How to Compare Electric Versus Gas Dryers

Gas and electric dryers perform the basic function of drying clothes, although each has advantages over the other. What you choose will depend on several factors, but price and the current dryer hookup in your laundry room may be the most important considerations. It may cost less to select a dryer that will fit your laundry connection (gas hookup or power outlet) than it would to have a professional install an appropriate connection for what you prefer.

Instructions

1. Consider cost. On the average, gas dryers cost more than electric dryers by at least $50. However, this initial difference is overshadowed by the amount of savings to owners of gas dryers in the long run.

2. Compare running costs. It is less expensive to dry a load of clothes in a gas dryer than it is to use an electric dryer.

3. Check the operating source. Gas dryers need gas hookups installed professionally. Electric dryers can be plugged into the wall, but they need a dedicated 240V power outlet.

4. Check the heat setting. Gas dryers provide almost instant heat, burn hotter and dry clothes faster while electric dryers take time to heat up. However, the considerable heat of gas dryers could be a disadvantage because of the possibility of shrinkage, especially with cotton clothes and delicate items.

5. Look at the energy factor. The energy efficiency for dryers is measured by pounds of clothes per kilowatt-hour of electricity. The minimum for electric dryers is 3.01 and the minimum for gas dryers is 2.67.

6. Think about how the heat is generated. Although both types of dryers use an electric motor to turn the drum and operate the fan, gas dryers use gas burners while electric dryers use electrical coils.

7. Compare the cost of parts. Replacement parts, such as the pilot light, of electric dryers are costly.

8. Consider the venting. You can vent electric dryers indoors when necessary, such as in the winter, but gas dryers must be vented outside. This can affect your heating costs.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Energy Star database, gas and electricity dryers use similar amounts of energy, which is why they do not have an energy guide label.

References

• Energy Star