You've found the perfect washing machine. It's sleek, it's efficient, it gets your clothes clean, and it leaves no residue of guilt over wasted water or energy. So now you need a dryer to match. How much difference is there between one of these machines and another? Don't they all take about as long in drying and fluffing your T-shirts, towels, and blankets? Yes, they basically do.

All dryers made for home use in the United States work pretty much the same way: They toss clothes around and heat them up. This takes a large amount of power. Energy Star doesn't rate dryers, because there isn't a significant enough difference in performance among the various makes and models. Likewise, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not require that EnergyGuide labels be posted on them for the sake of consumer comparison.

But that doesn't mean your basis for buying should be looks alone. For green-conscious launderers who cringe at the thought of running up their power bills to get their clothes dry, here are some details to consider:

Heated arguments: what makes the dryer run
Does the dryer run on electricity, gas, or propane? If you have natural gas available in your area, a gas-powered dryer will almost certainly be the most economical and energy-efficient way to go. In simple terms, this is because it's more efficient to burn the fuel yourself, when you need it, than to have a power plant burn the fuel, convert the resulting energy into electricity, and deliver that electricity to you for your use. The same can be true for propane, but prices for propane can be prohibitively high in some areas. "It's important to compare different fuel costs when choosing clothes dryers and any heating equipment," says Alex Wilson, co-author of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. "You may find that propane, for instance, isn't the most attractive choice."

If you decide to look at gas-powered dryers, you'll find that they typically cost somewhat more to purchase than electric dryers, but that premium is made up for in power savings over time.

Say when: the dryness sensor
There aren't a lot of fancy features to choose from when buying a dryer, but one you should definitely look for is a dryness sensor. This will turn the dryer off when the remaining moisture content in the clothes reaches a sufficiently low level. This is a far better approach than timed drying, because the machine won't run and consume energy for a minute longer than necessary. It's also better for your clothes' longevity not to over-dry them.

A dryness sensor, especially when paired with a "fluff" or "cooldown" cycle-during which the dryer continues to spin but without adding further heat to the load-can also reduce the need for ironing, so you can save energy there as well. Not to mention, who wants to iron?

Matchmaking: choosing the right size
In terms of capacity, your dryer should be matched to your washer for the most efficient functioning. The manufacturer's guidelines and/or store salespeople can steer you in the right direction. Drying loads that are too small is inefficient, as is over-packing the machine.

Spin control: how the washer helps
When it comes to a dryer's efficiency, the most important factor might actually be the washing machine. Buy a washer with a high-speed spin cycle so that as much water as possible is removed from the laundry before it goes into the dryer. See our clothes washer buyer's guide for more information.

Go ahead and vent: proper installation
Proper installation can make a big difference in how efficiently your dryer runs, so you may want to bring in a professional. "If the vent pipe behind the dryer is bent, air will be constricted and won't flow as easily," Wilson says. "The dryer should be installed near an exterior wall, so the vent can be short, and there should be as few bends as possible in the ducting."

Related Resources

Related Articles How to Talk to Your HVAC Contractor How to Talk to an Insulation Contractor How to Green Your Baby's Room See All Related Articles

Related Eco Categories Top 10s Transportation & Travel Science & Technology How to Guides

Topics Saving Money Gadgets & Products Family Health Business

Tip of the Day Drain Your Water Heater Periodically Combine Errands while You're Out See All Tips

Glossary Blown-in insulation Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Laminate Natural ventilation Compact fluorescent lamp Full Glossary

Site Resources Directory Answers Quizzes