What a load of drying costs
Dryer energy is measured per load. ENERGY STAR's certified vented electric dryers average 607 kWh a year over the DOE test year of 283 loads — 2.14 kWh a load. Heat pump (ventless) dryers average 378 kWh, or 1.34 kWh a load.
Worked example: 2.14 kWh × 18.19¢ (U.S. average, Jan–Aug 2026) = $0.39 a load. At the DOE's 5.4 loads a week that's $110 a year; a heat pump dryer does the same laundry for $68.76.
Cost per load and per year
| Machine | kWh / load | Per load | 283 loads / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vented electric dryer | 2.14 | $0.39 | $110 |
| Heat pump dryer | 1.34 | $0.24 | $68.76 |
| Front-load washer (incl. hot water) | 0.35 | $0.06 | $17.80 |
| Top-load washer (incl. hot water) | 0.56 | $0.10 | $28.79 |
Washer figures include the electricity to heat the water with an electric water heater, on DOE's 295-load year. Washing in cold water cuts most of that.
Watts or kWh per load?
Electric dryer heating elements are rated anywhere from 1,800 to 5,000 W, and most full-size 240 V dryers sit near the top of that range. But the element cycles on and off with the thermostat and moisture sensor, so watts × minutes overstates real use. If you know your dryer's kWh per load — from a whole-home energy monitor or the manufacturer — enter it as your own figure.
Cutting the cost
- Use the auto-dry (moisture-sensing) setting instead of a timed cycle.
- Spin faster in the washer so there's less water to drive off.
- Clean the lint screen every load and the duct once a year — a restricted vent lengthens every cycle and is a fire risk.
- Dry full loads back to back while the drum is still warm.
- When replacing, compare the yearly saving of a heat pump dryer against its extra price; it also needs no outside vent.
Common mistakes
- Multiplying 5,000 W by the full cycle time. The element doesn't run nonstop; use kWh per load.
- Forgetting the washer's hot water. With an electric water heater, a hot wash adds real cost per load.
- Using an old national rate. At 18.19¢/kWh in 2026, each kWh costs more than articles from a few years ago assume.
Check your water heater and other appliances with the electricity cost calculator, or see your state's price per kWh.