A 3,000W electric dryer for 45 minutes uses 2.25 kWh, about 38 cents at average rates.

Electric dryers cost more per load where gas is cheap, but heat-pump dryers use half the energy of resistance models.

High heat dries faster but uses the same element watts. Sensor-dry stops at target moisture and saves 10 to 15 percent.

Spin laundry at high speed, clean the lint filter every load, and dry consecutive loads while the drum is hot.