Description

Among common appliances, the clothes dryer is one of the largest users of electricity in a household, after the washing machine and refrigerator. Over its average 18-year life expectancy, a dryer will cost approximately $1100 to $1500 to operate.

Urban Edge Guidelines

Since the energy efficiency of different dryer models varies minimally, EnergyGuide labels are not required and ENERGY STAR does not rate these appliances. However, energy savings can still be achieved over during the life expectancy of the appliance. Select:

• A gas-operated dryer if gas hookups are available. A gas dryer also requires a 120-volt electrical outlet. Electric dryers require a 240-volt hookup.
• A dryer that matches the largest load size from the washer. 
• A dryer with a MOISTURE or HUMIDITY sensor. The sensor allows the dryer to use less energy because the sensor shuts off the dryer once clothes are dry.
• A dryer that includes a cool-down period cycle, also known as a "perma-press" cycle. During last few minutes of the cycle, cool air, rather than heated air, is blown through the tumbling clothes to complete the drying process.
  

Spotlight on Urban Edge

Clothes dryers are present in Urban Edges developments primarily in common laundry rooms. These laundry facilities are contracted out to vendors and Urban Edge uses both gas and electric clothes dryers. Urban Edge will install gas dryers in new developments. For existing properties, Urban Edge will keep the current energy source, since modifying current hookup systems would be more expensive than the savings achieved in the long-run.

Options and Criteria Review

Dryer Types, Cost

Clothes dryers are either electric or gas- operated. Gas dryers cost about $50 more than electric dryers but are usually cheaper to operate in the long run. The cost of drying a typical load of laundry in an electric dryer is 30 to 40 cents, compared with 15 to 25 cents in a natural gas dryer. You’ll make up the extra costs in about two to three years, depending on usage.

Resources

For Maintenance Staff, Developers

• Maintenance/ Installation Tips
• Preventing Dryer Fires

For Residential Users

• Operating Tips

For Purchasers

• Consumer Report Tips
  (*CR only rates electric dryers)
• Consumer Report Ratings

References