Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator · Running Cost & Payback

Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator

Compare running costs, annual savings and payback between a gas and electric dryer

Currency
Your drying habits
loads
min
Average US household runs ~283 loads per year. Standard cycle is 45–60 minutes.
Energy prices
$ / kWh
$
Typical rates: US $0.16/kWh and $1.10–1.30/therm · EU €0.25/kWh and €0.10–0.15/kWh gas.
Dryer specifications
W
W
therms
Typical electric dryer: 5,000 W heating element. Typical gas dryer: 350 W motor + ~0.20–0.25 therms of gas per load (45 min).
Purchase prices
$
$
Gas dryers typically cost $100–200 more upfront than comparable electric models, but cost less to run.
Cost Comparison
🔥 Gas Dryer Cheaper
Annual savings with gas dryer
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—
Electric
—
—
Gas
—
—
Annual running cost
Annual running cost
Electric cost / load
—
Gas cost / load
—
Savings per year
—
Payback period
—
10-year savings
—
Loads per year
—
Electric CO₂ / year
—
Gas CO₂ / year
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Detailed cost breakdown
ItemElectric dryerGas dryerNotes
Estimates based on your inputs and standard dryer efficiency. Real costs vary with dryer age, load size, moisture level and vent condition.
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Faiq Ur Rahman

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Faiq Ur Rahman is a web designer, digital product developer, and founder of Toolraxy, a growing platform of web-based calculators and utility tools. He specializes in building structured, user-friendly tools focused on health, finance, productivity, and everyday problem-solving.

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Choosing between a gas and electric dryer often comes down to running costs. The upfront price difference is easy to see, but the long-term savings depend on your local energy rates, how often you do laundry, and the efficiency of each machine. This calculator takes your usage patterns and energy prices and returns a side-by-side cost comparison. It shows annual running costs, per-load costs, total savings over ten years, and the payback period for the higher upfront cost. It also estimates CO₂ emissions, which matters if you’re tracking your household carbon footprint. Whether you’re replacing a broken dryer or renovating a laundry room, the numbers help you decide which fuel type makes sense for your home. All calculations run in your browser.

 

How to Use the Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator

  1. Pick your currency from the dropdown.

  2. Enter your typical loads per week and minutes per load.

  3. Set your electricity price per kWh and gas price (choose therm, m³, or ft³).

  4. Adjust the electric dryer power (watts) and gas dryer motor power.

  5. Enter the gas use per load in your chosen gas unit.

  6. Type the purchase price for each dryer.

  7. Read the annual savings and payback period in the results panel.

  8. Check the breakdown table for per-load and yearly costs.

 

How the Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator Formula Works

Three calculations chain together to compare the two dryer types. First, energy per load. Second, cost per load. Third, annual totals and payback.

Formula: Electric energy per load (kWh) = (watts ÷ 1000) × (minutes ÷ 60)
Formula: Electric cost per load = kWh × electricity price
Formula: Gas motor cost per load = (motor watts ÷ 1000) × (minutes ÷ 60) × electricity price
Formula: Gas fuel cost per load = gas per load (therms) × gas price per therm
Formula: Gas total cost per load = motor cost + fuel cost
Formula: Annual savings = electric annual cost − gas annual cost
Formula: Payback period = (gas upfront price − electric upfront price) ÷ annual savings
Formula: CO₂ (electric) = annual kWh × 0.42 kg/kWh
Formula: CO₂ (gas) = (motor kWh × 0.42) + (annual therms × 5.30)

The tool converts gas units to therms automatically. 1 m³ ≈ 0.353 therms, 1 ft³ ≈ 0.010 therms. Electric dryers typically use a 240V circuit, while gas dryers use a standard 120V outlet plus a gas line. The math assumes standard efficiencies. Validation requires positive wattages and prices. A zero or negative value triggers an error.

 

Worked Example

A household does 6 loads per week, 50 minutes per load. Electricity costs $0.17 per kWh. Gas costs $1.15 per therm. The electric dryer draws 5,400 W. The gas dryer’s motor draws 400 W and uses 0.23 therms per load. The electric dryer costs $720 upfront, the gas dryer $920.

