Air drying clothes instead of using a dryer can save the average American household between $100 and $200 per year in electricity costs. If you have a gas dryer, savings are lower — but the math still favors air drying for anyone who does laundry regularly.
The Numbers: Electric Dryer vs. Air Drying
A standard electric dryer uses about 5 kWh per cycle. At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh, that's $0.80 per load. If you do 5 loads per week, that's $4/week, or about $208/year just on drying.
| Method | Cost Per Load | Annual Cost (5 loads/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric dryer | ~$0.80 | ~$208 |
| Gas dryer | ~$0.25 | ~$65 |
| Air drying (clothesline) | $0.00 | $0 |
Your Dryer Also Wears Out Your Clothes Faster
The lint in your dryer's lint trap is literally your clothes. Heat breaks down fabric fibers every cycle. Air drying is gentler — clothes last longer, which adds another layer of savings beyond just the electricity bill.
The Barrier: Space and Convenience
Most people don't air dry because they don't have a good setup. A laundry rack in the middle of the room is an eyesore. An outdoor clothesline isn't an option in an apartment. That's the problem a retractable clothesline solves.
A wall-mounted retractable clothesline like GorillaLine takes up zero floor space, holds a full load, and retracts to 4 inches when done. You get the cost savings without the inconvenience.
Bottom Line
Switching to air drying can save an electric dryer household $150–$200/year. Over 5 years, that's $750–$1,000 in electricity alone. A GorillaLine pays for itself in the first month. The real question is why you haven't switched yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dryer cost to run per year?
An electric dryer running 5 loads per week costs approximately $200–$220 per year in electricity at the U.S. average rate of $0.16/kWh.
How long does air drying take?
Most clothes air dry in 2–4 hours indoors with good airflow. Outdoors on a sunny day, 1–2 hours. Thick items like jeans and towels take 4–6 hours.
Does air drying clothes save money?
Yes. Air drying is free. The average household with an electric dryer saves $150–$200/year by switching to air drying.