Heat pump dryers reuse heat instead of venting hot, moist air outside, so they need less energy per load. Here is how certified full-size models compare in the EPA data:
| Type | Models | Median energy | Yearly cost | Per load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric vented | 244 | 608 kWh | $110 | $0.39 |
| Electric ventless (incl. heat pump) | 42 | 274 kWh | $50 | $0.18 |
| Full-size heat pump models | 29 | 257 kWh | $47 | $0.16 |
| Gas | 187 | 687 kWh-eq | $35 | $0.12 |
At 18.16¢ per kWh, the median full-size heat pump model costs about $64 a year less to run than the median electric vented model, about $637 over 10 years at today's price. Whether that pays back depends on the price difference between the two, which we do not track.
Gas dryers are priced at the national average gas price; where gas is cheap relative to electricity, a gas dryer can cost less to run than an electric one even though it uses more energy. Gas dryers still need an electric outlet for the drum and controls.
Ventless and heat pump dryers often take longer per load, per the EPA test cycle times on each model page.
Related: Heat pump dryers, ranked · Gas dryers, ranked · How much does it cost to run a clothes dryer?