Difference Between Electric and Gas Dryers

The main difference between the two has to do with how they heat air to dry your laundry. Gas dryers use natural gas or propane to generate heat while electric dryers use metal heating coils powered by electricity. Learn more about the differences between gas dryers vs.

1. Which is better electric or gas dryer?
2. How do I know if I need gas or electric dryer?
3. Do most homes have gas or electric dryers?
4. What lasts longer gas or electric dryer?
5. Are gas dryers worth it?
6. Which type of dryer is best?
7. Does a gas dryer use a lot of electricity?
8. Can you use an electric dryer if you have gas hookups?
9. Can an electric dryer cause carbon monoxide?
10. Can you install a gas dryer yourself?
11. Do electric dryers need a vent?
12. Do gas dryers need to be vented?

Which is better electric or gas dryer?

In general, gas dryers are more efficient than electric dryers. That's in part because gas dryers heat up much more quickly and generate more heat overall, which in turn dries clothes faster.

How do I know if I need gas or electric dryer?

Another method for checking whether you have a gas or electric dryer is to pull the machine a few inches from the wall – just enough so that you can shine a flashlight behind it. If you see one cord attached to the dryer, it's electric. If you see a cord and a thin stainless steel connector, your dryer is gas.

Do most homes have gas or electric dryers?

Electric dryers are more common.

You'll find more electric than gas models on the showroom floor because virtually all homes have electricity. In many communities, however, homes have both electric and gas lines, allowing a choice between appliances.

What lasts longer gas or electric dryer?

Electric dryers typically last longer than gas dryers. With no additional energy source, they are also easier to fix. The pilot light in a gas dryer is usually the first component to break, and they can be expensive to repair.

Are gas dryers worth it?

Conclusion. While gas dryers do cost more upfront, they are almost always the better choice. They are more efficient, better on the environment, and cost less to run per load. With quicker drying cycles, you'll be able to run more loads in less time.

Which type of dryer is best?

Condenser dryers also have longer cycle times than a vented dryer, but they're typically gentler on your clothes. Best of all, they're more versatile than a vented dryer because good ventilation isn't as important.

Does a gas dryer use a lot of electricity?

The manufacturer tells you how much energy the dryer will need. A gas dryer typically uses between 20,000 and 25,000 BTU (or . 2 to . 25 therms) per hour, while an electric dryer typically uses between five and seven kilowatts per hour (kWh).

Can you use an electric dryer if you have gas hookups?

You can technically choose whether you want to have a gas or electric dryer, but you should make that decision based on your existing laundry hookups. It can be expensive to change your laundry hookups from gas to electric and vice versa, so it's best to stick with what you have.

Can an electric dryer cause carbon monoxide?

While an electric clothes dryer doesn't expel carbon monoxide like its gas counterpart, there are large amounts of moist air and lint coming out of your electric dryer, both of which can severely damage your home if they accumulate.

Can you install a gas dryer yourself?

Not only is self-installation a cheaper option, but it's also pretty simple to do, even for the non-DIY'ers. While the installation instructions for electric and gas dryers are a little different, both of them can be done with a few tools, a bit of patience and some great directions.

Do electric dryers need a vent?

Every electric dryer has to have an outlet through which it expels warm, moist air, or it won't work. The air is usually loaded with lint, and if you don't vent it outside, it can cause all kinds of problems. The moisture can rot framing and promote mold growth, and the lint can catch fire.

Do gas dryers need to be vented?

Since gas dryers produce carbon dioxide as a by-product of combustion, they should always be exhausted to the outside. Outside venting is also important to prevent the exhaustion of water vapor from damaging structures or causing mold and mildew growth.