At first glance, it might seem that conventional appliances do not add significantly to the cost of electricity. But it depends a lot on how you look after them. In particular, a tumble dryer is a fairly significant energy and cost-intensive appliance. But it doesn’t have to be the rule. If you follow the basic safety rules for working with it, you’ll save big money.

According to EnergySage, a typical dryer uses between 1,500 and 5,000 watts when running, and if you run it three times a week, that can add up to 468 kWh per year. It can cost you quite a lot of money each year. But consumption increases mainly because people don’t clean the appliance regularly and don’t pay enough attention to it.

How does the dryer really use energy?

The dryer is actually one of the biggest energy guzzlers among household appliances. On its own, a dryer can account for a significant portion of your electricity bill, while those connected directly to a washing machine are cheaper to run. However, research shows that if you want to save some of that money, it’s not that difficult.

The more moisture that leaves your laundry before you put it in the dryer, the less energy the appliance has to use. For example, one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption is to increase the spin speed of your washing machine. The laundry enters the dryer with less water, so it will finish drying sooner. If you have a separate washer and dryer, it is a good idea to spread the clothes out on the dryer for a few hours before putting them in the dryer, and then just dry them in the appliance.

Clean the dryer thoroughly after each use. Otherwise, in addition to the financial cost, there may also be a risk of fire. ━━ Clean the dryer thoroughly after each use. Otherwise, in addition to the financial cost, there may also be a risk of fire. ( Source: Sana Saidi /  Unsplash+ )

Practical tips on how to save

Energy savings are not just about small steps. By doing the right things, you can actually make a significant difference. For example, Green America reports that if a household switched to hanging laundry instead of using a conventional dryer, at least part of that could be a significant money saver, but it could also reduce its carbon footprint.

It’s important to think about cleaning the dryer after every use. Check its filter, pour out excess water, remove clutter from the door and seal area. This will make it less demanding the next time you run the program, but it will also make sure that no disasters occur. After all, a dirty dryer can often be the cause of fires.