How Heat Pump Dryers Work
A conventional dryer — gas or electric — blows hot air through clothes and exhausts the humid air outside through a vent duct. A heat pump dryer recirculates air through a closed loop: it heats air with a refrigerant-based heat pump, passes it through the drum, then extracts moisture from the exhaust air and reuses the heat. The result is 40–50% less electricity consumed per load, and no vent duct required.
The no-vent advantage is significant for apartments, condos, and homes where running a vent duct is difficult or impossible. It also means heat pump dryers don't pull conditioned air from the home in winter (conventional dryers can add meaningfully to heating costs in cold climates by exhausting warm indoor air).
Gas Dryer: Still the Cheapest to Run in Most Markets
At average U.S. gas prices ($1.10/therm) and electricity rates (16¢/kWh), a gas dryer costs about $0.23 per load — roughly $60/year at 5 loads/week. A heat pump dryer at 800W average draw costs about $0.30/load — about $78/year at the same usage. The $18/year difference doesn't look like much, but over 10 years that's $180 — less than the typical price premium for a heat pump dryer before incentives.
In high-electricity-rate states like California (25¢/kWh) or Hawaii (40¢/kWh), the math flips: gas dryers maintain their per-load advantage if gas is available, but all-electric homes with heat pump dryers beat conventional electric dryers significantly. For a full breakdown of dryer running costs by type, see our dryer cost guide or use the Dryer Energy Cost Calculator.
The IRA Tax Credit Changes the Math
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% tax credit (up to $840) on ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryers purchased through 2032. A $1,200 heat pump dryer becomes effectively $840 after the credit — often less than the price premium over a comparable gas dryer. Factor in lower operating costs vs. conventional electric (if you're switching from electric), and payback periods shrink to 3–5 years in many markets.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a gas dryer if: you have gas service, do heavy laundry (8+ loads/week), and want the lowest possible running cost regardless of upfront price. Choose a heat pump dryer if: you're in an all-electric home, your electricity rate is above 20¢/kWh, you don't have a vent duct, or you want to qualify for the IRA tax credit. Avoid conventional electric dryers for new purchases — heat pump dryers are now close enough in price (after incentives) that the efficiency difference makes conventional electric the worst long-term value in most markets.