If you’re a Florida homeowner wondering how much it costs to run your clothes dryer each month, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get when people are looking to cut energy costs or figure out why their power bill seems higher than it should be.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dryer costs here in the Sunshine State—including what you’re likely spending, how Florida’s climate affects your usage, and tips to lower your bill without sacrificing clean clothes.
So, how much does it cost to run a dryer? Let’s dive in.
What’s the Average Cost to Run a Dryer in Florida?
Here’s the short answer:
- Monthly cost: $1.70 – $28.60
- Yearly cost: $21 – $343
This range depends on how many loads of laundry you do, whether your dryer runs on electricity or natural gas, and what your local utility rates are (more on that below).
Most Florida households fall somewhere in the middle—around $12 to $20 per month, assuming 4–5 loads of laundry per week.
Florida’s Energy Rates: What You Should Know
Florida residents typically pay 12–15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity, which is right in the national average range. That means if you’re using an electric dryer, you’re probably paying:
- $0.20 to $1.10 per load, depending on your settings and dryer model.
If you’ve got a natural gas dryer, the cost is a little different:
- $0.30 to $0.95 per load, depending on gas prices in your area.
And yes, gas dryers are a bit more efficient per load, but they also tend to cost more to install. So, for many Florida homeowners, electric dryers remain the go-to.
Does Florida’s Climate Help or Hurt?
This is a great question—and one unique to our region.
Here’s the deal: Florida’s hot, humid weather can actually work for you if you’re smart about it. Unlike colder climates, we can take advantage of the heat to air-dry clothes more often.
Think about it: Hanging your clothes out on the line in July? They’ll be dry in an hour, without ever flipping a switch.
That said, if you’re drying indoors with AC running, you’re adding heat and moisture back into your home, which makes your HVAC system work harder. Translation: More energy used.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Dryer? Here’s a Real-Life Example for a Florida Family
Let’s say you’re a family of four in Brandon using an electric dryer and doing 5 loads a week. Here’s what that might look like:
- Electric dryer: $1.10 per load
- 5 loads/week = $5.50/week
- Monthly total = ~$22
- Yearly total = ~$286
Now compare that with a similar family using a gas dryer:
- Gas dryer: $0.60 per load
- 5 loads/week = $3.00/week
- Monthly total = ~$12
- Yearly total = ~$144
So yes, gas dryers cost less to run, but remember the install and hookup costs are higher. That matters when you’re making a long-term decision.
How to Save on Dryer Costs in Florida
If you’re looking to lower your utility bills (who isn’t?), here are some Florida-friendly tips:
- Dry your clothes outside when possible. With our warm temps and sunshine, you can skip the dryer altogether during most of the year.
- Use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. They reduce dry time and static—win-win.
- Clean the lint trap every load. A clogged filter forces the dryer to work harder, which burns more electricity.
- Use lower heat settings and consider switching to sensor-dry mode if your model has it.
- Time your laundry. Run your dryer early in the morning or late evening when your home’s cooling system isn’t fighting the added heat.
Final Take: Should You Worry About Dryer Costs?
If your dryer runs efficiently and you’re mindful of usage, the cost is manageable for most Florida households. But if your power bills have been creeping up or your laundry habits have changed, this is a smart place to look for savings.And here’s the bottom line: Every home is different. That’s why we recommend tracking your usage, looking at your energy bill, and taking small steps to boost efficiency. It will help you make the right call without the guesswork.