dryer question

**NoDebtMom** · 03-10-2006, 04:04 PM

When choosing to use the dryer, do you think it is better to run it on low for possibly a longer time, or high for a shorter time? Of course, this is also depending on type of clothing, but all things equal- what would be more cost effective? (Electric dryer)

guest7 · 03-10-2006, 05:24 PM

hmmm. I think it would be more expensive to run on low for a longer period of time. Especially with electric- it needs to pull 110/220 volts no matter how high/low the temp is.

But dh (the know all) says that if it is on low- it pulls less electricity. On high it pulls more electricity.

So if that's the case- I think it's equal. It will take a certain amount of dry air (electricity) to dry a certain amount wet items.
Regardless of the temp-time ratio.

I'm so undecided!

**McD** · 03-10-2006, 05:28 PM

I don't know. My dryer has an energy preferred setting. I use that, but it doesn't make my towels as fluffy as I like. Sigh....the price of being frugal.

**madhen** · 03-10-2006, 05:39 PM

I would suspect it would be equal, as well, but isn't it better for your clothes to be tumbled on low vs. high? Not as hard on the fibers, I would think.

**SHOPGIRL** · 03-10-2006, 06:11 PM

Well, you could do your own data collection. Dry two similar loads, say towels. Use both methods and record the electric meter, see which method uses more energy.

**pkellyc** · 03-10-2006, 08:43 PM

I think the shortest drying cycle is the best. But shop girls has a great idea, if you try it let us know how it turns out.

Try an extra spin on the washer cycle, it cuts down on drying time with heavy loads. My new washer has this feature of an extra spin cycle and it does take less time to dry them.

**NoDebtMom** · 03-11-2006, 02:40 PM

Shopgirl, now that is a great idea. Ds would love to do a science experiment like that. I would have to have everything completely equal- the load, the status of the electric on in the house, etc..
I'll let you all know what happens.

**Mamawolf** · 03-11-2006, 02:44 PM

I have one of the high efficiency maytags, and it actually takes less time to dry on low, than on high!

**NoDebtMom** · 03-12-2006, 11:15 AM

Update on the science experiement: not going to work!

According to some science minded people, (and I may say this wrong or mix it up) it would depend of the amount of energy it takes to heat up the dryer to high, compared to low and it should be known how much watts? it takes to turn the drum, and then you would have to know exactly how long it takes to dry ... etc, etc.. So looking at the meter wouldn't give an accurate result.
So- never mind, I will carry on with drying as usual and not think about it.

**malessan** · 03-19-2006, 06:20 PM

I always just use the dryer on low setting and remove the clothes after a few minutes, hanging on hangers or laying flat to dry. I don't do this with sheets and towels, though, because the sheets take up too much room and i din' have a yard I can use and the towela are too stiff. This is easier on the clothes and saves energy.

**wendy** · 03-24-2006, 08:41 PM

I was drying some onesies the other day, and it seemed like it was taking forever for them to dry. So I threw in a clean dry terry cloth hand towel with the onesies and they dried within ten or fifteen minutes.

I'm definitely going to do this with my other clothes.