Dryer electricity use depends on power draw, cycle length, technology, and how wet the load is at the start. A conventional electric dryer can draw several kilowatts while heating, while a heat-pump dryer usually uses less energy per load even if cycles take longer.
Calculate energy from power and time, not watts alone
Energy is measured in kilowatt-hours: multiply average power in kilowatts by operating time in hours. Because heaters and compressors cycle, the maximum nameplate wattage does not always equal average consumption across the whole cycle.
Dryer technology changes the result substantially
Electric resistance, gas-heated, and heat-pump dryers use energy differently. For cost comparisons, use the model’s energy label and separate electricity from fuel consumption where applicable.
Washer spin speed can reduce drying energy
The more water the washer removes during spin, the less the dryer must evaporate. A load left unusually wet because of low spin speed, imbalance, or overloading takes longer to dry and uses more energy.
Keep airflow clear and avoid unnecessarily long cycles
A clogged lint screen reduces airflow, lengthens drying, and adds fire risk. Use a functioning moisture-sensing cycle when available, clean the lint screen every load, and maintain the vent as the appliance instructions require.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR — Home Energy — Household energy use, efficiency, heating, cooling, and appliance guidance.