How much does it cost to run a heat pump dryer?
A heat pump dryer costs about 19¢ a day, $5.76 a month and $69 a year at typical use (6 loads a week) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Heat pump dryers recycle heat in a closed loop and draw 500-1,500 W, using about 1-1.5 kWh per load, roughly half of a conventional electric dryer. Cycles take longer.
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Cost to run a heat pump dryer in every state
The same heat pump dryer costs $47 a year in North Dakota and $167 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $3.95 | $47 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $4.05 | $49 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $4.12 | $49 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $4.16 | $50 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $4.27 | $51 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $4.28 | $51 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $4.30 | $52 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $4.34 | $52 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $4.39 | $53 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $4.43 | $53 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $4.46 | $54 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $4.47 | $54 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $4.49 | $54 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $4.52 | $54 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $4.53 | $54 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $4.55 | $55 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $4.73 | $57 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $4.73 | $57 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $4.83 | $58 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $4.84 | $58 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $4.91 | $59 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $4.93 | $59 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $4.93 | $59 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $4.96 | $60 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $4.97 | $60 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $5.01 | $60 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $5.11 | $61 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $5.20 | $62 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $5.27 | $63 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $5.28 | $63 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $5.31 | $64 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $5.43 | $65 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $5.70 | $68 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $5.85 | $70 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $6.00 | $72 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $6.02 | $72 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $6.63 | $80 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $6.74 | $81 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $6.74 | $81 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $7.62 | $91 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $7.62 | $91 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $7.75 | $93 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $8.54 | $103 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $8.60 | $103 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $8.97 | $108 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $9.10 | $109 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $9.38 | $113 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $9.39 | $113 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $9.75 | $117 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $10.57 | $127 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $13.94 | $167 |
Most efficient heat pump dryer models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (6.3–8.5 cu ft), out of 346 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $46 a year to run. The least efficient costs $124. Same size, $77 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Drum | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | DLHC3602* +1 variant Most Efficient | 7.8 | 257 | $46 | Amazon |
| LG | DLHC8402* Most Efficient | 7.3 | 257 | $46 | Amazon |
| Samsung | DV45DG60**H* Most Efficient | 7.5 | 263 | $47 | Amazon |
| LG | DLHC5502* +2 variants Most Efficient | 7.8 | 266 | $48 | Amazon |
| Samsung | DV53BB89**H* Most Efficient | 7.8 | 281 | $51 | Amazon |
| LG | WKHC202H*A Most Efficient | 7.2 | 299 | $54 | Amazon |
| Whirlpool | WHD560CH** +1 variant Most Efficient | 7.4 | 460 | $83 | Amazon |
| Whirlpool | WED7990FW* +2 variants | 7.4 | 531 | $96 | Amazon |
| Whirlpool | WED99HED*+ | 7.3 | 531 | $96 | Amazon |
| LG | DLHX4372* | 7.3 | 556 | $100 | Amazon |
Yearly cost from the official annual energy use and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Clean the lint filter every load and the condenser filter every 5 loads; airflow drives efficiency.
- Use the eco cycle when you're not in a hurry; it can use 20-30% less.
- Use the highest washer spin speed to cut drying time.
- Empty the condensate tank or connect a drain hose so cycles aren't interrupted.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Air-drying delicates and towels saves the remaining kWh.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump dryer | 800 | 6 loads a week | $5.76 | $69 |
| Electric clothes dryer | 5,000 | 6 loads a week | $12.33 | $148 |
| Compact dryer | 1,800 | 5 loads a week | $7.95 | $95 |
| Washer dryer combo | 1,800 | 5 loads a week | $12.00 | $144 |
| Front-load washer | 300 | 6 loads a week | $2.37 | $28 |
| Clothes iron | 1,200 | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week | $0.47 | $6 |
| Washing machine | 500 | 6 loads a week | $4.82 | $58 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a heat pump dryer per hour?
A heat pump dryer is usually measured per load rather than per hour. Each load uses about 1.2 kWh, or 22¢ at 17.99¢/kWh.
How much does it cost to run a heat pump dryer per month?
At typical use (6 loads a week), a heat pump dryer costs about $5.76 a month and $69 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a heat pump dryer use?
Most heat pump dryers use 500 to 1,500 watts. Plugged in but off, it still draws about 1 W of standby power. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a heat pump dryer use?
About 1.05 kWh a day and 384 kWh a year at typical use (6 loads a week).
Does a heat pump dryer use a lot of electricity?
It's a moderate load: 384 kWh a year is about 4% of the average U.S. home's yearly use.
Is it cheaper to run a heat pump dryer or an electric clothes dryer?
At typical use, a heat pump dryer costs about $69 a year versus $148 for an electric clothes dryer. So the heat pump dryer is cheaper by about $79 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a heat pump dryer?
- Clean the lint filter every load and the condenser filter every 5 loads; airflow drives efficiency.
- Use the eco cycle when you're not in a hurry; it can use 20-30% less.
- Use the highest washer spin speed to cut drying time.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.