How much does a clothes dryer cost to operate?
“My daughter runs our clothes dryer every morning for one hour at medium temp. Can you estimate what the daily cost would be?” asked a member recently.
- A drying rack is one alternative.
The dryer is one of the higher users of electricity in a home. It can consume up to about 5,000 watts, but let’s say it uses only about 3,500 watts on “medium.”
- 3,500 watts / 1,000 watts = 3.5 kilowatts (3 kW)
- 3.5 kW X 1 hour = 3.5 kWh
- One kWh costs about $0.215
- $0.215 X 3.5 kW = $0.75
This means that it costs about $0.75 every morning to run your dryer for an hour. One month would run your electric bill up $21.08.
Of course there are alternatives to dryers, but they aren’t always as convenient. For example, a good drying rack can be picked up at many local retailers for between $25 and $50. While you’ll have to wait longer for dry clothes, you won’t be using any electricity.
Another tip: Always keep the lint screen clean. A full lint screen causes the dryer to work harder therefore using more energy.
How much does a clothes dryer cost to operate?,
thanks, that’s great.
how about a clothesline and the good old sun & air