Electric Dryer vs. Gas Dryer

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. electric dryers.

1. Which is better gas dryer or electric dryer?
2. Are gas dryers more dangerous than electric?
3. What lasts longer gas or electric dryer?
4. Do I have a gas or electric dryer hookup?
5. Are gas dryers worth it?
6. Which type of dryer is best?
7. How long should a gas dryer last?
8. Can gas dryers cause carbon monoxide?
9. Can you install a gas dryer yourself?
10. Do gas dryers have Energy Star ratings?
11. Do electric dryers need to be vented outside?
12. Do gas dryers need to be vented?

Which is better gas dryer or electric 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.

Are gas dryers more dangerous than electric?

Improperly vented gas dryers also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have any gas appliances, it's a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector located nearby. Electric dryers also pose a small risk of fire, or electrocution, due to improper installation or faulty wiring.

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.

Do I have a gas or electric dryer hookup?

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.

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.

How long should a gas dryer last?

Both electric and gas-powered clothes dryers have the same functional lifespan, an average of 13 years. Regularly cleaning the lint filter and ducts will help your dryer run more efficiently (and safely), and increase its longevity.

Can gas dryers cause carbon monoxide?

Gas dryers can be a carbon monoxide poisoning risk if not properly maintained. Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless and difficult to detect. It can cause flu-like effects and even death.

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 gas dryers have Energy Star ratings?

Only gas, or electric, and compact clothes dryers meeting the ENERGY STAR definitions for electric or gas clothes dryers are eligible to earn ENERGY STAR certification.

Do electric dryers need to be vented outside?

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.