How Much Does It Cost to Run Your Clothes Dryer?
Your dryer can account for as much as 13% of a home’s energy budget when airflow is poor. On average, an electric dryer uses about 3 kW per hour, while a gas dryer typically uses ~22,000 BTU/hour of gas plus ~1.5 kW/hour to turn the drum. Because airflow through the ductwork drives efficiency, improving venting often lowers both time-to-dry and your bill.
Set your loads per week, average minutes to dry, and your local energy rate (electric or gas). Then review the calculator’s weekly, monthly, and annual cost outputs. For a quick walkthrough of each slider, see our step-by-step guide.
Energy Cost = Therm Cost / Bill Total
A Dryer Vent Cleaning
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Weekly Energy Cost: $0.00
Monthly Cost ~
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Minutes Spent Weekly: 000
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How Much Does It Cost to Run Your Clothes Dryer?
Your clothes dryer’s energy use adds up quickly—especially when airflow is poor. In fact, when venting is restricted, the dryer can consume up to 13% of a home’s energy budget. On average, an electric dryer draws about 3 kW while running, while a gas dryer uses ~22,000 BTU/hour of gas plus ~1.5 kW to turn the drum. Because efficient airflow through ductwork drives drying performance, improving venting often cuts time-to-dry and lowers your bill.
How to Use the Clothes Dryer Energy Calculator
Want precise numbers for your home? Open our step-by-step guide and adjust the calculator’s sliders to match your weekly loads, average dry time, and local energy rate. You’ll immediately see how each factor changes your weekly, monthly, and annual energy cost.
What the Calculator Tells You (and Why It Matters)
- Shorter dry times save energy because the machine runs less.
- Better airflow shortens those dry times even more.
Therefore, the fastest way to lower your laundry cost is to restore strong airflow and keep it that way.
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Lowers Energy Use
Lint, pet hair, and trapped moisture create blockages that force your dryer to run longer. By contrast, a clean, smooth duct lets heated air move freely, so clothes dry in the recommended ~45 minutes per full load. As a result, you save both time and money-and you reduce fire risk at the same time. For expert help, Schedule a Dryer Vent Cleaning today.
Gas vs. Electric Dryers: What Affects Operating Cost?
Both gas and electric dryers tumble clothes and move heated air through the drum, but they heat differently. Electric heating elements ramp up more slowly, so electric loads often cost a bit more to dry. A gas burner produces heat sooner, which can lower run‑time and cost per cycle. Depending on local utility rates, electric loads often run about 19-38¢, while gas loads can run ~16-34¢. In many homes, gas dryers can save up to 25% in energy costs. Nevertheless, your actual cost depends on energy prices and, crucially, vent airflow.
Want a quick price check on maintenance? See our dryer vent cleaning cost ranges.
Moisture Sensors, Dryer Sheets, and Efficiency
Today’s dryers often include moisture‑sensing controls that automatically shut off when clothes are dry. This feature can save 15-20% over timed dry and about 5% over temperature‑only control, while also reducing wear on fabrics. Additionally, skip dryer sheets when possible. Their residue can coat lint screens and sensors, which slows drying and raises energy use. For details and safer alternatives, read Reasons to Ditch Toxic Dryer Sheets.
Clothes Dryer Temperatures: What to Expect
Most modern machines run approximately 110°F to 135°F across low, medium, and high cycles. To reduce fire risk, manufacturers added thermal fuses (commonly 185°F or 198°F) in the 1980s; however, tolerances or defects can allow dangerously high internal temperatures if airflow is severely restricted. Consequently, keeping the vent clear remains essential for safety and performance.
How We Help (and Why Homeowners Choose Us)
The Lint King—Dryer Vent Cleaning Experts—created this simple Clothes Dryer Energy Calculator to help you understand the cost of not cleaning your vent. We pair that insight with end‑to‑end professional cleaning designed to restore strong airflow. See how our process works, review our pricing, and explore our dryer vent FAQs for quick answers.
Schedule a Cleaning and Start Saving
Because airflow drives both time‑to‑dry and cost‑to‑dry, a professional cleaning pays back fast. Join Northern Illinois homeowners who have already improved safety and lowered bills—Schedule a Dryer Vent Cleaning Now and put your Clothes Dryer Energy Calculator results into action.