Heat Pump Dryer vs. Electric Dryer: Which Costs Less Over 10 Years?
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 ...