How to Choose an Economical Clothes Dryer

Start with an Energy Star dryer and go from there.

A clothes dryer is one of the most expensive home appliances to run. If you have decided that you need to purchase one, how do you choose one that will fit you and your family's needs but will still keep your energy bill reasonable? The most economical clothes dryer always begins with an Energy Star label. These dryers are rated as the most energy efficient models that you can buy. After that, use these steps as a guide for the most economical clothes dryer that is right for you.

Instructions

1. Choose either a gas or electric clothes dryer. This decision may already have been decided for you by what kind of hook up you have at your home. You will find gas clothes dryers are a little more expensive to purchase than a similar electric dryer but a gas dryer will have a lower energy bill overall. Performance wise, gas and electric clothes dryers dry equally well, the gas dryer may even dry a little quicker, saving more money. Purchasing a gas dryer may be more economical.

2. Decide on a price range. There is a huge variety of price ranges for clothes dryers. Always go with one of the top brands and never be disappointed.

3. Choose what settings you want. If you only need basic drying functions, save money by not getting a dryer with advanced settings. If you are very fussy about your clothes and have high maintenance clothing, you may want to invest in a clothes dryer with a wider selection of settings. You need to take care of clothes that have a lot invested in them. A moisture sensor setting is a must for economical drying, it will sense when the clothes have dried and turn itself off, saving energy and not over drying clothes.

4. Go for the largest drum capacity clothes dryer that you can find. The sizes usually run from 5 to 7 cubic feet of space for the regular size dryers.The larger capacity dryers allow more room for your clothes to dry and so will dry quicker and more efficiently with less wrinkles. This will save you money in the long run. Go for the larger capacity if you have a lot of laundry!.

5. Look for a lint filter that is sturdy and wide. This will mean that it will last longer and catch more lint, making for a more efficient dryer.

6. Decide if you want extra features. There are many different extra features that some dryers have. Look out for these and decide if you really must have these features or not, because you will be paying a good bit more for them. Examples of extra features are a digital display, a drying rack, a lint filter sensor, a drum light and a stainless steel drum. If they are not essential, look for a simple and less expensive model.