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One of the many joys of homeownership is stocking your home with new appliances if the previous tenants didn’t leave them behind, or replacing any that may have conked out. With our fast-paced lifestyles, we rely on dryer machines to get our clothes, sheets, and towels back to fresh status so we can get back to our busy lives.
When comparing gas vs. electric dryers, the first thing you must take inventory of is what type(s) of power source your laundry room has available. If your home has both a natural gas line and a 240-volt outlet, then you have a decision to make. If your home doesn’t have natural gas, you can still compare the two, since there are liquid propane gas dryers on the market.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of having a gas vs. electric dryer and discuss which is the better option for your family. We will cover:
Investigating the differences between gas and electric dryers can help you determine which type to invest in. This is a major appliance that will last anywhere from 10 to 13 years on average.
This is by far the most important step you need to take before purchasing a dryer for your home. You don’t want to experience the headache of going out and buying one type, only to discover your home can’t even accommodate it!
When shopping for a dryer, buying the wrong type is one of the most common mistakes many homeowners make. Sometimes families assume that because they have a gas stove or gas water heater, they have the ability to use a gas dryer—but that’s not always the case.
To avoid this common pitfall, be sure to examine your laundry room before you purchase your new dryer. Doing this can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration on installation day.
Find the model number of your current dryer machine. You can find the model number on a sticker that is usually in or around the machine’s door. Google the model number to see if it’s electric or gas. This will be the fastest way to determine which type of dryer you are working with unless you’re starting with a blank canvas.
Follow these steps to find out what power source your dryer machine will require so you’re sure to get the right type. It’s recommended you follow both steps to eliminate any doubt, but if step one fails because you can’t get behind your machine, follow step two to determine which power source your home will use to power your machine.
Step one: Check for the connection behind your dryer.
Step two: Check your breaker box to confirm whether you have an electric dryer.
Now that you know which type your home is compatible with, let’s see what the price difference between the two types of dryers is. Sometimes homes are equipped to handle either! The tortoise and the hare come into play in this comparison.
Electric dryers are often $100 less than their gas counterparts.
That said…
Gas dryers are more cost effective over time. Because gas dryers run hotter than electric dryers, this reduces your drying time and thus reduces your electric bill. Quite significantly too.
Both gas and electric dryers are essentially built with the same internal structure, but the heat required to operate the machines is quite different.
In most places in the United States, natural and propane gas dryers will cost less to use over the lifetime of the machine. But that can depend on the gas rates in your area.
Generally, the cost of electricity to run a regular load of laundry will be twice as much compared to gas-run dryers. However, this too depends on electricity rates in your area and if you use solar panels as an energy source to power your home.
Raise your hand if you love doing laundry!
Bueller? Bueller?
With busy lives and a seemingly endless list of chores, wherever we can save time is a massive plus.
A big advantage of gas dryers over electric dryers is that they dry clothes faster, which means less time spent in the laundry room. Gas dryers tend to be gentler on your fabrics, too, since they dry quicker using more controlled temperatures.
Gas dryers also use an electronic moisture-sensing device that can sense the level of moisture in your load and will automatically turn off once triggered. The added benefit of an automatic cool-down cycle is another nice touch that reduces the wrinkle factor of heat-sensitive clothing.
Nothing beats a classic pros-and-cons list.
Let’s see how gas vs. electric dryers stack up.
A gas dryer will usually make up for its higher price tag after about two years of use. So, if you’re in a new construction situation that allows you to choose between a gas or electric line, it may be worth going the gas route.
If your new home does not have a gas line already, it does not make sense to change it to a gas line, since that installation can cost you up to $1,000. This would make it much more difficult to justify your investment. Unless you do more than five loads a week and plan to live in your house for over five years, the savings won’t make sense to make the switch.
It really boils down to what connections are available when you move into your new place. At Atherton Appliance & Kitchens, we have been helping families find the right appliances for over 65 years in beautiful Redwood City, CA. Our appliance consultants would be happy to answer any questions you may have about your dryer connections and any other appliance-related issues you may be facing.