1. What is This Calculator For?

This calculator compares the operating costs of gas versus electric clothes dryers for home use. It helps homeowners determine which type would be more economical based on their local utility rates and usage patterns.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( \text{Therm} \) — Gas consumption rate (therms per hour)
• \( \text{Hours} \) — Duration of use (hours)
• \( \text{Gas Rate} \) — Cost per therm of natural gas
• \( \text{kWh} \) — Electricity consumption rate (kilowatt-hours per hour)
• \( \text{Elec Rate} \) — Cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity

3. Understanding the Results

Details: The calculator shows the estimated operating cost for both dryer types and indicates which option is more economical. It also shows the potential savings per use.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the energy consumption rates (typically found in your dryer's manual), your local utility rates, and estimated usage time. All values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical therm/hour rate for gas dryers?
A: Most gas dryers use between 0.2 to 0.4 therms per hour of operation.

Q2: What's a typical kWh/hour rate for electric dryers?
A: Electric dryers typically consume 3.0 to 5.0 kWh per hour of operation.

Q3: Should I consider other factors besides cost?
A: Yes, also consider installation costs, dryer prices, maintenance, and environmental impact when choosing between gas and electric.

Q4: How can I find my local utility rates?
A: Check your utility bills or contact your gas and electric providers for current rates.

Q5: Does this account for dryer efficiency differences?
A: The calculator assumes the input values already reflect the efficiency of your specific dryer model.