Electric:
Energy per load: (5400 ÷ 1000) × (50 ÷ 60) = 5.4 × 0.8333 = 4.5 kWh
Cost per load: 4.5 × 0.17 = $0.765
Loads per year: 6 × 52 = 312
Annual cost: 0.765 × 312 = $238.68
Annual CO₂: 4.5 × 312 = 1,404 kWh; 1,404 × 0.42 = 590 kg

Gas:
Motor energy per load: (400 ÷ 1000) × 0.8333 = 0.333 kWh
Motor cost per load: 0.333 × 0.17 = $0.057
Gas fuel per load: 0.23 therms × $1.15 = $0.265
Total gas cost per load: $0.322
Annual gas cost: 0.322 × 312 = $100.21
Annual CO₂: motor 0.333 × 312 = 104 kWh → 104 × 0.42 = 44 kg; gas 0.23 × 312 = 71.8 therms → 71.8 × 5.30 = 380 kg; total 424 kg

Savings per year: $238.68 − $100.21 = $138.47
Payback: ($920 − $720) ÷ $138.47 = 1.44 years (about 17 months)
10-year TCO: electric = $238.68×10 + $720 = $3,107; gas = $100.21×10 + $920 = $1,922; gas saves $1,185 over 10 years.

The gas dryer costs more upfront but pays for itself in under 18 months. Over a decade, it saves nearly $1,200. The gas dryer also emits less CO₂ (424 kg vs 590 kg) on the world-average grid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to run a gas dryer vs electric dryer?

An electric dryer costs about $0.60 to $0.90 per load, while a gas dryer costs $0.25 to $0.40 per load. Annual costs run $200–$300 for electric and $80–$150 for gas, depending on usage and local rates.

 

What is the payback period for a gas dryer?

It’s the time for annual savings to cover the higher upfront cost. For a $200 price gap and $130 yearly savings, payback is about 1.5 years. Most gas dryers pay back within 1 to 3 years if a gas line already exists.

 

Does a gas dryer really save money?

Yes, in most markets. Natural gas is cheaper per unit of energy than electricity, so gas dryers cost less per load. Over 10 years, savings can exceed $1,000. The exception is when electricity is very cheap and gas is expensive.

 

How do you calculate dryer running costs?

Multiply the dryer’s power by the cycle time, then by your energy price. For electric, that’s watts × hours × price. For gas, add the electric motor cost to the gas fuel cost. The calculator automates this for both types.

 

Are gas dryers better for the environment?

On most electric grids, yes they emit less CO₂. Natural gas produces less CO₂ per unit of heat than coal or gas-fired electricity. On clean grids (hydro, nuclear, wind), electric dryers can be cleaner. The calculator uses a world-average grid intensity.

 

What factors affect dryer energy costs?

Energy prices, loads per week, cycle length, and dryer efficiency. Older dryers use more energy. Vent condition matters, a clogged vent makes the dryer run longer. Load size and moisture content also affect runtime.

 

Can I use this calculator for a heat pump dryer?

No. Heat pump dryers use a different technology and draw far less power (around 1,000 W). This calculator is for standard electric and gas dryers only. A heat pump dryer would need a separate comparison.

 

Why is my electric dryer so expensive to run?

Electric dryers use a 5,000 W heating element, which draws a lot of power. If your electricity rate is high, the cost per load climbs quickly. A gas dryer uses a small motor and burns gas for heat, which is usually cheaper per unit of energy.

 

Do gas dryers need a special outlet?

Gas dryers need a standard 120V outlet for the motor and controls, plus a gas line. Electric dryers need a 240V outlet. If you don’t have a gas line, installation can cost $150–$300 extra.

 

How long does a dryer last?

Most dryers last 10 to 15 years. Gas dryers tend to last slightly longer because they have fewer high-voltage components. Regular vent cleaning extends the life of both types.

Disclaimer

Estimates only. Real costs vary with dryer age, load size, vent condition, and local energy rates. The calculator uses world-average grid intensity for CO₂ estimates. It doesn’t account for installation costs, maintenance, or rebates. Use the results as a guide, not a guarantee. Always check your utility bills for exact rates and consult a qualified technician for gas line installation.

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