Whether you prefer to toss a load of clothes in the wash when you get home from work or early on a Sunday morning, laundry day may not rank high on your list of favorite activities. If you’re doing multiple loads per week, not only are you repeatedly doing a not-so-fun task, but you’re likely ratcheting up your utility bills.
It begs the question: Is there an optimal time of day to use your appliances so they consume less energy, and in turn, save you money? We asked the pros about the best time of day to run your dryer. Here’s what they had to say.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Run Your Dryer?
The most favorable time of day to toss a load of laundry in the dryer depends on how your utility company charges you for electricity. “If you are on a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan, running your dryer late at night or early morning—after about 9 or 10 p.m.—will be cheaper because the demand for electricity is lower and the rates typically are lower,” explains Nick Barber, cofounder of Utilities Now, a prepaid electricity company.
He explains that utilities in most places charge more money for using electricity at peak times: the afternoon and early evening hours, when maximum amounts of electricity are consumed.
But if you have a flat rate for electricity, or in other words, you pay the same amount no matter when you use it, there’s something else to keep in mind. “The biggest individual energy-saving step is not to use multiple high-energy appliances at the same time,” Barber says. “Your dryer consumes a lot of power, and running it while other large appliances—like your oven, dishwasher, or air conditioner—are running full blast can cause power surges that put extra strain on your home electrical system.”
How to Reduce Your Dryer’s Electricity Consumption
While operating your appliances at off-peak times may seem obvious, there’s another major way to reduce your dryer’s electricity consumption.
Run your dryer when your home’s temperature is most stable—yes, it’s also usually later in the night or early in the morning. Why? “Because extreme heat or cold makes your HVAC work harder, and running the dryer adds to that load,” explains Justin Cornforth, the owner of Ace Home Co. “For example, using the dryer on a hot afternoon forces your AC to work double-time to counteract the extra heat. Additionally, running your dryer when other high-power appliances (like AC or ovens) are off prevents overloading your electrical panel and reduces the risk of tripped breakers.”
And if you have solar panels, Cornforth adds, the best time to run your dryer might actually be midday when the sun is shining. “It’s when you’re generating peak energy—essentially running your dryer for free,” he says.
Other Ways to Make Your Laundry Routine More Energy Efficient
In addition to running your dryer at off-hours, there are a few other ways to make doing laundry more energy efficient, according to experts.
- Always clean the lint filter before each load.
- Have your washer and dryer checked every year to make sure they’re running their best, says Glenn Lewis, president of appliance repair service Mr. Appliance.
- Use dryer balls to improve airflow.
- Ensure your washer does a good final spin to get as much moisture out of the clothes as possible before putting them in the dryer, says Lewis.
- Avoid overloading the machine, which makes drying take longer, notes Barber.
- Air-drying clothes on a rack or clothesline whenever possible is the best way to cut energy use altogether, Barber adds.
