How to save money on a dryer?

Author: Prof. Zita Herman III  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

How to save money when using a dryer?

How to make a dryer use less electricity?

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.

What is the most efficient way to use a dryer?

Why does my dryer take 2 hours to dry clothes?

There can be multiple reasons. Dryer vent is too long or clogged. Not heating correctly, or clogged lint filter / blower housing. Wrong heat temperature selected. Load is too large for the dryer.

How to save energy with your tumble dryer - from Which?

How do I reduce the drying time in my dryer?

How long is the average dryer cycle?

Typically, a gas or electric dryer should take about 30 to 45 minutes to dry a full load of clothes. Dense fabrics—like a quilt or a load of thick bath towels—may take up to an hour to dry. If your dryer's taking too long to dry your laundry, it's important to figure out what's wrong instead of ignoring it.

What is the most economical dryer setting?

Recent research shows that new dryers use significantly less energy to dry most typical loads on low heat than on high heat, even though the dryer runs longer. If you aren't in a rush, let the clothes run longer on low heat. This will save energy and is gentler on clothes.

Does adding a dry towel in the dryer help?

'An added dry towel absorbs moisture from the wet clothes, which reduces the amount of water that the dryer has to remove as it heats up, she says. 'This means that the dryer can work more efficiently and dry the clothes faster.

Is it cheaper to run the dryer at night?

If you want to save the most money, read your plan's Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to figure out when your energy rates are cheapest. For instance, a common range for peak hours is between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cheapest time to do laundry for an energy plan with these higher TOU rates is before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m.

How to save electricity doing laundry?

Which dryer saves electricity?

Although vented tumble dryers are energy efficient, heat pump tumble dryers are the most energy-efficient dryers on the market.

Do I need dryer balls?

If you are looking for extra softening effects and added fragrance, dryer sheets may be the better option; however, if you have allergies, dryer balls may help to spare irritations. For moisture-wicking fabrics such as activewear, microfiber and absorbent towels, dryer balls may work better than dryer sheets.

How to save electricity on a dryer?

How to get a good deal on a dryer?

How to reduce laundry cost?

What is the dry towel trick?

As the wet and dry items mix, “the dry towel absorbs some of the moisture from the wet clothes, reducing overall humidity in the dryer and allowing the clothes to dry faster,” Shimek says. Polich says it's a “very helpful trick if you're in a pinch,” but the amount of time saved depends on your specific dryer.

Should I use dryer sheets?

Should I use dryer sheets? It depends on the load. Dryer sheets work well for most everyday items made of natural fibers, such as cotton shirts, pants and socks, but it's best to avoid using dryer sheets on athleticwear & microfiber, towels, flame-resistant clothing and water-repellent fabric.

How long do jeans take to dry in the dryer?

For the best results, you might want to tumble dry your jeans for about 10-15 minutes, then hang them to air dry the rest of the way. This method reduces wear from the dryer while still providing that comfortable, softened feel.

Is 30 minutes enough for dryer?

Typically, a dryer can finish a load of clothing in about 30 to 45 minutes, but there are a lot of variables that come into play.

How to use a dryer efficiently?

Which dryer setting dries the best?

Regular/Heavy: Fastest and hottest setting of your dryer. It's best to use this setting when you're drying white or light-colored clothing. Delicates: Low heat, so drying time will be longer. It is best to use this setting to use for delicate fabrics.

Is it normal for a dryer to take 2 hours?

Whether your dryer is gas or electric, it can take up to 45 minutes for a typical drying cycle. Heavier cycles that include large loads like bedding, can take around three hours to fully dry.

How much does it cost to run the dryer for 45 minutes?

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.

How long should you stop a dryer before time is up?

If you want to end the cycle early on a washer dryer, you can turn the appliance off by pressing the Power switch.