Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator

Calculating the operational expense of a clothes dryer involves measuring energy consumption per cycle and scaling it across a full year of use. For an electric dryer, the energy per load (EpL) is determined by multiplying the machine's electrical rating (ERating in kWh) by the cycle time in hours. The weekly cost (CpWeek) multiplies EpL by your local electricity cost per kWh and your weekly load count, which then scales to an annual total (EAnnualCost) across 52 weeks.

For a gas dryer, the calculation must account for both electricity (to power the motor and igniter) and natural gas (for heat generation). The gas energy per load combines the electrical energy component (ElectRating × Cycletime) multiplied by the electricity rate, plus the thermal gas requirement (GasRating × Cycletime) multiplied by the gas cost per unit. This combined per-load expense is then multiplied by your weekly loads and scaled annually to give you a precise total comparable to the electric model.

Let us walk through a practical scenario comparing both dryer types assuming you do 6 loads of laundry per week, with an average cycle time of 0.75 hours (45 minutes).

Electric Dryer Example:
1. Assume an electric rating of 4.0 kWh and an electricity cost of $0.15 per kWh.
2. Energy per load (EpL) = 4.0 kWh × 0.75 hours = 3.0 kWh per load.
3. Weekly cost (CpWeek) = 3.0 kWh × $0.15 × 6 loads = $2.70 per week.
4. Annual cost (EAnnualCost) = $2.70 × 52 weeks = $140.40 per year.

Gas Dryer Example:
1. Assume an electrical motor rating of 0.2 kWh, a gas heat rating of 0.8 therms equivalent per cycle, an electricity rate of $0.15/kWh, and a gas rate of $1.20 per therm.
2. Electricity cost per load = 0.2 kWh × 0.75 hours × $0.15 = $0.0225.
3. Gas cost per load = 0.8 therms × $1.20 = $0.96.
4. Total weekly cost (GCpWeek) = ($0.0225 + $0.96) × 6 loads = $5.895 per week.
5. Annual cost (GAnnualCost) = $5.895 × 52 weeks = $306.54 per year. (Note: Actual utility rates and appliance efficiencies will vary based on regional pricing models).

To maximize savings regardless of whether you choose gas or electric, follow these expert laundry room guidelines:
1. Clean the Lint Filter Religiously: A clogged lint trap restricts airflow, drastically increasing drying times and wasting valuable energy.
2. Utilize Moisture Sensors: Modern dryers feature automatic dryness sensing that stops the cycle the moment clothes are dry, preventing unnecessary heat exposure.
3. Batch Heavy Fabrics: Mixing heavy denim with lightweight synthetic garments leads to uneven drying and longer overall cycle times.