How Much Electricity Does a Dryer Use? Energy Costs & Saving Tips
Wondering how much electricity does a dryer use? You’re not alone. Dryers are one of the handiest appliances in Aussie homes — especially when the weather won’t play nice — but they can also be one of the most energy-hungry.
Whether you use yours every week or only when you’re caught in a storm, it helps to know what it’s costing you on your power bill. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical electric clothes dryer energy consumption, what affects it, and what you can do to keep those costs in check — without giving up the convenience.
What Is the Electricity Consumption of a Dryer?
When it comes to household appliances, clothes dryers are often some of the biggest energy users — especially if you rely on them regularly. So, how much power does a clothes dryer use? The short answer: it depends on the type of dryer, how efficient it is, and how often you’re running it.
Most standard dryers have a wattage range between 1,500 to 5,000 watts (or 1.5 to 5.0 kW). That means every hour your dryer runs, it could be using anywhere from 1.5 to 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. If you’re drying several loads each week, those numbers can add up quickly.
Here’s what you can typically expect by dryer type:
Vented dryers: These are the most common and affordable, but they’re also the least energy-efficient. Their typical wattage ranges from 2,500–5,000 watts, using about 4.0–5.0 kWh per load.
Condenser dryers: A bit more efficient, these dryers generally run at 2,000–3,500 watts, using around 3.5–4.5 kWh per load.
Heat pump dryers: These are the most energy-efficient option, using 600–2,000 watts, and only about 1.5–2.5 kWh per load. They cost more upfront but use far less power in the long run.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s the typical dryer power consumption and how it adds up:
Dryer Type | Typical Dryer Watts | Energy Use per Load (kWh) | Loads per Week | Energy Use/Week (kWh) | Energy Use/Year (kWh) |
Vented Dryer | 2,500 – 5,000 W | 4.0 – 5.0 kWh | 2 | 8 – 10 kWh | 416 – 520 kWh |
Condenser Dryer | 2,000 – 3,500 W | 3.5 – 4.5 kWh | 2 | 7 – 9 kWh | 364 – 468 kWh |
Heat Pump Dryer | 600 – 2,000 W | 1.5 – 2.5 kWh | 2 | 3 – 5 kWh | 156 – 260 kWh |
If you want to calculate power use of your exact dryer, you’ll need to check its energy rating label or user manual for the wattage (or kilowatt rating), then multiply that by the number of hours it runs per load.
Dryer wattage (kW) × Hours per load × Number of loads = Total kWh used
Let’s say your dryer is rated at 2.4 kW and each load takes an hour. If you run two loads per week, your weekly usage would be:
2.4 kW × 1 hr × 2 = 4.8 kWh per week
Over the course of a year, that wound add up to about 249.6 kWh.
What’s the Energy Costs of a Dryer?
Now that you know how many kWh a dryer uses, the next logical question is: what does that mean for your power bill? The cost of running a dryer can vary quite a bit, depending on the type of dryer you have, how often you use it, and your electricity rates.
In Australia, electricity prices now generally range from 25 to 45 cents per kWh, depending on your state, tariff, and provider. So, to estimate the cost of running your dryer, you can simply multiply the dryer electric usage per load in kWh by your energy rate.
Here’s a quick example:
Let’s say you have a vented dryer that uses around 4.5 kWh per load, and your electricity rate is 30 cents per kWh:
4.5 kWh x $0.30 = $1.35 per load
If you’re doing three loads per week, that’s $4.05 per week or roughly $210.60 a year — just for using the dryer.
Now, compare that with a heat pump dryer that uses only 2.0 kWh per load:
2.0 kWh x $0.30 = $0.60 per load, or about $93.60 per year with the same usage.
That’s about a 50% saving over the course of the year — simply by switching to a more efficient model.Here’s a quick glance of estimated dryer energy consumption and annual costs, assuming 3 loads per week and an electricity rate of $0.30/kWh:
Dryer Type | Energy Use per Load (kWh) | Total kWh/Year | Estimated Annual Cost ($AUD) |
Vented Dryer | 4.0 – 5.0 kWh | 624 – 780 kWh | $187 – $234 |
Condenser Dryer | 3.5 – 4.5 kWh | 546 – 702 kWh | $164 – $211 |
Heat Pump Dryer | 1.5 – 2.5 kWh | 234 – 390 kWh | $70 – $117 |
Of course, these are estimates. Your actual costs will depend on your usage habits and the current electricity rates in your area.
What Factors Affect a Dryer’s Power Usage?
While the type of dryer you have plays a big role in how much electricity it uses, there are several other factors that can affect the power consumption of dryer. Let’s take a closer look:
Dryer Type and Technology
The biggest factor is the type of dryer you own. As we’ve covered, vented dryers typically use the most energy, while heat pump dryers are the most efficient. If you’re in the market for a new one, checking the Energy Rating label is a great place to start — the more stars, the better.
To put that into context, here’s the estimated costs of dryers depending on their energy efficiency rating, provided by Canstar Blue:
Dryer Type | Star Rating | Cost per Load | Annual Cost (1 Load/Week) |
Condenser Dryer | 1 to 4 stars | $1.59 | $83 |
Condenser Dryer | 5 to 10 stars | $0.82 | $43 |
Vented Dryer | 1 to 4 stars | $1.83 | $95 |
Load Size and Fabric Type
Overloading can increase clothes dryer power consumption, as it can make your dryer work harder and run longer. On the flip side, running multiple small loads isn’t efficient either. Heavier fabrics like towels or denim also take longer to dry than lighter items like t-shirts or activewear.
Drying Temperature and Settings
Using high heat may get the job done faster, but it usually results in higher electric dryer power consumption. Many modern dryers offer eco settings or sensor drying, which stop the cycle when clothes are dry.
