Gas Dryers vs. Electric Dryers

For many of us, household appliances would be incomplete without a clothes dryer. It performs an essential function in the laundry process. Clothes dryers remove moisture from clothes through heated air while tumbling the clothes. You can pick between an electric model or a gas model. The electric model uses a coil to create heat. The gas model uses a burner. Both models, however, use a small electric motor to tumble the clothes. They also have an electric fan that distributes the heated air. Below are the pros and cons of each.

Electric Dryer Pros

Initial costs for electric powered dryers are lower than the gas models. In addition, there are various models available on the market so you can select the features that are important to you. The wide price range is convenient for all types of buyers. Electric dryers can be installed just about anywhere. It does not require many tools or materials to install and run electric dryers. Most apartments and homes already have the wiring in place so you simply need to plug the dryer in and properly vent it to the outdoors.

Electric Dryer Cons

Electric-powered dryers rate poorly in energy efficiency. The electric coil takes some time before it is sufficiently hot. In the process, more energy is utilized. It also takes more electric energy to complete a drying cycle than gas. Electric dryers take twice the time that a gas dryer takes to dry clothes. This means your clothes will be subjected to greater strain with time. Faster wear and tear from the laundry cycle is more likely with electric than gas dryers. Electricity is also more expensive than gas. This contributes to higher running costs.

Gas Dryer Pros

Natural gas is cheaper than electricity in most areas. This makes the gas option more cost-effective. Gas dryers utilize less energy to dry clothes than the electric model. The gas burner heats up instantly so there’s less energy used in the healing process. Gas dryers have a shorter drying cycle than electric models. A gas dryer generally takes about half the time an electric one would dry clothes. This is easier on fabrics which extends the lifespan of your clothes.

Gas Dryer Cons

Gas dryers cost more than electric models. Gas models also come in a smaller range of designs. This restricts your options, unlike electric-powered models. To use a gas dryer, the necessary gas infrastructure must be available in your neighborhood. If a gas hookup is unavailable, you’d have to get one installed. Your choices may be limited if you’re renting but if you’re a homeowner you have more flexibility when it comes to installing a gas line. The cost of installing a gas line may be costly. Special fittings and burners must be purchased. This adds to overall costs which may negate the lower running costs of gas dryers. Repair and maintenance of gas dryers usually call for a qualified technician. Electric dryer repair tends to be less costly since you can often identify and repair the problem yourself.