KEY POINTS
- Regularly using a clothes dryer can add hundreds of dollars to your electricity bills each year.
- The amount of electricity a clothes dryer uses will depend on the type of dryer you own, as well as its capacity and energy efficiency.
- Condenser dryers tend to be cheaper to run than vented clothes dryers.
Clothes dryers are a staple appliance in many Australian households – but while they’re convenient they’re also one of the biggest energy consumers in the house.
While the easiest way to reduce your dryer’s energy consumption is to cut back on how much you use it, that’s not always an option. Thankfully, there are ways to solve this problem. In this Canstar Blue guide, we reveal how much it costs to run a dryer.
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How much electricity does a dryer use?
The running cost of a clothes dryer depends on its electricity usage, which varies based on the model, its capacity and energy efficiency. For example, EnergyAustralia estimates that a 4kg capacity dryer with a 3-star energy rating uses around 2.94 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each cycle.
The more power your dryer uses, the higher the running cost. A basic vented clothes dryer will generally cost between $102 and $711 a year to run, depending on the number of loads done each week.
In comparison, using a condenser dryer will typically cost between $55 and $387 annually. Keep in mind that electricity rates vary depending on your location, retailer and plan.
Here’s an estimate of how much it costs to run a 5kg to 10kg dryer each year.
| Loads per week | Annual cost of Vented Dryer | Annual cost of Condenser Dryer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $102 | $55 | $42 |
| 3 | $305 | $166 | $127 |
| 5 | $508 | $276 | $232 |
| 7 | $711 | $387 | $324 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 16/04/2024. Average usage per load of condenser dryers (3.31 kWh) and vented dryers (6.09 kWh) based on dryers with a capacity of between 5 and 10kg listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 32.1 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
While vented clothes dryers are more expensive to run than condenser dryers, they are usually cheaper to buy upfront. It’s common to find one under $500, with the most expensive models around $1,000.
Is it cheaper to run an energy-efficient dryer?
There are two costs you should consider when purchasing a clothes dryer – the initial tag price and the dryer’s electricity usage.
While a certain model of clothes dryer might appear cheaper at the outset, it could cost you in the long term if it’s not energy efficient. The table below represents the estimated cost per clothes dryer cycle and annual cost, depending on its energy efficiency rating.
Condenser Dryer
| Star Rating | Cost per load | Annual cost (1 load per week) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 stars | $1.63 | $85 |
| 5 to 10 stars | $0.85 | $44 |
Vented Dryer
| Star Rating | Cost per load | Annual cost (1 load per week) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 stars | $1.96 | $102 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 16/04/2024. Average usage per load of 1 to 4 star condenser dryers (5.10 kWh), 5 to 10 star condenser dryers (2.63 kWh) and vented dryers (6.10 kWh) based on dryers with a capacity of between 5 and 10kg listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration Database, which assumes 1 full load per week. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 32.1 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
Cheap Electricity Plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
What about other types of dryers?
If you’re looking for an alternative drying option, heat pump and gas clothes dryers could be the answer.
Heat-pump clothes dryers
Heat pump dryers dehumidify the processing air and keep heat contained within the machine, resulting in less heat escaping and preventing your laundry from getting fogged up. It’s like a condenser dryer, but the humid air can’t escape. As such, heat pump dryers are some of the most efficient dryers on the market.
Gas clothes dryers
Another viable option is a gas powered dryer. These can be powered by natural gas or LPG. However, they usually come with a higher retail cost. Prices for a gas heater start at about $1,700 and can go as high as $4,000. So, while your energy costs relating to your dryer will drop, it can take a long time to recoup the costs based on the initial purchase price.
How can I reduce my clothes dryer costs?
It’s understandable if none of these energy-efficient dryers are viable options for you. Here are three easy ways to reduce the cost of running a clothes dryer.
Use the dryer in off-peak periods
If you are on a time of use tariff, consider using your dryer in either ‘shoulder’ or ‘off-peak’ periods. With most retailers, off-peak rates are nearly half the price of peak rate and even shoulder periods offer some significant savings.
Don’t under/overload your dryer
Overloading means your clothes have less chance to be fully dried, so they may require a second cycle through the dryer. With a dryer costing you up to $2 a load, two cycles means you’re paying twice as much to dry your clothes.
By the same token, under-loading your dryer can also raise your running costs. Save your dirty clothes where you can and avoid washing/drying half-loads where possible.
Use an indoor clothesline
A full-blown clothesline isn’t always feasible, and using the dryer can be both costly and environmentally-unfriendly. In comes the indoor clothesline or ‘clothes horse’. These can be purchased for around $10, and are a great compromise. If you have a balcony, you can also place it outside for even quicker drying.
What type of dryer will be best for me?
Clothes dryers can drive up your power bill, but finding the right type can help you cut costs.
Condenser, heat-pump and gas-powered types of dryer all employ technologies that minimise power use compared to traditional vented dryers. These innovative dryers don’t come cheap though – mostly over $1,000, with some over $5,000. Before buying, consider how much you actually use your dryer and whether you can bear the burden of a hefty upfront cost for slow, long-term money saving.
If you need help choosing a new dryer, be sure to check out our annual clothes dryer ratings. Here, consumers rate which brands they think are top notch across a variety of categories, from performance and reliability, value for money, design, overall satisfaction and more.
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