This Is the Best Time of Day to Run Your Dryer to Keep Utility Bills Low, According to Pros

Electric bills can be shocking—not because they are electric, but because of just how expensive they can get. There’s a base fee on electric bills that you typically have to pay regardless of how much energy you consume.

However, there are ways to curb the additional costs that come from using your heating, lighting, or laundry machines.

The dryer, in particular, is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in many homes. So, we tapped an expert for his advice on the best time of day to run your dryer—along with tips to conserve energy and money when doing laundry.

When Is the Best Time of Day to Run a Dryer?

The best time of day to run a dryer is during off-peak hours, typically early in the morning or late at night.

“Let’s say before 11 a.m. or after 7 or 8 p.m., depending on your electric company,” Nick Barber, co-founder of Utilities Now and Prepaid Electricity, says. “That’s when general electricity demand is lower, and it may mean cheaper energy rates if you’re on a time-of-use rate plan.”

Using your dryer during these times also eases strain on the electrical grid during peak hours—allowing for more efficient energy use, adds Timothy Hodnicki, president of Easthampton Electric.

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How to Reduce Your Dryers’s Electricity Consumption

In addition to doing laundry during off-peak hours, there are several strategies you can use to reduce the electricity consumption of your dryer. For starters, it’s important to regularly clean the lint filter.

“A clogged lint filter restricts airflow, causing the dryer to work harder and use more energy to get the job done,” James Joun, founder and COO of Rinse, says.

Also, avoid overloading your dryer.

“[It increases] electricity consumption, as clothes won’t tumble freely,” Hodnicki explains. “I would also recommend using lower heat settings—it may take longer but will use less electricity, reducing the strain on the dryer.”

For newer dryers, using the moisture sensor or sensor-dry feature is helpful, as it ensures the cycle stops when your clothes are dry, rather than continuously running and over-drying them.  Using cool water in the washer is also key.

“Washing clothes in cold water is one of the simplest and most effective methods, as heating water is a significant energy drain,” Hodnicki says.

Other Ways to Make Doing Laundry More Energy Efficient

Aside from the standard strategies, here are some other ways to conserve energy when doing laundry:

• Give clothes an extra spin in the washer: “Getting more water out [of your clothes] in advance means the dryer won’t need to run as long,” Barber says.
• Dry similar garments together: When you mix clothing of different weights, it can cause smaller items to get trapped in the middle of the dryer drum. “[This] shields them from the dryer heat,” Joun says. “These items will increase drying time and drive up your energy consumption.”
• Try no-heat drying methods: “If you reside in a dry, sunny climate, line-drying outside is still one of the most effective (and least expensive) methods available,” says Barber. As a bonus, air drying prevents your clothes from wearing due to excessive agitation or heat.
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency washer: High-efficiency washers spin faster and get rid of excess moisture before drying. “[It] can further cut down on energy consumption by using less water and electricity compared to traditional models,” Hodnicki notes.
• Avoid running your dryer when it’s hot: This is especially important if you live in a warmer climate. “Avoiding dryer use during the hottest part of the day can help keep your home cooler and reduce the need for extra air conditioning,” Joun explains.