KEY POINTS
- According to the E3 Program’s Registration database, a condenser dryer and vented dryer, each with a 5kg – 10kg capacity, consume around 3.31 kilowatt hours (kWh) and 6.09kWh of energy per load, respectively.
- On average, a basic vented clothes dryer will generally cost between $105 and $731 a year to run, while a condenser dryer will cost between $57 and $398 annually to run.
- Condenser dryers tend to be cheaper to run than vented clothes dryers.
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How much electricity does a dryer use?
According to the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, a condenser dryer with a 5kg – 10kg capacity, on average, consumes 3.31 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy per load.
In comparison, a vented dryer with a 5kg – 10kg capacity consumes an average of 6.09kWh of electricity per load.
A basic vented clothes dryer will generally cost between $105 and $731 a year to run and a condenser dryer will typically cost between $57 and $398 annually.
The running cost of a clothes dryer depends on its electricity usage, which varies based on:
- Model: Condenser dryers generally consume less energy than vented dryers.
- Capacity: Higher capacity models require more electricity to accommodate their larger volumes.
- Energy efficiency: Dryers with a higher energy star rating generally consume less energy, helping you to reduce your overall energy spend.
- Loads: The more cycles you run on your dryer, the more electricity you consume.
Here’s an estimate of how much it costs to run a 5kg to 10kg dryer each year. Keep in mind that electricity rates vary depending on your location, retailer and plan.
| Loads per week | Annual cost of vented dryer | Annual cost of condenser dryer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $105 | $57 | $48 |
| 3 | $314 | $171 | $143 |
| 5 | $522 | $284 | $238 |
| 7 | $731 | $398 | $334 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 30/07/2025. Average usage per load of condenser dryers (3.31kWh)and vented dryers (6.09kWh) 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 33.0c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for annual usage of 4,373kWh.
Is it cheaper to run an energy-efficient dryer?
While it is cheaper to run an energy-efficient dryer, they are often more expensive to purchase upfront. Conversely, 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.
There are two costs you should consider when purchasing a clothes dryer – the initial tag price and the dryer’s electricity usage. 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 | $1.68 | $87 |
| 5 to 10 stars | $0.87 | $45 |
Vented dryer
| Star rating | Cost per load | Annual cost (1 load per week) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 stars | $2.01 | $105 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 30/07/2024. 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 33.0 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 by doing more loads than necessary. 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’. A standard clothes horse can be purchased for around $20, and can be a great compromise. If you have a balcony, you can also place it outside for even quicker drying.
Switch your electricity provider to one with cheaper rates
One of the biggest costs of running your clothes dryer may come from how much you are paying for your electricity usage.
You may find that there are other electricity providers and plans that have cheaper usage and supply rates, which would make running your dryer cheaper.
Switching your electricity plan to one with better rates may also help to bring down the cost of running other household appliances too.
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. Before buying, consider how much you actually use your dryer and whether you can bear the burden of a hefty upfront cost in exchange for long-term savings over time.
Condenser, heat-pump and gas-powered types of dryers all employ technologies that minimise power use compared to traditional vented dryers. However, these innovative dryers don’t come cheap – mostly over $1,000, with some over $5,000. For those wanting to avoid a more expensive upfront cost, it may be worth looking into a vented clothes dryer. While vented 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 priced around $1,000.
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.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
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