How Many Watts Does a Dryer Use?
An electric dryer uses between 1,800 and 5,000 watts depending on size and heating capacity, with most standard residential models averaging 3,000-4,000 watts during operation. Gas dryers use significantly less electricity—only 300-600 watts—because natural gas provides the heat while electricity powers just the drum motor, blower, and controls. Understanding dryer power consumption helps calculate monthly costs, ensure proper circuit sizing, and make informed electric vs gas purchasing decisions.
For typical household usage (8 loads weekly), an electric dryer adds approximately $150-220 annually to your electricity bill, while gas dryers cost $90-130 total (including gas). This comprehensive guide breaks down wattage by dryer type, explains 240V circuit requirements, compares operating costs, and provides strategies to reduce energy consumption by 30-50%.
Quick Answer
Standard Electric Dryer: 3,000-4,000 W (240V circuit required)
Large Capacity Electric: 4,500-5,000 W (240V, 30A circuit)
Compact Electric: 1,800-2,400 W (240V or 120V)
Gas Dryer: 300-600 W electric only (120V circuit, gas provides heat)
Heat Pump Dryer: 500-1,000 W (50-70% more efficient)
Cost Per Load: $0.36-$0.64 electric, $0.20-$0.35 gas
Annual Cost: $150-220 electric, $90-130 gas (8 loads/week)
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Electric Dryer Power Consumption by Type
| Dryer Type | Power Draw | Voltage | Circuit | Cost/Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Electric | 1,800-2,400 W | 240V | 15-20A | $0.25-$0.35 |
| Standard Electric | 3,000-3,500 W | 240V | 30A | $0.40-$0.50 |
| Large Capacity | 4,000-5,000 W | 240V | 30A | $0.55-$0.75 |
| Gas Dryer | 300-600 W | 120V | 15A | $0.20-$0.35 |
| Heat Pump | 500-1,000 W | 120/240V | 15A | $0.10-$0.20 |
Why Electric Dryers Need 240 Volts
Electric dryers require high wattage (3,000-5,000W) to heat air quickly. At 120V, this would require 25-42 amps—impossible on standard circuits. At 240V, the same power needs only 12.5-21 amps, fitting safely on 30A circuits.
Electric vs Gas: Total Cost Comparison
Standard Electric (3,000W, 50 min/load):
Gas Dryer (400W + gas, 45 min/load):
Heat Pump Dryers: Maximum Efficiency
Heat pump dryers use 50-70% less energy by recycling heat instead of venting it outside. They cost $1,000-1,400 (vs $600-900 for standard) but save $80-120 annually, paying back in 4-6 years.
| Feature | Standard Electric | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Power Draw | 3,000-5,000 W | 500-1,000 W |
| Cycle Time | 45-60 min | 90-120 min |
| Annual Cost | $150-220 | $50-80 |
| Venting | Required | Not required |
10 Ways to Reduce Dryer Energy Costs
- Use High-Speed Washer Spin: Removes 50% more water, cuts drying time 15-25%
- Clean Lint Filter Every Load: Saves 25-40% drying time
- Clean Vent Duct Annually: Reduces drying time 30-50%
- Use Moisture Sensor: Prevents over-drying, saves 15-20%
- Dry Full Loads Only: Half loads waste 50% energy per item
- Sort by Fabric Weight: Prevents over-drying light items
- Run Consecutive Loads: Uses residual heat, 5-10% savings
- Use Wool Dryer Balls: Reduces drying time 15-25%
- Air-Dry Heavy Items: Towels, jeans save 30-40% on mixed loads
- Lower Heat Setting: Medium heat uses 25-30% less than high
💰 Maximum Savings: Combining clean filter + annual vent cleaning + high-spin washer + full loads + moisture sensor = 35-45% reduction, saving $50-90/year.
Generator Requirements
| Dryer Type | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Min. Generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Electric | 3,000-3,500 W | 4,000-4,500 W | 5,000-7,000 W |
| Gas Dryer | 400-600 W | 800-1,000 W | 1,500-2,000 W |
| Heat Pump | 800-1,000 W | 1,200-1,500 W | 2,000-2,500 W |
⚠️ Important: Electric dryers need 240V generators (typically 5,000W+). Most portable generators under 5,000W only provide 120V. Gas dryers work on standard 120V generators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a dryer for one hour?
A standard 3,000W electric dryer costs $0.48/hour at $0.16/kWh. Most loads take 45-60 minutes, costing $0.36-$0.48 per load. Gas dryers cost about $0.41/hour including gas costs.
Should I buy gas or electric?
Choose gas if you have existing gas lines nearby and do 8+ loads weekly (saves $30-50/year). Choose electric if no gas line exists (installation costs $500-1,500) or consider heat pump electric for maximum efficiency.
Can I run a dryer on a 20-amp circuit?
Only compact dryers (1,800-2,500W). Standard electric dryers (3,000-5,000W) require dedicated 30-amp, 240V circuits. Gas dryers work fine on 15-20 amp, 120V circuits.
Conclusion
Electric dryers consume 3,000-5,000 watts during operation, making them one of the largest home energy consumers at 6-8% of total electricity use. For typical usage (8 loads weekly), this costs $150-220 annually for electric models vs $90-130 for gas dryers (including gas costs).
Heat pump dryers offer the best long-term value despite $1,000-1,400 upfront costs, using only 500-1,000 watts and saving $80-120 annually compared to standard electric models. They pay back in 4-6 years and save $900-1,500 over a 13-year lifespan.
Simple efficiency improvements—cleaning lint filters after every load, annual vent cleaning, high-spin washer cycles, and running full loads—reduce costs by 30-50% ($45-90/year savings) without equipment upgrades.
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Star Program, and independent appliance testing. Electricity rates based on January 2026 national average of $0.16/kWh.