Your clothes dryer uses about 6% of your home’s total energy usage, second only to the refrigerator. Will using gas vs. electric make the difference in your energy costs?
Cost and efficiency of propane gas vs. electric clothes dryers
Gas dryers cost $50-100 more on average than electric models. This cost differential is predicated on the general idea that gas dryers cost less in the long term than electric models (though this is not always the case).
Both gas and electric dryers have about equal efficiency performance. Most efficiency factors depend on dryer features, individual usage and energy consumption in the home. For example, investing in a dryer (gas or electric) with a moisture sensor, increases drying efficiency by automatically shutting off when it senses clothes are dry.
So, the cost-benefit of gas vs. electric comes down to the cost of energy in your area and home.
What is the cost of energy used?
The cost of energy used largely depends on your home energy usage.
Gas dryers use about 15–25 gallons of propane per year. With the small amount of propane needed, the price per gallon is more expensive (currently about $4.22/gallon). But if you have more appliances running on propane and you order more, the price per gallon is lower (approximately $2.50/gallon).
- Few gas appliances ($4.22/gallon): $4.22 (price per gallon) × 25 (gallons per year) = $105/year
- Several gas appliances ($2.50/gallon): $2.50 (price per gallon) × 25 (gallons per year) = $62.50/year
- Electric dryers use about 3.3 kWh per load. At an average rate of $0.093 per kWh, that equals $0.31 per load. The average family that uses 5 loads per week will spend $1.55 per week, or roughly $80/year.
The Bottom Line: The cost efficiency of gas dryers depends on what other appliances use gas in your home.
Why? The price per gallon of propane (or natural gas) depends on the quantity you order. If you order large quantities to fuel several appliances in your home, the price of gas is lower. If you only order small quantities at a time, the price per gallon is higher.
As illustrated above, gas dryers are more efficient if you have several appliances in your home operating on propane or natural gas. However, if you only have one or two gas-fueled appliances, you might achieve greater savings with an electric model (depending on the price of electricity in your area).
Extra initial costs for gas dryers
As mentioned above, the initial cost for gas dryers is more expensive than electric. However, you must also factor in installation costs for a professional to install and hook up the gas line.
Electric dryers require a 240-volt outlet to operate. If you don’t have one, extra initial costs would include electrician’s fees to wire and install the proper outlet.
4 Tips to increase the efficiency of your clothes dryer
Here are some tips on operating your dryer more efficiently—whether gas or electric:
- Keep your lint filter clean to improve circulation and increase efficiency.
- Check your dryer ventilation to ensure there is no blockage.
- Dry only full loads, but do not overload the dryer.
- Dry lightweight garments before heavier loads. Take advantage of the dryer’s residual heat to help heavy loads dry faster.
FAQ
Which is cheaper to run: a gas or electric dryer?
It depends on your household setup. Gas dryers are often more cost-effective if you already use propane or natural gas for other appliances, since bulk usage brings down the per-gallon rate. If you only use gas for your dryer, electricity may be cheaper overall.
How much does it cost to run a gas dryer per year?
If you’re paying around $4.22 per gallon for propane and use 25 gallons annually, it could cost about $105/year. But if you use more gas across multiple appliances and get a lower bulk rate (around $2.50/gallon), that drops to around $62.50/year.
Are there extra costs to install a gas dryer?
Yes. In addition to a higher upfront price for the appliance itself, you’ll likely need professional installation to connect the gas line safely. Electric dryers may also require a 240-volt outlet, which could involve electrician fees if your home isn’t wired for it.
Can I improve the efficiency of my dryer?
Absolutely. Clean the lint filter regularly, ensure the vent is clear, dry only full (but not overloaded) loads, and dry lighter items before heavier ones to take advantage of residual heat. These tips help both gas and electric dryers run more efficiently.