Are you in the market for a new dryer?
If so, you might be wondering if you should buy a gas dryer or an electric dryer. Both types of dryers have their pros and cons, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of gas and electric dryers, so you can make an informed decision when buying your next dryer.
Stay tuned!
Gast Dryer vs Electric Dryer
The perfect guide: Gas Dryer vs. Electric Dryer
Just before we begin to analyze gas dryers vs electric dryers, first, we all know that dryers are lifesavers, especially if you find yourself in regions where there are usually bad weather conditions.
Besides, not so many people have the luxury of time to put out clothes to dry anymore in this present age and time.
Either gas or electric dryers are there to make laundry work easy, quick, safe, and healthy.
However, people often mix things up and do not know exactly which dryer to choose for their homes or business.
Here in this post, we have cleared the air for you which we know will help you make the right choice of dryer that works perfectly for you.
What is a Gas Dryer?
As the name implies, it is a dryer that uses gas to generate heat. The gas burner may be fueled by propane or natural gas to generate needed heat for drying of clothes.
What are the Pros of Gas Dryers?
- The running cost is cheaper and more affordable. Gas dryers are generally cost-effective compared to the electric types majorly because of the electricity tariffs.
- The productivity ratio compared to electric dryers is more. Gas dryers would dry clothes faster half the time of the electric dryers.
- Gas dryers are gentle on clothing and produce less static cling.
- Gas dryers generate heat faster and keep clothes from wrinkling.
What are the Cons of Gas Dryers?
- A technical and professional installation is required most of the time.
- They are more expensive to purchase.
- Repair cost can be relatively high.
- They require additional protocols to use such as building a vent for expelling carbon monoxide.
- Requires frequent cleaning due to the lint that builds up inside the vent.
What is an Electric Dryer?
This is the second category under this post. The electric dryer makes use of heating coils through a 240-volt current flow. Electric dryers are the most used type of dryer in many homes and commercial facilities.
What are the Pros of Electric Dryers?
- It supports the go-green technology and environmental friendliness
- They have more available options and models than gas dryers
- Self installation is possible with electric dryers rather than gas dryers that require expertise for installation.
- The repair cost is lower compared to gas dryers
What are the Cons of Electric Dryers?
- High tariffs and bills. Except you get energy-saving dryers, get ready to pay more.
- And even with that, your bills can be high compared to a gas technology.
Which dryer is best for me? Electric Dryer or Gas Dryer?
Just before we begin to compare and review the gas dryer vs electric dryer categories, it will be great to look into factors that guide our overall choice.
Which dryer is best for me is a very critical question and is usually asked by few of our customers who wish to either replace or repair their damaged dryer. There are many factors that could determine the kind of dryer one should by. The following factors to consider are:
Gas Dryer vs Electric Dryer?
Factors to consider:
- Price and budget
- Space
- Features
- Brand
- Purpose
Price
Price is a big determinant. The cost of a dryer you should buy will be determined by what is in your wallet. If you want a more sophisticated or fancy dryer, you should be willing to pay more than usual. However, a lot of folks would say ”a dryer is a dryer and has only one functionality which is to dry our cloths. So, they care less and just go for the most affordable if it serves the purpose of keeping the cloths dry enough. After all, sunlight is free and can equally do the job.
Yes! Air drying is still the biggest money-saver, but you also do not want to wait very long hours to have your clothes dry. The cost of a dryer can vary from brand to brand. But normally, between $380 and $2500, you should be able to get a good one for yourself or family.
Space
The available dedicated section of the house may also affect what kind of dryers you should buy. Ideally, for an average dryer with the washer placed by the side, you will need about 34 inches deep, and 56 inches wide with a height of 40 inches. Not to forget that you have to leave at least some few inches of space on all sides for adequate air flow or circulation.
In picking a dryer, space is a big factor because there are situations where a buyer has the budget and a preferred brand and still cannot buy the desired choice because of lack available space. So, consider this before you venture into buying your dryer. Another important factor that would determine space for your dryer would be the opening. You must be able to create enough room that allows your dryer open either from the top or from the side.
Features
There is a little attention people give to some specifications they like to have for their dryers. Simple technology such as automatic switch off, overheating safety function, energy efficiency, self-cleaning, reverse tumbling, heat pump tech, drying rack, see-through doors, reversible opening, anti-crease, automatic controls, anti-tangling, child-lock, air-wash technology, spin speed, filter, voice technology and more.
