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Gas Vs Electric Dryer Cost Calculator

Compare gas vs electric dryer operating costs by state. Enter weekly loads and get precise annual savings estimates using real EIA utility rate data.

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How the Gas vs Electric Dryer Cost Calculator Works

The gas vs electric dryer calculator uses state-specific utility rates and federally measured energy consumption data to estimate the annual operating cost difference between gas and electric clothes dryers. By entering location and weekly load frequency, households get a precise dollar figure showing which dryer type delivers real savings year over year.

The Annual Savings Formula

The calculator applies the following formula derived from U.S. Department of Energy test procedures:

Annual Savings = L × 52 × [EkWh × Re − (Gth × Rg + GkWh × Re)]

A positive result means the gas dryer costs less to operate annually. A negative result means the electric dryer is the more economical choice in that state. Each variable is grounded in federal test data or EIA pricing.

Variable Definitions

  • L — Loads per Week: The number of dryer cycles completed weekly. According to the ENERGY STAR Residential Clothes Dryers Scoping Report, the U.S. household average is 7 to 8 loads per week.
  • 52 — Weeks per Year: Converts weekly operating costs into an annualized total, enabling direct comparison against appliance purchase price premiums and payback timelines.
  • EkWh — Electric Dryer Energy per Load: Kilowatt-hours consumed per drying cycle. The DOE Energy Conservation Program test procedure (10 CFR Part 430, Appendix D1) establishes a baseline of 3.0 to 3.8 kWh per load for standard residential electric dryers. ENERGY STAR heat-pump dryers can achieve as low as 2.0 kWh per load.
  • Re — Electricity Rate: Residential electricity price in dollars per kWh for the selected state, sourced from the EIA Average Residential Electricity Prices by State. The national average is approximately $0.16/kWh, but state rates range from under $0.10/kWh in Louisiana to over $0.29/kWh in Hawaii.
  • Gth — Gas Dryer Gas Use per Load: Natural gas consumed per cycle in therms. The 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix D1 baseline is approximately 0.22 therms per load for a standard residential gas dryer.
  • Rg — Natural Gas Rate: Residential gas price in dollars per therm for the selected state, drawn from EIA Natural Gas Residential Prices by State. The national average hovers near $1.20/therm but varies widely by region and season.
  • GkWh — Gas Dryer Electricity per Load: Gas dryers still consume electricity to power their drum motors, electronic controls, and igniters. The federal test procedure baseline is 0.15 kWh per load for this parasitic electrical draw, which the formula accounts for explicitly.

Worked Example: Texas vs. California

Consider two households each running 7 loads per week, using 2024 EIA state average rates.

Texas Household

  • Electricity: $0.124/kWh | Natural gas: $1.19/therm
  • Annual electric dryer cost: 7 × 52 × (3.3 × $0.124) = $148.88
  • Annual gas dryer cost: 7 × 52 × (0.22 × $1.19 + 0.15 × $0.124) = $102.28
  • Annual savings from gas: $46.60

California Household

  • Electricity: $0.27/kWh | Natural gas: $1.80/therm
  • Annual electric dryer cost: 7 × 52 × (3.3 × $0.27) = $324.32
  • Annual gas dryer cost: 7 × 52 × (0.22 × $1.80 + 0.15 × $0.27) = $159.43
  • Annual savings from gas: $164.89

The California household saves 3.5 times more by choosing gas, demonstrating how dramatically state utility rates shape the outcome of any gas vs electric dryer comparison.

Why State Matters More Than Appliance Choice

Utility rates drive the result more than almost any other variable. In high-electricity states like California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, the annual operating advantage of a gas dryer can exceed $150. In low-electricity states like Utah or Oklahoma, the difference may shrink to under $30 per year, lengthening the payback period for a more expensive gas appliance purchase significantly.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

The calculator reflects average usage patterns and standard appliance efficiency baselines. Actual savings vary based on local climate, load size, fabric type, dryer age, and individual appliance efficiency ratings. ENERGY STAR-certified gas dryers perform up to 20% better than the DOE baseline, further widening the savings gap. One-time costs such as gas line installation ($200 to $500 or more) are not included in the operating cost calculation and should be factored into any total cost-of-ownership analysis.

Reference

Frequently asked questions

Is a gas dryer always cheaper to operate than an electric dryer?
Not always. Gas dryers cost less to run in most U.S. states because natural gas delivers heat more cheaply per BTU than electricity. However, in states with low electricity rates or high natural gas prices, the gap narrows or reverses entirely. Hawaii and parts of New England with expensive gas supply can favor electric dryers. Entering your specific state rates into the calculator provides the most accurate answer.
How much does it cost to run a gas dryer versus an electric dryer per load?
At 2024 national average rates of $0.16 per kWh and $1.20 per therm, running an electric dryer costs roughly $0.53 per load (3.3 kWh x $0.16). A gas dryer costs approximately $0.29 per load (0.22 therms x $1.20 plus 0.15 kWh x $0.16). That difference of $0.24 per load adds up to about $87 in annual savings for a household completing 7 loads per week.
What is the payback period for choosing a gas dryer over an electric dryer?
Gas dryers typically cost $50 to $150 more to purchase than comparable electric models. At national average utility rates with 7 loads per week, annual operating savings of roughly $80 to $90 translate to a payback period of 1 to 2 years. In high-electricity states like California or Massachusetts, where savings can exceed $160 per year, the payback can fall under 12 months.
How many kWh does an electric dryer use per load?
A standard residential electric dryer uses 3.0 to 3.8 kWh per load according to the DOE federal test procedure under 10 CFR Part 430, Appendix D1. ENERGY STAR-certified heat-pump electric dryers achieve 2.0 to 2.5 kWh per load by recirculating heated air and using moisture sensors. Improved efficiency in heat-pump models can meaningfully reduce the annual operating cost advantage that gas dryers hold in most states.
How many therms does a gas dryer use per load?
The U.S. Department of Energy standard test procedure baseline for residential gas dryers is approximately 0.22 therms per drying cycle. Gas dryers also consume about 0.15 kWh of electricity per load to run the drum motor, electronic controls, and igniter. At a gas rate of $1.20 per therm, the natural gas portion alone costs roughly $0.26 per load, making gas dryers far cheaper than electric in most U.S. markets.
Does choosing a gas dryer require any additional home infrastructure costs?
Yes. Gas dryers require a dedicated 120-volt electrical outlet plus an active natural gas supply line with a shutoff valve. Homes without existing gas infrastructure can face installation costs of $200 to $500 or more to run a new gas line, depending on distance from the main supply and local labor rates. These one-time installation costs are not included in the operating cost formula and must be weighed separately when calculating total lifetime savings.