Electric Clothes Dryer in Cary — $196/yr to Run (13.1¢/kWh)
Your electric clothes dryer in Cary costs about $16/month at 13.1¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Cary, NC Electricity Rate
13.1¢/kWh
Utility: Duke Energy Carolinas
+1% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$0.65
5.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$16.34
125 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$196
1,500 kWh/yr
Lifetime (13yr)
$2,549
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Cary
| Period | kWh | Cary Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 5.0 | $0.65 | $0.65 | +$0.00 |
| Weekly | 35.0 | $4.57 | $4.55 | +$0.02 |
| Monthly | 125.0 | $16.34 | $16.25 | +$0.09 |
| Quarterly | 375.0 | $49.01 | $48.75 | +$0.26 |
| Annual | 1500.0 | $196.05 | $195.00 | +$1.05 |
Customize Your Electric Clothes Dryer Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Cary.
Daily
$0.65
Monthly
$16.34
Annual
$196
13-Year
$2,549
Energy Saving Tips for Electric Clothes Dryer in Cary
- ✓Cary electricity rates are 1% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Electric Clothes Dryer in Cary saves ~$39/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Electric Clothes Dryer with scheduling optimization can save ~$29/year at Cary rates.
- ✓Clean lint trap every load
- ✓Use moisture sensor setting
- ✓Air dry when possible
ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Electric Clothes Dryer in Cary saves approximately $39/year at local rates — $510 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Cary, NC
See which appliances cost the most to run at Cary's 13.1¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,694/yr
$141.16/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,176/yr
$98.03/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$859/yr
$71.56/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$847/yr
$70.58/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$706/yr
$58.82/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$644/yr
$53.67/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$644/yr
$53.67/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$502/yr
$41.82/mo
Electric Clothes Dryer Cost in Other North Carolina Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Cary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cary (current) | 13.1¢ | $196 | — |
| Charlotte | 13.3¢ | $200 | +$4 |
| Raleigh | 12.7¢ | $191 | $-5 |
| Greensboro | 13.6¢ | $204 | +$8 |
| Durham | 13.3¢ | $199 | +$3 |
| Winston-Salem | 14.0¢ | $210 | +$14 |
| Fayetteville | 12.7¢ | $191 | $-5 |
| Wilmington | 14.1¢ | $211 | +$15 |
| High Point | 13.5¢ | $203 | +$7 |
Methodology & Energy Data Sources for Cary
How we calculate electric clothes dryer energy costs in Cary, NC: Cost estimates use the standard formula: Annual Cost = (Wattage ÷ 1000) × Hours per Day × Days per Year × Local kWh Rate. We model regional electricity rate variation using EIA monthly data, which captures rate differences between investor-owned utilities, municipal providers, and rural electric cooperatives.
- Appliance wattage sourced from ENERGY STAR product database, manufacturer spec sheets, and DOE residential appliance test data.
- Local kWh rate for Cary reflects North Carolina averages from EIA Form 861 (utility sales data). Rates vary by season (typically 10-20% summer premium) and time-of-use in many North Carolina utilities.
- Usage patterns derived from RECS (Residential Energy Consumption Survey), EIA's official survey of US household energy use.
- Carbon footprint calculated using EPA eGRID emissions factors specific to your regional grid mix in North Carolina.
Authoritative US energy data sources:
- EIA Electric Power Monthly — official US electricity rate data by state
- EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) — household appliance usage patterns
- ENERGY STAR Product Finder — efficiency ratings for electric clothes dryers
- DOE Energy Saver — Electricity — official tips and appliance comparison
- EPA eGRID — Regional Emissions — carbon intensity by grid region
- EIA State Energy Profiles — North Carolina — generation mix, prices, and consumption
Disclaimer: Energy costs are estimates based on average appliance usage and North Carolina state-level kWh rates. Your actual costs depend on your specific utility provider, rate plan (flat, time-of-use, demand), local fees, taxes, and renewable energy credits. Check your utility bill for exact rates. For energy efficiency upgrades, consult your local utility's rebate programs and federal tax credits via ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · EIA data current as of latest monthly release
Find Your Utility, Rate Plan & Incentives in Cary
The North Carolina state-average kWh rate shown above is a baseline — your actual cost depends on your specific utility provider, rate plan, and time-of-use schedule. Plus you may be missing rebates that pay for ENERGY STAR replacements:
Each utility has its own rate plans (flat, TOU, demand):
- • EIA — Find Your Utility (by ZIP)
- • EIA North Carolina State Profile
- • Time-of-use can save 20-40% if you shift heavy use to off-peak
Inflation Reduction Act provides ongoing credits:
- • ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits
- • 30% on solar/battery storage through 2032
- • Up to $2,000 heat pump credit annually
- • DOE — Federal Rebate Programs
State + utility-specific rebates stack with federal:
- • DSIRE — North Carolina Incentive Database
- • DOE State Energy Program
- • Many utilities offer $50-500 rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances
Replace efficient = save 25-50% kWh:
NABCEP-certified installers for solar/battery: NABCEP Certified Professionals Directory. Required for many state incentives.
Electric Clothes Dryer Energy Cost FAQ — Cary, NC
Understanding Electric Clothes Dryer Energy Costs in Cary, NC
Cary is a mid-sized North Carolina city where residential electricity rates from Duke Energy Carolinas are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a high-draw appliance like the Electric Clothes Dryer (5,000W) at Cary's rate of 13.1¢/kWh costs approximately $196 per year — $1 more than the national average of $195.
Cary rates are 1% above the national average — a modest premium that adds $1 per year to Electric Clothes Dryer operating costs. Over the appliance's 13-year lifespan, that's $14 in cumulative extra spending versus the national average.
With a cost of living index of 102, Cary is near the national median. The Electric Clothes Dryer's monthly cost of $16.34 represents a typical share of the average Cary electric bill of $133/month. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Electric Clothes Dryer can cut energy use by up to 20%, saving approximately $39 per year at Cary rates.
Cary's moderate climate (avg 67.3°F) helps keep seasonal energy cost swings manageable for most appliances. A Electric Clothes Dryer produces approximately 0.5 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Cary residents can reduce this footprint by choosing an ENERGY STAR certified unit, optimizing usage patterns, or investing in solar — see our solar savings calculator for Cary.
Compare All Energy Costs in Cary
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Cary's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run an Electric Clothes Dryer in Cary, NC?
At Cary's average electricity rate of 13.1¢/kWh, an Electric Clothes Dryer costs approximately $196 per year to run. That's about $16.34 per month with typical usage of 1 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Cary, NC?
The average residential electricity rate in Cary, NC is 13.1¢/kWh, which is 1% above the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is Duke Energy Carolinas.
How much electricity does an Electric Clothes Dryer use per year?
A Electric Clothes Dryer uses approximately 5,000 watts and consumes about 1,500 kWh per year with typical usage of 1 hours/day for 300 days/year.
Is an Electric Clothes Dryer expensive to run in Cary?
Compared to the national average cost of $195/year, running an Electric Clothes Dryer in Cary costs $1 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Electric Clothes Dryer energy cost in Cary?
To reduce Electric Clothes Dryer costs in Cary: Clean lint trap every load. Use moisture sensor setting. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR model saves up to 20% on energy costs. Also check with Duke Energy Carolinas for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.