Compare gas and electric dryer operating costs over their lifetime. Factor in purchase price, utility rates, and usage to find the cheaper option.
Gas or electric dryer — which one actually saves you money? The answer depends on your local utility rates, how often you do laundry, and how long you keep the appliance. Gas dryers cost $50–$150 more upfront and require a gas line, but they typically cost 50–75% less per load to operate because natural gas is cheaper than electricity per BTU of heat produced.
This calculator compares the total cost of ownership for gas and electric dryers side by side. Enter your local gas and electricity rates, estimated weekly loads, and the purchase prices of each dryer model you're considering. The tool computes per-load cost, annual operating cost, total cost over the dryer's expected 12-year lifespan, and the break-even point where the gas dryer's lower operating cost overcomes its higher purchase price.
For most US households doing 5–8 loads per week at average utility rates, a gas dryer saves $50–$100 per year in energy costs. Over a 12-year lifespan, that's $600–$1,200 in savings — easily recouping the higher purchase price if gas is available.
Use this calculator when you want the operating-cost answer to reflect your own laundry habits and utility rates rather than generic “gas is cheaper” advice. It helps with appliance replacement decisions, break-even timing, and figuring out whether the gas-line advantage is real in your case. That makes it easier to compare total cost instead of focusing only on the sticker price.
Electric cost/load = kW rating × (cycle time in hours) × electricity rate. Gas cost/load = (BTU rating × cycle time in hours ÷ 100,000) × gas rate + (electric motor kW × cycle time × elec rate). Annual cost = Cost/load × Loads/week × 52. Total cost = Purchase price + (Annual cost × Years).
Result: Gas: $0.37/load, Electric: $0.73/load — Gas saves $112/year
Gas dryer at 22,000 BTU × 0.83h × $1.10/therm = $0.20 gas + $0.17 motor = $0.37/load. Electric at 5.5 kW × 0.83h × $0.15 = $0.69/load + $0.04 standby = $0.73/load. Over 312 loads/year: gas saves $112.
The difference between gas and electric dryer operating costs comes down to the cost per BTU of heat. Natural gas delivers about 1 million BTU for $10–$15, while electricity delivers the same heat for $30–$45 (at average US rates). Since drying is essentially a heating process, gas has a fundamental cost advantage.
Electric dryers make more financial sense when: gas rates are very high (above $2/therm), electricity is very cheap (below $0.08/kWh), you do fewer than 3 loads per week, or installing a gas line would cost $500+. Also consider that electric dryers are simpler mechanically, with fewer failure points.
Natural gas dryers produce CO₂ directly from combustion (~2.3 kg per load) plus the CO₂ from electricity for the motor. Electric dryers produce zero direct emissions but their electricity may come from fossil fuels. In regions with clean electricity (hydro, nuclear, solar), electric dryers have a lower carbon footprint. In coal-heavy grids, the comparison is roughly even.
In most areas, yes — gas costs about 50–75% less per load. However, if your electricity rate is very low (under $0.08/kWh) and gas is expensive, electric can be comparable.
Gas dryers typically cost $50–$150 more for equivalent models. Installation may cost $100–$300 more if you need a gas line run.
With average US utility rates and 5+ loads/week, the payback period is typically 1–3 years. After that, every year is pure savings.
Generally yes — gas dryers heat up faster and produce hotter air, reducing average cycle time by 10–15 minutes. This saves energy per load and extends clothing life.
Heat pump dryers use 50% less electricity than conventional electric dryers but cost 2–3× more upfront and have longer cycle times. Best for moderate usage in high-rate areas.
Both gas and standard electric dryers need external venting. Gas dryers also produce combustion exhaust, so proper venting is critical for safety. Only ventless/condensing electric dryers can skip venting.