More features are added every year from different brands, and they vary in terms of functionality and ease of use. While some features bring in more roller coaster effects, some are questionable and make one wonder if it is necessary to even have such technology added in the first place.
Brand type
There are quite of number of different reasons why consumers prefer a different brand to another whether gas dryer vs electric dryer. A lot of which has been shared in the major points above. However, one of the major things consumers rate high is reliability and durability.
We need not over stretch this, we already know that some brands are stronger than others. Some brands will last for years while other ones would pack up completely after a short time. Therefore, brand type is a big factor you want to consider while picking your dryer. We have some recommended brands for you as an expert in dealing with dryers over the years.
Purpose
This refers to the usability of the dryer. Whether gas dryer vs electric dryer, the more job your dryer is expected to do is going to determine which one is ideal for you. People buy dryers depending on the number of people who will utilize the appliance including the frequency of usage. Ideally, if you need a dryer for commercial purposes, then you might want to go for a bigger size and more durable dryers that can withstand high usage and more.
However, if all you want to do is for your regular chores, then it is perfect to go for something lower. Do not forget that the bigger your dryer, the higher your bills whether gas or electric functionality.
Types of Clothes Dryers
There are different kinds of dryers out there depending on the one that you can afford. There are two major categories for dryers, and they are typically vented dryers and ventless dryers.
A vented dryer requires ventilation and usually takes air from inside the space they occupy, heat the air up, and then tumble it through the clothes to make them dry. It does this while also pushing the wet, hot air outside through its duct. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that the dryer is placed near a window so that the air can escape out of the duct.
All gas dryers must be vented because the carbon monoxide is produced during combustion which must escape into HVAC ventilation system built for it. Also, some electric dryers out there require vents too but not because of carbon monoxide emissions but to avoid hot air from blowing into your home.
A vent-less dryer on the other hand requires the use of a condenser. Vent-less dryers take in air from the surrounding of the machine, and then pass it through the condenser which then heats it up while tumbling the clothes in the warm air.
The vent-less dryers are usually easier to install than the vented dryers and are found mostly in most homes nowadays. They also have a lower maintenance advantage and generally more efficient than the vented dryer.
Dryers in this category are heat-pump dryers, condenser dryers, spin dryers, mechanical steam compression dryers, microwave dryers and ultrasonic dryers.
Whether gas dryer vs electric dryer, the good thing is that all the new models nowadays have overheat detection which means that when the temperature gets too hot, the machine turns off automatically.
Basic Steps to Maintaining your Dryer
While many users said they have used their dryers for more than 15 years, others have reportedly complained about their dryers packing up just after three years. Here in this post, we have carefully highlighted some basic steps to maintaining your dryers whether gas dryer vs electric dryer.
- Ensure you clean the lint trap and filter frequently especially after a load.
- It is advisable for you to have the dryer venting tube cleaned by a professional at least once in a year.
- Ensure you do not overload your dryer for every use. Overloading will damage the dryer over time and maybe do that permanently beyond repairs.
- Always make sure you follow the guidelines for any tumble drying.
- Keep the duct clear.
- Ensure to deep clean your lint screen every 2 – 3 months depending on usage. It is not enough to just hand clean after load, you must rinse carefully with a laundry detergent to remove residue left behind by the dryer sheets.
- It is advisable to clean the drum regularly to remove dryer sheet residue
- You can leave the door ajar to allow for some aeration when not in use. And please make sure there are NO LITTLE KIDS at home if you must do this.
- Make sure there are no items such as rubber, inflammables, foams or toys in your dryer. They can lead to damage or fire outbreak.
- For errors or problems that suddenly show up, you can try some do-it-yourself approach. However, if you are not capable, please feel free to call an expert 289-426-0867 near you as soon as possible.
In Conclusion
This post is ideal for anyone planning to buy or comparing gas dryers vs electric dryers. While we have carefully analyzed the different categories of dryers and features, we have also left the option open for you to make a choice that works for your family or business.
Again, whether you eventually decide to pick a gas or electric type, make sure to check out all the factors we highlighted which will influence or guide your final choice of a dryer.
