Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator

Compare the running costs of gas vs electric dryers side by side. Enter your dryer wattage, BTU rating, load duration, loads per week, electricity price, and gas price to see the cost per load, weekly cost, and annual cost for each dryer type — so you can see exactly which one saves you more money.

W

Typical electric dryers use 4,000–6,000 W. Check your dryer's label or manual.

$/kWh

US average is around $0.13/kWh. Check your utility bill for your rate.

W

Gas dryers still use electricity for the motor and controls — typically 300–400 W.

BTU/hr

Most residential gas dryers are rated 18,000–22,000 BTU/hr.

$/therm

US average is around $1.00–$1.20 per therm. Check your gas utility bill.

min

A typical drying cycle takes 30–60 minutes.

Average US household runs 5–8 loads of laundry per week.

Results

Annual Savings (Gas vs Electric)

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Electric — Cost Per Load

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Gas — Cost Per Load

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Electric — Weekly Cost

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Gas — Weekly Cost

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Electric — Annual Cost

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Gas — Annual Cost

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Annual Operating Cost: Gas vs Electric

Results Table

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the operating cost for an electric dryer?

The formula is: Cost = (Wattage × Load time in hours × Electricity price per kWh) / 1000. For example, a 5,000 W dryer running for 45 minutes (0.75 hours) at $0.13/kWh costs about $0.49 per load. Multiply by your weekly loads to get weekly and annual costs.

How do I calculate the operating cost for a gas dryer?

A gas dryer has two energy components: the electric motor and the gas burner. The combined formula is: Cost = [(Motor Wattage × Electricity price / 1000) + (BTU rating × Gas price / 100,000)] × Load time in hours. The BTU-to-therm conversion uses 100,000 BTU per therm.

Are gas dryers cheaper to run than electric dryers?

In most US regions, gas dryers are cheaper to operate because natural gas is less expensive per unit of heat than electricity. However, gas dryers typically cost $50–$100 more to purchase upfront. The break-even point depends on your local utility rates and how many loads you do per week.

How do I calculate the annual cost for an electric dryer?

Multiply the cost per load by the number of loads per week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For instance, if an electric dryer costs $0.49 per load and you run 5 loads per week, the annual cost is $0.49 × 5 × 52 ≈ $127.40 per year.

What is a typical BTU rating for a residential gas dryer?

Most residential gas dryers are rated between 18,000 and 22,000 BTU/hr. Higher BTU ratings mean faster drying but higher gas consumption per hour. You can find your dryer's exact BTU rating on its data label or in the owner's manual.

Does a gas dryer use any electricity?

Yes. Even though a gas dryer uses natural gas as its primary heat source, it still requires electricity to power the drum motor, controls, and igniter — typically around 300–400 watts. This electrical component is included in our gas dryer cost calculation.

How much can I save annually by switching to a gas dryer?

Savings vary widely by location and usage. At US average rates (electricity: $0.13/kWh, gas: $1.10/therm) with 5 loads per week, a gas dryer can save roughly $50–$100 per year compared to an electric model. Use this calculator with your actual utility rates for a personalized estimate.

What other factors should I consider beyond operating cost?

Beyond energy costs, consider the upfront purchase price (gas dryers cost more), installation costs (a gas line hookup can add $150–$300 if you don't already have one), maintenance, drying performance, and energy efficiency ratings. Gas dryers also tend to heat up faster, potentially reducing drying time.

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