How it is calculated
Annual cost = kWh per cycle × cycles per week × 52 × price per kWh.
For the other dryer its purchase price is added to the cumulative electricity cost; payback years = price ÷ annual saving.
Worked example
Using the calculator’s example values:
- Energy per drying cycle (your dryer): 4 kWh/cycle
- Drying cycles per week: 3 /week
- Electricity price: $0.15/kWh
- Energy per cycle of another dryer (optional): 2 kWh/cycle
- Price of the other dryer (optional): $0.00
Result: Annual cost — $93.60 (cost per cycle: $0.60; monthly cost: $7.80; annual consumption: 624 kWh).
Money-saving tips
- Spin at higher speed in the washer so clothes arrive with less water.
- Clean the lint filter after every use.
- Line-drying when possible is still free.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of dryer uses least?
Heat-pump dryers reuse heat and usually use considerably less per cycle than condenser or vented dryers. Always compare each model’s spec sheet figure.
Does the load size matter?
Yes. Spec figures usually refer to a full load; with half loads energy per kilo of laundry gets worse.
Why does the chart start higher for the other dryer?
Because it includes the purchase price at year 0. Where the lines cross, the purchase has paid for itself.
How we calculate and the limits of the results: Methodology.