The Cost of Running a Clothes Dryer (and How To Lower It)

Your clothes dryer may be costing more than you think. Here’s how much dryers typically cost to run and simple ways to lower that cost, whether you have an ENERGY STAR model or an older machine.

TDS Money-Saving Strategist: Andrea Norris-McKnight | posted June 2026

Small savings reminder: These tips alone won't save hundreds of dollars. But a collection of small savings habits working together is often what makes a tight budget easier to manage..

Running a clothes dryer doesn’t seem expensive day-to-day. But over a full year, the cost adds up more than many people expect.

Recent estimates show:

A non-ENERGY STAR electric dryer costs about $75 per year
An ENERGY STAR electric dryer costs about $60 per year
A non-ENERGY STAR gas dryer costs about $30 per year
An ENERGY STAR gas dryer costs about $24 per year

That may not seem like a huge expense on its own. But if you’re doing several loads a week, there are opportunities to reduce those costs with little extra effort.

Here’s how to reduce the cost of running your dryer, based on the type you have.

If You Have a Non-ENERGY STAR Dryer

Older dryers tend to use more energy, so small changes can make a bigger difference.

Focus on Running Fewer Loads

The simplest way to cut dryer costs is to use it less.

That doesn’t necessarily mean skipping the dryer completely. It can be as simple as:

Combining smaller loads into full loads
Rewearing lightly worn clothing when appropriate
Being more selective about what actually needs washing

Fewer loads means less energy used.

Use Line Drying Strategically

Line drying can reduce dryer costs, but the savings depend on how often you do it.

If you only line dry occasionally, the impact on your bill will be small. To see meaningful savings, you need to line dry most of your loads, not just a few here and there.

If drying everything isn’t practical, try:

Line drying heavier items like towels or jeans
Drying part of a load and finishing it in the dryer
Rotating which loads you air dry each week

Avoid Overdrying

Older dryers often run longer than needed.

Try using lower heat settings or shorter cycles when possible. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it instead of timed drying.

Overdrying wastes energy and can wear out clothing faster.

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If You Have an ENERGY STAR Dryer

ENERGY STAR dryers are more efficient, but you can still reduce costs with a few simple habits.

Use Sensor Dry Settings

Many ENERGY STAR dryers include moisture sensors.

These stop the cycle when the clothes are dry, rather than running for a preset time. Using this feature can reduce energy use and prevent overdrying.

Match Cycle Settings to the Load

Using high heat for every load isn’t always necessary.

Lighter fabrics often dry well on lower heat settings, which use less energy. Choosing the right cycle for the load can reduce both energy use and wear on clothing.

Keep Loads Full but Not Overloaded

Running full loads helps maximize efficiency.

However, overloading can slow drying times, which cancels out the benefit. Aim for a full drum that still allows air to circulate.

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Tips That Help Any Dryer Use Less Energy

No matter what type of dryer you have, these habits can lower your costs.

Clean the Lint Filter Every Load

A clogged lint filter reduces airflow, which makes your dryer work harder and run longer.

Cleaning it takes just a few seconds and can improve efficiency right away.

Check the Dryer Vent

Lint can also build up in the dryer vent over time.

A partially blocked vent increases drying time and energy use. Checking and cleaning the vent periodically helps your dryer run more efficiently and safely.

Spin Clothes Well in the Washer

The drier your clothes are coming out of the washer, the less work your dryer has to do.

Using a higher spin setting (when appropriate for the fabric) removes more water and shortens drying time.

Dry Similar Items Together

Mixing heavy and lightweight items in the same load can lead to longer drying times.

Heavier items hold more moisture and can keep the cycle running longer than necessary. Grouping similar fabrics together can help loads dry more evenly and quickly.

Use Dryer Balls or Clean Towels

Adding dryer balls or even a dry towel to a load can help reduce drying time by improving airflow and absorbing moisture.

Shorter cycles mean lower energy use.

Run the Dryer During Off-Peak Hours (If Available)

Some electric utilities offer time-of-use plans, where electricity costs less during certain hours of the day and more during peak demand periods.

If your utility company uses off-peak pricing, shifting laundry and dryer use to lower-cost hours may reduce the cost of running your dryer without changing how often you use it.

Check with your utility provider to see whether time-of-use rates are available and whether they make sense for your household.

Important: This tip won’t reduce the amount of electricity your dryer uses. Instead, it may lower the price you pay for that electricity. Savings vary widely depending on your utility company’s rate structure and how much higher peak-hour rates are than off-peak rates.

The One Habit That Lowers Dryer Costs Fast

Run fewer loads.

No setting or product will save as much as simply using the dryer less often. Combining loads and being more selective about what you wash can lower costs right away.

Does Line Drying Actually Save Money?

Yes, but only if you do it consistently.

Line drying a few loads here and there won’t change your bill much. To see noticeable savings, you need to line-dry most of your loads or significantly reduce how often you use the dryer. And if you have an ENERGY STAR dryer, the savings will be lower than with an older energy hog.

Quick Win (Takes 30 Seconds)

Clean the lint filter before every load.

It improves airflow, shortens drying time and helps your dryer run more efficiently.

The Hidden Cost of Overdrying

Running the dryer longer than needed doesn’t just use more energy.

It can also wear out clothing faster, which means replacing items sooner than necessary.

TDS Takeaway: Small Changes Add Up

The cost of running a dryer may not seem high on a monthly basis, but it’s one of those expenses that runs quietly in the background.

A few small changes—running fewer loads, using better settings and improving airflow—can reduce that cost without adding much time or effort.

And if you’re using an older dryer, those changes can make an even bigger difference over the course of a year.

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About the Author

Andrea Norris-McKnight is the Money-Saving Strategist behind The Dollar Stretcher.

She helps people on tight budgets cut everyday costs, build steadier money habits and create a little breathing room—without guilt, gimmicks, or unrealistic advice.

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