Usage Frequency
This one’s simple: the more often you use your dryer, the more energy it will use. If you can line-dry when the weather allows, you’ll cut your electric dryer electricity usage and energy costs significantly.
Maintenance and Airflow
Proper ventilation is crucial for efficient dryer operation. A clogged lint filter or blocked vent can restrict airflow, forcing the dryer to work harder and use more electricity. Regular cleaning of the lint trap and ensuring that the vent is clear will help your dryer run more efficiently.
How to Reduce Dryer Energy Costs?
Looking to save on electricity bill without ditching your dryer altogether? Here are several practical ways to help:
Choose an Energy-Efficient Dryer
If you’re shopping for a new dryer, look for models with a high Energy Star rating. Heat pump dryers or those 10-star condenser dryers, while more expensive upfront, use far less electricity over time. They can cut your energy use by more than half compared to older vented models — and that adds up over the years.
Optimize Load Size
Running your dryer for one full load is more efficient than doing two small ones. But cramming in too much can slow down drying time and make the machine work harder. Try to find that sweet spot — enough clothes to fill the drum loosely, with room for air to circulate.
Take Advantage of the Aussie Sun
It might sound obvious, but line drying when the weather allows is still the best way to save energy. Even just drying half your loads on the line can make a noticeable dent in your electricity bill — and it’s better for your clothes, too.
Use Sensor or Eco Modes
If your dryer has a moisture sensor or eco setting, use it! These features stop the cycle when your clothes are dry, preventing over-drying and saving power. Manual timers are handy, but easy to overestimate.
Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load
A clogged lint filter restricts airflow, which makes your dryer less efficient and can be a fire hazard. A quick clean after each load helps your machine work at its best — and reduces drying time.
Dry During Off-Peak Hours (If You’re on a Time-of-Use Plan)
If your electricity plan includes off-peak rates, try to run your dryer during those cheaper time blocks — usually overnight or mid-day. Check with your provider to see when your lowest-cost windows are.
Use a High Spin Speed in the Washer
Getting more water out of your clothes in the washing stage means less work for your dryer later. If your washing machine has a high-speed spin option, use it — it’s one of the easiest ways to cut drying time and energy use.
Invest in Solar and Home Backup Power
If you’re serious about cutting energy costs long-term — not just for your dryer, but across your whole household — investing in solar and home backup power is the way to go. With electricity prices continuing to rise, using solar to generate and store your own power lets you reduce your dependence on the grid while being prepared for blackouts.
Not ready for large rooftop systems that require installation and approvals? Solar generators offer a more flexible and plug-and-play alternative. A typical setup combines solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity with a portable power station to store that power for later use. It’s an ideal solution if you want reliable home backup, lower power bills, and off-grid convenience.
But are dryers among the appliances that portable power stations run, you might ask? Well, you’ll need to choose one that’s powerful enough — and that’s where EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro 3 comes in.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station is a compact, high-capacity battery generator designed to run nearly everything in your home — including high-draw appliances like dryers or AC. With 4000W (230V) of output power and 4kWh of storage capacity in a single unit, it delivers reliable, quiet energy (as low as 30 dB) without the noise or emissions of a traditional generator.
Need more wattage for powering a house? You can pair two DELTA Pro 3 together or expand the capacity up to 12kWh, giving you enough energy for several hours of backup during an outage. Thanks to ultra-fast charging speeds — up to 7000W, or 80% in just 50 minutes — you’ll be ready for anything in no time. It even protects sensitive electronics like servers and entertainment systems with 10ms switch-over speeds, ensuring seamless performance.
Crafted with automotive-grade LFP cells, it’s IP65-rated for water, dust, and impact resistance — and it’s built to last over 11 years of daily use (with up to 4000 charge cycles). Plus, with built-in wheels and a smart mobile app, managing your home’s power has never been easier.
To keep your DELTA Pro 3 charged from renewable energy, pair it with the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel. With a 23% conversion efficiency, self-supporting adjustable angle, and IP68 waterproof rating, it’s tough for the elements and compact enough to set up in your backyard or on the balcony.
Together, they form a complete solar generator system that’s easy to use, powerful, and entirely portable.
Conclusion
So, how much electricity does a dryer use? While the exact figure varies depending on your dryer type, usage habits, and energy rates, it’s clear that clothes dryers can significantly impact your power bill. By understanding your dryer’s energy consumption, considering key usage factors, and adopting simple efficiency tips, you can enjoy the benefits of quick drying without blowing your budget. A few small changes — like using sensor drying, maintaining your lint filter, or drying on off-peak hours — can go a long way in reducing energy costs.
FAQs
How much does it cost to run a clothes dryer for 1 hour?
It depends on your dryer’s energy usage and your electricity rate. On average, running a standard dryer for one hour costs between $0.60 and $1.50. Heat pump dryers cost less to run — as low as $0.30–$0.60 per hour — while vented dryers tend to be the most expensive. The exact cost will vary based on your appliance and energy provider.
What type of dryer will be best for me?
It depends on your budget, usage habits, and priorities:
Vented dryers are cheap to buy but use more electricity.
Condenser dryers are mid-range in both cost and efficiency.
Heat pump dryers are the most energy-efficient and cheapest to run but cost more upfront.
If you use your dryer often or want to save on power bills long-term, a heat pump dryer is usually the best choice. For occasional use or smaller budgets, a condenser dryer might be a good middle ground.
Does dryer size impact electricity usage?
Yes, it can. Larger dryers often use more electricity per cycle simply because they have bigger drums and heating elements. However, they may be more efficient for big households since you can dry more in a single load. If you consistently dry small loads in a large dryer, you might end up using more power than necessary. Choosing a dryer that matches your household’s laundry volume is key to saving energy.