The clothes dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in a typical home, often second only to the water heater among the machines you run regularly. Skipping it, even some of the time, saves a surprising amount of electricity. And the gentler treatment makes your clothes last longer, which saves money a second way.
Why the Dryer Costs So Much
A dryer works by generating a lot of heat and spinning for 40 minutes or more per load. Run several loads a week and it adds up to one of the larger slices of your power bill. Air-drying uses no energy at all, just time and a little space.
It's Easier Than You Think
Line-drying does not require a big backyard or perfect weather.
- An outdoor line works whenever it is dry, and sunshine naturally freshens and brightens whites.
- A folding rack indoors handles laundry year-round, near a heat vent or sunny window in winter.
- A retractable line over the bathtub or in a laundry room tucks away when not in use.
Save Your Clothes Too
That lint you clean out of the dryer trap is literally your clothing wearing away. The heat and tumbling break down fibers, fade colors, and shrink fabrics over time. Air-drying is far gentler, so shirts keep their shape and elastic lasts longer. Hanging clothes also cuts down on wrinkles, which means less ironing.
A Few Tricks for Soft Results
Air-dried towels can feel stiff. A few minutes in the dryer on low to finish them, or a snap and shake before hanging, keeps them soft. Adding a half cup of vinegar to the rinse helps too. Hang clothes by the seams to keep their shape.
You do not have to give up the dryer entirely. Even line-drying half your loads cuts a real amount off the bill and stretches the life of everything you own.