How to Save Money With Your Clothes Dryer in Winter

Dryer RepairClothes dryers are one of the most expensive home appliances to operate. During winter with general energy costs higher, the cost to run a load in the dryer increases as well. Typically though a newer clothes dryer may cost a homeowner $100-$300 per year to operate.  The amount of money you can save by reducing the amount you use your clothes dryer each month will depend on several factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the efficiency of your dryer, and the amount of time you typically spend using it.

Clothes Dryer Costs

On average, a standard electric dryer costs about $1.25 per load to run at home. A gas clothes dryer is around $1.00 per load on average. As energy prices jump another 20% in the winter months, the price to operate a standard electric dryer may jump from $1.25/load to $1.50/load. So at $0.25/load more, if you have a family of four, and you run your clothes dryer 4 days/week, that’s $1/week more, or about $4/month more you can expect to pay during winter. On the other hand, if you reduce the number of loads from 4/week to just 3/week, you can expect to save about $6/month on your clothes dryer electricity cost.

Of course there are many variables that determine exact costs in your area. To more precisely calculate the potential savings, you will need to determine the energy usage of your dryer and the cost of electricity in your area. The energy usage of your dryer is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and can be found on the EnergyGuide label, which is displayed on all new clothes dryers sold in the United States. The cost of electricity is typically measured in cents per kWh and can vary depending on your location and the rate plan you are on with your electricity provider.

Once you have this information, you can use the following formula to calculate your potential savings:

Potential savings = (energy usage of dryer in kWh/month) * (cost of electricity in cents/kWh) * (number of months you will use the dryer less)

Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and your actual savings may be different depending on your specific circumstances.

How to Lower Clothes Dryer Costs

As for tips for reducing your clothes dryer associated energy costs, there are three simple things anyone can do at home:

  1. Use a low-heat setting: Using a lower heat setting can help reduce energy consumption, as the dryer will not have to work as hard to remove moisture from the clothes.
  1. Clean the lint filter regularly: A clogged lint filter reduces the efficiency of the dryer, causing it to use more energy. Be sure to clean the lint filter after every load to ensure maximum efficiency.
  1. Avoid overloading the dryer: Stuffing too many clothes into the dryer causes it to work harder and use more energy. Try to avoid overloading the dryer and give the clothes plenty of space to tumble.

If you have other questions about appliances or appliance repairs in Kansas City, call us today.