A dryer performance optimization system comprising a dryer having an inner wall and being adapted to rotate at variable speeds and a variable frequency drive being adapted to vary the rotational speed of the dryer. The preferred system also comprises a baghouse having an inlet end being adapted to receive exhaust gas from the dryer and an outlet end and a controller being adapted to control the temperature of the exhaust gas from the dryer. A method for controlling the temperature of exhaust gas in a baghouse comprising providing a dryer performance optimization system as described herein and varying the temperature of the exhaust gas from the dryer by varying the rotational speed of the dryer.