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operating
cost of clothes dryers
clothes
dryers
The
clothes dryer uses a lot of electricity, costing about
$85 to operate annually. A typical clothes dryer will
cost about $1,100 to operate over its
lifetime.
When
shopping for a new clothes dryer, look for one w/ a
moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine
when your clothes are dry. This will save energy &
wear & tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.
Gas dryers are normally less expensive to operate than
electric dryers.
consumer
tips
- Look
for a dryer w/ a moisture sensor that automatically
shuts off the machine when the clothes are dry. It
saves energy & wear & tear on the clothes.
- The
best dryers have a moisture sensor in the drum to
sense dryness. Others sense the temperature of the
exhaust air. Compared w/ timed-drying, you can save
about 10% w/ a temperature-sensing control & 15%
w/ a moisture-sensing control.
- Select
a dryer w/ a cool-down cycle, sometimes known as a
permanent-press cycle. At the end of the cycle, cool
air is blown through the clothes to complete the
drying rather than heated air blowing through the
entire drying cycle.
- Gas
dryers are less expensive to operate than electric
dryers. The cost of drying a typical load of laundry
in an electric dryer is 30-40 cents compared to 15-20
cents in a gas dryer.
- Dry
towels & heavier cottons in a separate load from
lighter-weight clothes.
- Clean
the lint filter in the dryer after every load to
improve air circulation.
- Periodically
inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked.
This will save energy & may prevent a fire.
Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material,
not plastic vents that may collapse & cause
blockages.
- Look
for the Energy Star & EnergyGuide labels.
- Locate
the dryer in a heated space. Putting a dryer in a cold
or damp basement will make the dryer work harder &
less efficiently. Vent your dryer properly. The
exhaust system of the dryer should be a short smooth
metal duct that is vented straight to the outside.
Flexible vinyl duct tends to restrict airflow &
increase drying time.
- Check
the outside dyer exhaust vent periodically. If it
doesn't close tightly, replace it w/ one that does
close tightly to keep the outside air from leaking
inside.
- Dry
two or more loads in a row, taking advantage of the
dryer's retained heat.
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