by 
A new study finds that switching from electric dryers to clothesline air drying could save Michigan households thousands while cutting emissions.
Line Drying Clothes Could Save Michigan Families Thousands Over a Lifetime
ANN ARBOR, MI – A new study from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) suggests that Americans, particularly in Michigan, could save thousands of dollars and significantly reduce their carbon footprint by opting for line drying over electric dryers. Researchers found that household clothes dryers account for about 3% of total residential energy consumption, costing U.S. consumers over $7 billion annually and emitting more than 27 million tons of CO2 each year.
High Cost of Drying: A Hidden Drain on Michigan Households
The study, led by Zhu Zhu, a former U-M graduate student now pursuing a doctorate at Purdue University, analyzed the financial and environmental impact of clothes drying methods. Their findings suggest that fully transitioning to air drying could save a single household up to $2,100 over a dryer’s lifetime, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over three tons per home.
“In most other places in the world, it’s hard to find a clothes dryer,” Zhu noted. “We know dryers consume a lot of energy, so what if you used line drying instead? How much could you save? How many CO2 emissions could you avoid?”
Energy-Efficient Dryers May Not Be the Solution
Many consumers assume that investing in Energy Star-certified dryers is the best way to reduce costs and emissions, but the study found that line drying is still the most effective option. In fact, households that upgraded to more energy-efficient models did not always see significant long-term savings compared to those who partially or fully adopted clothesline drying.
“We tend to focus on technological improvements, but a lot of the time, behavioral changes can have larger impacts,” said Shelie Miller, SEAS professor and co-director of the U-M Center for Sustainable Systems.
Why Michigan Residents Could Benefit the Most
Michigan, which experiences extreme seasonal changes, might not seem ideal for clothesline drying. However, researchers emphasized that households do not necessarily need a backyard or even outdoor space. Indoor drying is a viable alternative, especially during winter months.
“You don’t need a big balcony or a huge backyard,” Zhu explained. “Based on my personal experience, you have more capacity than you imagine.”
Moreover, Michigan’s reliance on a mix of energy sources means that electric dryers have varying environmental impacts across the state. Homes powered primarily by coal-generated electricity contribute significantly more emissions than those relying on hydroelectric or renewable energy sources.
A Simple Shift with Big Impacts
For those unwilling to ditch dryers entirely, small behavioral changes can still help. Running dryers during off-peak hours can cut emissions by 8%, and drying heavy fabrics naturally while using dryers only for essentials could provide both financial and environmental benefits.
Michigan residents looking to reduce household expenses and minimize their carbon footprint have a simple, cost-free solution at their fingertips: air drying. As the study suggests, making this small change could lead to substantial savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Feature Stories – Unveiling the diverse and vibrant people, captivating places, and remarkable events that come together to make the Great Lake State unique and cherished by both residents and visitors alike.
- Weird Political News – A sarcastic take on official news from around the U.S., exploring the absurdities that often arise in the political landscape while providing a humorous perspective on current events and highlighting the quirks of politicians and policies.
- Michigan News – News and events from Michigan’s Upper Thumb region worth knowing, including local stories, impactful interviews, and updates on community happenings that shape the culture and lifestyle of the area.
Your Turn – Like This, or Loath it – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out on ThumbWind Publications.
