Gas vs Electric Dryer Cost Calculator
Enter your energy rates, dryer specs, and how many loads you do each week. The calculator works out the cost per load, weekly cost, and annual cost for both dryer types side by side, then shows you the annual savings and the payback period if one dryer costs more to buy upfront. Results update instantly as you type.
How the running cost is calculated
For an electric dryer, the cost per load is simply: wattage (W) x cycle time (hours) / 1,000 x electricity rate ($/kWh). A 5,000 W dryer running for 45 minutes uses 5,000 x 0.75 / 1,000 = 3.75 kWh per load. At $0.18/kWh that is about $0.68 per load, or $246 per year for 7 loads a week. For a gas dryer, two energy sources matter: the gas burner and the electric motor. The gas consumed per load is: burner rating (BTU/h) x cycle time (hours) / 100,000. A 22,000 BTU/h burner running 45 minutes consumes 22,000 x 0.75 / 100,000 = 0.165 therms. At $1.63/therm that is $0.27, plus the motor electricity ($0.08 at 700 W), giving a total of roughly $0.35 per load, or $127 per year. The result: gas saves about $119 annually at these rates, the national average in 2026.
Purchase price and payback period
Gas dryers typically cost $100-$200 more than comparable electric models when you include the gas hookup cost. The payback period divides that extra upfront cost by the annual operating savings. At the national averages above, a $150 premium pays back in about 15 months. However, if your home does not already have a gas line, adding one can cost $200-$1,000 or more depending on distance and local labor rates, which could push the payback past 3-5 years or make electric the better choice. Homes that only have a 120 V outlet (not a 240 V dryer outlet) will also face installation costs for electric dryers. Heat-pump electric dryers are a newer option that can use 30-60% less electricity than a standard electric model. Their higher purchase price (often $300-$600 more) can offset part of the running-cost advantage, but in areas where electricity is cheap or gas is expensive they become competitive.
Gas vs electric: beyond the numbers
Running cost is only part of the picture. Electric dryers are simpler: no gas line, no carbon monoxide risk, and easier installation. Gas dryers tend to heat faster, which can shorten cycle time and reduce wear on fabrics. In a power outage, gas dryers keep working as long as the pilot can be lit manually. Heat-pump electric dryers add a third option: they recover heat from the exhaust instead of venting it, making them suitable for apartments without outdoor venting and significantly reducing energy use, though cycles can be 10-20 minutes longer. Environmental impact also depends on your grid. In regions with clean renewable electricity, an electric dryer may have a lower carbon footprint than gas even at higher running cost. In areas where the grid is coal-heavy, gas can emit less CO2 per load. The U.S. Energy Information Administration publishes regional grid emissions factors if you want to run that comparison.
Tips to lower your dryer bill regardless of fuel type
Clean the lint filter after every load: a clogged filter forces longer cycles and wastes energy. Check that the exhaust vent is clear of blockages and as short and straight as possible. Dry full loads, but avoid overloading so air can circulate. Use the moisture sensor if your dryer has one, it stops the cycle as soon as clothes are dry rather than running a fixed timer. Spin clothes at a higher RPM in the washer first, removing more water mechanically costs far less energy than evaporating it with heat. Finally, dry back-to-back loads while the drum is still warm, reducing warm-up energy.
Typical dryer energy specs
| Dryer type | Heat wattage / BTU/h | Motor watts (approx.) | kWh per load (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard electric | 4,000-6,000 W | 400-600 W (included) | 2.5-5.0 kWh |
| Compact electric | 2,000-3,000 W | 300-400 W (included) | 1.5-2.5 kWh |
| Heat-pump electric | 1,000-2,000 W | 300-500 W (included) | 1.0-2.0 kWh |
| Standard gas | 18,000-22,000 BTU/h | 500-800 W | 0.12-0.17 therm |
| High-efficiency gas | 14,000-18,000 BTU/h | 400-700 W | 0.09-0.12 therm |
Common wattage and BTU ratings by dryer type. Actual values appear on the dryer label or spec sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gas dryer always cheaper to run than an electric dryer?
Usually, but not always. In most US markets, natural gas delivers heat for about one-third to one-half the cost of electricity, making gas dryers cheaper to run. However, in areas with very cheap electricity (hydro-heavy states like Idaho or Washington) or very expensive gas, electric can be cheaper. Enter your local utility rates to see which is better for your area.
How much does it cost to run a dryer per load?
At 2026 US national average rates ($0.18/kWh electricity, $1.63/therm gas), a standard electric dryer costs about $0.60-$0.75 per load and a gas dryer about $0.30-$0.45 per load. Your actual cost depends on your local rates, the dryer wattage, the load size, and how long each cycle runs. This calculator uses your real inputs to give a personalized figure.
What is a therm of natural gas?
One therm is 100,000 BTU of heat energy, equal to about 29.3 kWh. It is the standard billing unit for natural gas in the United States. Your gas bill typically states your usage in therms and shows the price per therm. If your bill uses CCF (hundred cubic feet) instead, one CCF is approximately 1.02 therms, so the values are nearly interchangeable.
What is a typical gas dryer BTU rating?
Most standard residential gas dryers have a burner rated at 18,000-22,000 BTU per hour. High-efficiency or smaller models may be 14,000-18,000 BTU/h. You can find the exact rating on the appliance label on the back or inside the door, or in the specification sheet that came with the dryer.
Does a gas dryer use electricity?
Yes. Gas dryers use electricity to power the drum motor, the electronic controls, and the igniter. The electrical draw is much lower than a full electric dryer, typically 400-800 W compared to 4,000-6,000 W, but it is real and adds a small amount to the electricity portion of the running cost. This calculator includes that motor electricity in the gas dryer cost.
How long does a dryer payback period take?
At national average rates where gas saves about $100-$150 per year, a gas dryer that costs $150 more upfront pays back in 1-1.5 years. However, if you need to install a new gas line ($200-$1,000+), payback can stretch to 3-10 years or more. Enter your actual purchase prices and installation costs in the purchase price fields to see your personal payback period.
Are heat-pump dryers worth it?
Heat-pump electric dryers use about 40-60% less electricity than standard electric models, which can cut the annual running cost from around $250 to $100-$150, bringing them close to gas. They cost $300-$600 more upfront, so payback is typically 3-6 years compared with a standard electric dryer. They also require no venting, work in any room with a 120 V outlet, and are gentler on fabrics. If electricity is the only option in your home, they are usually the best long-term choice.