Electric vs Gas Dryer: Cost to Run Per Year

At national average rates ($0.14/kWh, $1.20/therm), gas dryers cost roughly $0.15–$0.25 per load versus $0.30–$0.40 for a standard electric dryer — about half the operating cost. However, in regions with cheap electricity or expensive gas (e.g., New England), electric dryers can match or beat gas.

Heat pump dryers use 40–50% less electricity than conventional electric dryers, cutting annual energy cost to near parity with gas. They cost $800–$1,800 and don't require a 240V outlet — they run on 120V. Payback versus a standard electric dryer is typically 3–5 years. They also run cooler, which is gentler on fabrics.

Standard electric dryers require a 240V/30A circuit and a 4-prong NEMA 14-30 outlet. Most homes built after 1996 already have this. If your home has an older 3-prong outlet, a licensed electrician can update the outlet for $100–$300. Heat pump dryers run on a standard 120V outlet.

Yes. You'll cap the gas valve at the appliance connection (a $20 cap + 30 minutes of work), ensure your 240V circuit exists, and you're done. No permit is required to cap an appliance connection in most jurisdictions, though it's worth consulting your utility or a plumber to confirm.

Both gas and conventional electric dryers require external venting to exhaust heat and moisture. Heat pump dryers are ventless — they condense moisture into a drain or collection tank — making them ideal for apartments, condos, or closet installations where running a duct is impractical.

The HEEHRA program under the Inflation Reduction Act includes electric dryers and heat pump dryers as eligible appliances. Income-qualified households (≤150% area median income) can receive up to $840 toward an electric or heat pump dryer as a point-of-sale rebate when state programs launch.