Laundry
Electric Clothes Dryer Electricity Cost Calculator
Estimate electric dryer cost per load, per month, and per year using runtime and local electricity rate.
Default wattage 3000 W
Monthly use 60 kWh
Monthly cost $9.86
Yearly cost $118.37
How to estimate the cost
Start with the default wattage range of 1800 W to 5000 W, then replace it with the value on your appliance label or an energy meter reading. The calculator uses 16.44 cents/kWh as a planning baseline until you enter your own rate.
Scenario comparison
Use the table to test whether wattage or runtime matters more for this appliance before changing settings, replacing equipment, or buying a measurement tool.
| Scenario | Assumption | Monthly use | Monthly cost | Yearly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower-use case | 1800 W x 0.5 hr/day x 20 days
Useful for lower settings, shorter sessions, or better controls. | 18 kWh | $2.96 | $35.51 |
| Default estimate | 3000 W x 1 hr/day x 20 days
Uses the preset shown in the calculator and summary above. | 60 kWh | $9.86 | $118.37 |
| Higher-use case | 5000 W x 1.5 hr/day x 20 days
Useful for long runtimes, high settings, or seasonal spikes. | 150 kWh | $24.66 | $295.92 |
What changes the real cost
- Separate electric dryers from gas dryers.
- Explain that heat pump dryers use a different energy profile.
- Per-load framing is useful for search intent.
Money-saving angle
Best next checks for this topic: Dryer vent cleaning tools, heat pump dryers, wool dryer balls, and laundry efficiency guides.