Your clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy users in a typical home. The good news is that a few smart habits can trim drying time, lower your utility bill and help your clothes last longer. If you’ve been wondering how to make your dryer more efficient, start here.
These tips work for gas and electric dryers alike, whether you do laundry in a Port Richmond basement or a second-floor laundry room in Cherry Hill.
How to make your dryer more efficient: the basics
Efficiency comes down to three things: moving warm air through the drum, not running longer than you need to, and keeping airflow clear. Every tip below supports one of those.
1. Clean the lint screen every load
A clogged lint screen restricts airflow, so the dryer runs longer and hotter. Pull it out and clear it before every load. For heavy lint loads like towels or new fleece, stop the cycle halfway and clean it again.
Every month or two, wash the screen with warm water and dish soap. Dryer sheets leave an invisible film that can block air even when the screen looks clean. Test it by running water over it: if water pools instead of passing through, it needs a scrub.
2. Start with a good spin
The less water clothes hold when they leave the washer, the less work your dryer does. Use the highest spin speed appropriate for the fabric. A few extra minutes of spinning uses far less energy than extra drying time.
3. Dry loads back to back
Whenever you use your dryer, try to run more than one load. By the second load, the drum is already warm, so it won’t have to work as hard to dry the clothes. You get the most efficiency by drying several loads in a row.
4. Don’t overload (or underload)
Clothes need room to tumble so warm air can reach every surface. An overstuffed drum dries unevenly and leaves more wrinkles, which means more ironing. A tiny load wastes energy too. Aim for a drum about half to two-thirds full.
5. Sort by weight
Towels and jeans take much longer than T-shirts and sheets. Mixing them means lighter items over-dry while heavy items finish. Dry similar fabrics together.
6. Use the moisture sensor
If your dryer has an auto-dry or sensor setting, use it. It stops the cycle when the clothes are dry instead of running a fixed time. Timed drying is fine for a quick fluff, but it’s usually the less efficient choice.
7. Don’t over-dry
You’ll save money on electricity and your clothes budget if you don’t over-dry fabrics. Unless you need to wear something right away, take it out while it’s still slightly damp in thick spots like pockets and waistbands. You’ll get less shrinking, wrinkling and static.
To prevent mildew, let those slightly damp items finish drying in an open area before hanging them in the closet or folding them into drawers.
8. Use the permanent press cycle
The permanent press cycle ends with a cool-down period that relaxes wrinkles. That can save you from heating up the iron, another energy user.
9. Try wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls help separate clothes so air circulates better, which can shorten drying time. They’re also reusable and a good replacement for dryer sheets.
Check the vent system
Even with a spotless lint screen, a dryer can’t work efficiently if the vent duct is clogged or crushed. Signs of a vent problem include:
- Loads taking longer than usual, or needing a second cycle
- The dryer or laundry room feeling unusually hot
- A burning smell
- The exterior vent flap not opening when the dryer runs
Clogged vents waste energy and are a real fire hazard. Our guide to dryer vent cleaning walks you through it step by step.
Seasonal tips for Philadelphia and South Jersey
- Summer: Humidity is high, which slows drying. When the weather is dry and sunny, a clothesline or drying rack costs nothing and is gentle on fabrics.
- Fall: Check the exterior vent hood for leaves and debris.
- Winter: After a snowstorm, make sure drifts haven’t covered the exterior vent. A blocked vent can push hot, moist air back into the house, and with a gas dryer it can also create a carbon monoxide risk.
- Spring: Birds sometimes nest in vent openings. If the flap is stuck open, check for nesting material.
Safety notes
- Never leave the dryer running when you’re away from home or asleep.
- Don’t dry items soaked with oil, gasoline, solvents or cleaning chemicals, even after washing.
- Keep the area around the dryer clear of boxes, laundry piles and cleaning supplies.
- If you have a gas dryer, install a carbon monoxide alarm nearby.
When to call a pro
Some dryer issues go beyond good habits. Call a pro if:
- Your dryer still takes too long after you’ve cleaned the lint screen and vent
- The vent duct is plastic or foil and should be replaced with metal
- The vent run is long, has several bends, or exits through the roof
- You’re moving the laundry area or installing a new dryer
We can reroute and replace dryer vents, handle home repairs around your laundry space, and take care of appliance installation. Many homeowners also add dryer vent checks to a regular maintenance plan. Request a quote and we’ll help your dryer work smarter.
