LAUNDRY CALCULATOR

Clothes Dryer Cost Calculator

Estimate what an electric dryer costs per load, month, and year.

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Calculate electricity cost per load

Updates instantly
kWh/load
loads
$/kWh
weeks
Calculating…
Calculating…
Formula: Annual cost = kWh per load × loads per week × weeks per year × electricity rate
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How this estimate works

Cycle length, fabric moisture, dryer type, load size, and vent condition affect consumption.

  1. Use your equipment data. Check a label, specification sheet, controller, or energy meter.
  2. Enter your utility rate. A recent bill is more useful than a national average.
  3. Test different schedules. Change one input at a time to compare scenarios.

Ways to reduce or refine the cost

1

Clean the lint screen after every load.

2

Use a high washer spin speed.

3

Dry full—but not overfilled—loads and use moisture sensing.

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Transparent methodology

Results use the values you enter and standard energy formulas. They are planning estimates, not bills or guarantees.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find kWh per load?+

Check the EnergyGuide label, specifications, or divide measured energy by completed cycles.

Is a gas dryer included?+

This calculator estimates electricity only.

Why does vent condition matter?+

Restricted airflow can lengthen drying time.

How to verify this estimate

Best input

Use kWh per representative load when available.

Reality check

Record load size, starting moisture, selected cycle, and completed dryness.

Important limitation

Heating cycles, airflow, sensor controls, and fuel type make rated watts alone an unreliable annual estimate.

Primary reference: ENERGY STAR Clothes Dryers. Reviewed September 2026.