by Switching from electric dryers to air drying could save cottage owners thousands while cutting emissions, a new study finds.
Why Cottage Owners Should Rethink Their Laundry Habits
A new study from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) highlights an easy way for cabin and second-home owners to reduce costs and embrace off-grid sustainability: line drying clothes instead of using electric dryers. Researchers found that clothes dryers account for about 3% of total residential energy consumption, costing U.S. consumers over $7 billion annually while emitting 27 million tons of CO2 each year.
For those who spend time at a lake house, remote cabin, or seasonal getaway, this presents a practical opportunity to cut energy usage, reduce reliance on electric utilities, and enjoy a simpler, more eco-friendly lifestyle.
The Hidden Cost of Dryers in Seasonal Homes
According to the study led by Zhu Zhu, a former U-M graduate student now at Purdue University, switching entirely to line drying could save a cottage owner up to $2,100 over a dryer’s lifetime. Additionally, this shift could cut down carbon emissions by over three tons per household.
“In most other places in the world, it’s hard to find a clothes dryer,” Zhu explained. “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?”
For cottage and cabin owners who rely on solar power, propane generators, or well water systems, line drying becomes an even more efficient and cost-effective option. Running a dryer off-grid can be a major energy drain, making this simple shift an excellent way to conserve power while reducing the strain on alternative energy systems.
Why Even Energy-Efficient Dryers Fall Short for Cabin Life
Many homeowners assume that Energy Star-certified dryers are the best way to reduce costs and emissions, but this study shows otherwise. Even the most efficient dryers cannot match the zero-cost and zero-emissions benefit of line 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.
For second-home owners who want to reduce their carbon footprint, line drying is one of the simplest ways to cut reliance on expensive grid power and propane tanks while lowering overall household expenses.
Practical Solutions for Air Drying at Your Cottage
Many cottage owners may hesitate to switch to line drying, believing it’s impractical due to humid lake air, unpredictable weather, or limited space. However, experts suggest that indoor drying and hybrid approaches can be just as effective.
Tips for Line Drying in Cottage Country:
- Use retractable clotheslines – Perfect for compact spaces, decks, or between trees.
- Take advantage of lake breezes – Clothes dry faster in fresh air, especially on breezy days.
- Use drying racks indoors – Perfect for cabins with screened porches or large windows.
- Minimize stiffness with a quick dryer spin – Running dried clothes in a cool dryer cycle for 5 minutes can reduce stiffness while still saving energy.
How Cottage Owners Can Start Saving Today
For those unwilling to give up dryers entirely, even small changes can lead to savings:
- Use a hybrid method: Dry towels, linens, and bulky clothes outside while using the dryer only for delicates.
- Take advantage of sunny days: Warmer temperatures speed up drying time, making it easy to plan wash days.
- Invest in smart drying solutions: A few collapsible drying racks or wall-mounted lines make air drying effortless at the lake.
The Cottage Life Benefits of Line Drying
Beyond cost savings and energy conservation, line drying offers a host of benefits for seasonal homeowners:
- Clothes last longer – Avoiding high heat from dryers helps preserve fabrics.
- Fresh air scent – Clothes dried in the breeze take on a natural, outdoor freshness.
- Less strain on septic and off-grid systems – Lower energy demand means fewer generator refills and reduced water usage.
For Michigan’s cottage and cabin owners, adopting this simple change could enhance the sustainability and self-sufficiency of their seasonal retreat—all while keeping costs low.
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