At first glance, it seems like just another indispensable appliance in the modern routine. But the truth is that the clothes dryer is among the appliances that consume the most energy in Portuguese homes, and the impact of this appliance goes far beyond what most people imagine.
For years, it was believed that the refrigerator was the “champion” of domestic electrical consumption. However, new studies show that this appliance can consume the equivalent of 65 refrigerators connected simultaneously during times of greatest energy demand.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the warning comes from recent investigations cited by international organizations, which analyzed the energy behavior of families. The result left experts concerned: this equipment, used weekly, already represents a significant portion of the electricity bill.
This value of “65 refrigerators” is not random. It results from an instantaneous power comparison between both devices. A traditional dryer consumes, on average, between 3,300 and 5,000 watts per hour of operation, while a modern refrigerator uses only around 70 to 100 watts.
If we divide the energy consumption of this appliance by that of the refrigerator, we obtain an equivalence that varies between 50 and 70 times more power, depending on the model and the duration of the cycle. This is where the reference to the 65 refrigerators comes from.
This comparison does not mean that a dryer uses the same as 65 refrigerators throughout the year, but rather that, during the time it is turned on, its energy impact is much higher, especially during times of greater domestic consumption.
Consumption peaks and environmental impact
According to the United States Department of Energy, dryers are responsible for up to 6% of a home’s total electricity consumption. When millions of families turn them on at the same time, so-called “load peaks” arise, moments when electrical companies need to resort to emergency power sources.
These plants, often powered by natural gas, are fast, but inefficient and highly polluting. With each consumption peak, carbon dioxide emissions and the global cost of energy production increase.
The invisible consumption of switched off devices
The problem does not end when the “off” button is pressed. Just like this appliance, many devices continue to use energy even when they are apparently turned off. This phenomenon, known as “waiting consumption”, is responsible for a considerable part of the annual bill.
Studies by the University of North Texas indicate that this residual consumption can represent up to 26% of the electricity used by a household. Televisions, chargers, routers and even sound systems remain active, adding watts after watts without anyone noticing.
The price of modern comfort
Everyday amenities have a cost that goes far beyond the financial. The comfort of having dry clothes in a few hours translates into a continuous increase in energy demand, with a direct impact on emissions and the stability of electrical networks.
The experts cited by AS emphasize that the excessive consumption of appliances such as the dryer contributes to the need to reinforce infrastructure and, ultimately, to the increase in electricity prices.
There are simple ways to reduce the impact
Despite the worrying numbers, there are effective ways to use the dryer without wasting energy. One of the simplest is to take advantage of residual heat, drying several loads in a row instead of only turning on the appliance for small amounts of laundry.
Another recommended measure is the replacement with heat pump dryers, which consume up to 60% less than conventional models. Although the initial investment is higher, the savings over the years pay off.
Small gestures, big differences
Reducing energy consumption does not require radical changes. Unplugging appliances, using low temperature programs and regularly maintaining dryer filters are simple practices with real results.
According to , experts remember that every unnecessary minute of operation has a direct impact on the bill and the environment. And, multiplied by millions of homes, this impact becomes gigantic.
Costs that accumulate throughout the year
Using the dryer four to five times a week can add more than 130 euros per year to your electricity bill. For many families, this value represents the monthly consumption of other essential household appliances.
In the long term, choosing more efficient equipment and adjusting daily habits can represent significant savings, both in euros and in emissions.
Change starts with information. Understanding how much each device consumes is the first step in balancing comfort and sustainability. The dryer, a symbol of modern practicality, is also a reminder that energy is a finite and expensive resource.
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