CostCandid

A gas dryer may cost less to run than a conventional electric dryer. But that does not automatically make gas the cheaper choice. The real answer depends on something many comparisons overlook: What hookups does your home already have? If your laundry room already has a usable gas connection, the math can favor gas. If you need a new gas line, however, the added installation cost can take years to recover. The same issue applies to electric dryers if your home needs electrical work before installation. This calculator compares the entire financial picture: purchase price, installation cost, electricity, natural gas, and long-term ownership cost. Quick answer: Do not choose between a gas and electric dryer based on fuel price alone. Compare the actual dryers, your local utility rates, and any installation or hookup work your home requires. An existing gas connection can make gas more attractive, while an expensive new gas-line installation can erase years of operating...

  A heat pump dryer can use dramatically less electricity than a conventional electric dryer, but that doesn't automatically make it the cheaper choice. The real question is whether the energy savings are large enough to make up for the higher purchase price. For many households, the answer comes down to three things: your electricity rate, how often you do laundry, and how much more the heat pump dryer costs upfront. Using May 2026 residential electricity prices from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average is 18.44 cents per kilowatt-hour . But that number varies considerably by state. California averaged 33.25 cents per kWh in May, while Texas averaged 16.44 cents. That difference can change the payback period by years. Here’s how to run the numbers for your home. Quick Answer Heat pump dryers generally cost more upfront but use substantially less electricity than conventional electric dryers. ENERGY STAR says heat pump dryers can reduce energy ...