Research Publications

Clothes dryers emit 27 million tonnes CO2e annually in the US. Decarbonization efforts prioritize energy efficiency and electrification, overlooking effective behavioral changes like line and off-peak drying. This study uses government data, market observation, and literature to quantify the lifecycle GHG emissions and costs of technological and behavioral changes. Comparisons are based on a non-ENERGY STAR gas dryer emitting 2443 kg CO2e over 16-year lifetime. Upgrading to efficient ENERGY STAR gas dryers reduces lifecycle emissions by 16 %. Using electric dryers reduces lifecycle emissions by 91 % or increases them by 223 %, depending on regional grid carbon intensity and dryer efficiency. As grids decarbonize, electrification benefits most regions by 2044. Full line drying eliminates lifecycle emissions, partial line drying cuts 56 %, and off-peak drying reduces 8 %. Efficiency upgrades and electrification increase lifecycle costs by $254–$721; partial line drying saves $262. Behavioral changes thus deliver greater GHG and cost savings than technological solutions.