Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator
Compare operating costs and savings between gas and electric dryers
Calculate Dryer Operating Costs
General Settings
Typical range: 30-90 minutes
US average: $0.12/kWh
US average: $1.00/therm
Electric Dryer
Typical range: 2000-6000W
Gas Dryer
For motor & controls
Typical: 16,000-25,000 BTU/h
Cost Comparison Results
Electric Dryer
Gas Dryer
Gas Dryer Saves
Cost Analysis
Example Calculation
Typical Household Example
Usage: 60 minutes per cycle, 3 loads per week
Electric dryer: 3000W, $0.12/kWh electricity
Gas dryer: 400W + 20,000 BTU/h, $1.00/therm gas
Annual Cost Calculation
Electric: 3 kWh/load × $0.12 × 3 loads/week × 52 weeks = $56.16/year
Gas: (0.4 kWh + 0.2 therm) × costs × 3 × 52 = $38.94/year
Annual savings: $17.22 with gas dryer
Dryer Type Comparison
Electric Dryer
Uses electrical heating elements
Higher energy consumption
Gas Dryer
Burns natural gas for heat
Lower operating costs typically
Purchase Considerations
Electric Dryer
• Lower purchase price
• Easier installation
• Available anywhere
Gas Dryer
• Requires gas line
• Higher installation cost
• Lower operating costs
How to Choose Between Gas and Electric Dryers
Factors to Consider
Gas Line Availability
Check if your home has an existing gas line to the laundry area. Installing new gas lines can cost $300-800.
Local Utility Rates
Compare your local electricity and natural gas rates. Areas with expensive electricity favor gas dryers.
Usage Frequency
High-usage households benefit more from gas dryer savings. Light users may not justify installation costs.
Environmental Impact
Consider your local electricity source. Coal-powered electricity may make gas dryers more eco-friendly.
Cost Analysis Framework
Break-Even Calculation
Step 1: Calculate annual operating cost difference
Step 2: Add purchase price difference and installation costs
Step 3: Divide total extra cost by annual savings
Result: Years to break even on gas dryer investment
Quick Rule of Thumb
If gas costs less than 3x the price of electricity (per BTU), gas dryers typically save money for households doing 3+ loads per week.
Energy Efficiency Tips for Both Dryer Types
Maintenance Tips
- • Clean lint filter after every load
- • Clean dryer vent annually
- • Check exhaust duct for blockages
- • Use rigid metal ducting
- • Keep vent path as short as possible
Usage Optimization
- • Use moisture sensor settings
- • Dry similar fabric types together
- • Remove clothes promptly
- • Run consecutive loads while warm
- • Use lower heat for synthetics
Load Management
- • Don't overload the dryer
- • Separate heavy and light items
- • Pre-sort by drying time
- • Use dryer balls to improve airflow
- • Consider air-drying delicates