cost of drying a load ranges from $1.50 to $2.50 per cycle, depending on the dryer's size and location.
It is cheaper to do laundry at home versus at a laundromat for a variety of reasons, but to name a few: Because laundromats are a for-profit business, they will charge you a premium for the water and electricity consumed by each load, resulting in a higher cost per load.
By overloading the washer, your clothing will not come out as clean. Overloading limits the movement of the clothes, and movement is what “shakes” the dirt and grime from clothing. In addition, an overloaded wash won't disperse the detergent properly.
The best time to do laundry to save energy
Energy companies often charge more per unit of electricity during "peak hours". These are usually in the late afternoon and early evening when energy demand is highest. To save money, aim to run your washing machine and dryer outside these hours.
Understanding Your Dryer Lifespan
The average lifespan of your dryer varies depending on several factors, including usage and maintenance. Typically, a well-maintained dryer can last for around 10 to 15 years. However, this duration can be significantly shorter if the appliance is not properly cared for.
Use low heat – You'll use less energy with a longer dry cycle at a lower heat setting than with a shorter cycle at a higher temperature.
In the U.S., it costs approximately 45 cents to dry a load of laundry in an electric dryer, based on a 5,600-watt dryer, 40-minute run-time, and a 12-cent-per- kilowatt-hour rate. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is equal to the energy of 1,000 watts working for one hour.
Washers and Dryers
Save by doing the following: Try to do laundry on weekends when there are no Peak hours. On weekdays, run washers and dryers during Off-Peak hours: before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m. Wash full loads, but don't overfill.
You might have an old dryer at home that works fine. It's still a good idea to consider a new dryer. New dryers are much more energy-efficient in use.