A multi-criteria evaluation of high efficiency clothes dryers: Gas and electric

The results of an in-depth analysis to address the possible solutions to save energy and mitigate environmental damage caused by clothes dryers are presented in this paper. The analysis includes an environmental evaluation of gas and electric dryers. Various dryer technologies such as microwave, heat pump, heat recovery, and other designs are analyzed. Highly efficient clothes washers with increased moisture extraction that may reduce dryer impacts are also included within the analysis. The analysis includes the development of a multi-objective decision model that is solved for the short- and long-term to provide optimal courses of action. The results of the analysis revealed that fuel switching from electricity to natural gas was the optimal short-term solution. This measure could save a projected 2.5 MMT of carbon emissions annually by the year 2010. The optimal long-term alternative was not clear. The results showed that the option to research and develop a new high efficiency dryer was marginally better than fuel switching.