DECISION GUIDE
Clothes Dryer Electricity Cost Calculator
Electric dryers have a high heating load, though the heating element cycles while the drum and fan continue.
Direct answer: The editable 5,000 W, one-hour load at 80% heater duty uses 4.00 kWh and costs about $0.74 per load. At three loads per week, that is about $9.62 per month or $115.44 per year.
Editable estimate
Calculate and compare
Results update as you type.
kW × effective runtime × rate. Effective runtime = hours/day × duty cycle.
Baseline vs scenario
Compare two annual energy-use estimates.
Old vs new appliance payback
Use annual kWh for both models. Leave rebate at $0 unless you have a confirmed amount.
Simple payback = net upfront cost ÷ annual electricity-cost savings. Excludes financing, maintenance, rate changes and time value of money.
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Ways to lower this cost
See all savings tips →ELECTRIC DRYER LOADS
Estimate energy per load and weekly frequency
An electric dryer has a high heating load, but the heating element cycles while the drum and fan continue. The illustrative preset uses 4.00 kWh and costs $0.74 per one-hour load.
Three loads per week example
Three similar loads per week cost about $9.62 per month and $115.44 per year. Load size, fabric moisture, cycle length, and heater duty change the result.
Moisture-sensor cycles may stop earlier than timed cycles. A clean lint screen and unobstructed vent support airflow and may prevent unnecessary drying time. This page prioritizes electric dryer cost; gas dryer fuel use needs a separate fuel calculation.
Electric dryer cost quick answers
How many kWh does an electric dryer use per load?
The current illustrative load uses 4.00 kWh. Use measured cycle energy for the exact dryer and load.
How much does one electric dryer load cost?
The preset is about $0.74 per load at the U.S. average rate.
How do loads per week affect monthly cost?
Multiply cost per load by weekly loads and about 52 weeks per year, then divide by 12 for a monthly average.
Do moisture sensors and venting matter?
Moisture sensors can stop a cycle when clothes are dry, while restricted venting can extend drying time.
RATE COMPARISON
How your rate changes the cost
Same appliance inputs, using May 2026 EIA residential averages.
Make the estimate more accurate
- Three one-hour loads a week is about 0.43 hours/day.
- Clean the lint screen and vent path.
- Moisture-sensor cycles may stop earlier than timed cycles.
Presets are estimates. Use your model label, an EnergyGuide annual-kWh figure or a safe meter reading when available. Compare old and new appliance payback.