Gas vs. Electric Dryers: How To Choose Which Is Right For You

Virtually all the major appliances in my off-grid home run on gas, including the refrigerator. Our gas dryer has been a workhorse since we purchased the property in 2006, and it wasn’t new when we moved in. It uses just enough electricity to spin the tumbler and operate the blower, an amount easily supplied by our 3kW solar array. It can handle a large load and dries clothes quickly.

Of course, we don’t expect it to last forever. And if California keeps up its promise to phase out gas appliances soon, we may be forced to replace them with electric models when they finally give out.

We look upon that eventuality with some trepidation for two reasons: A standard electric dryer uses more electricity, which may force us to increase our battery storage. And we’ll have to install a 240-volt outlet, which we don’t have.

The hammer hasn’t fallen on gas appliances yet. Until it does, most dryer manufacturers offer both gas and electric models. If you’re a homeowner with access to grid power and you don’t have to worry about battery storage like we do, your choice depends on other considerations. Here are some of the main ones.

Gas vs. Electric Dryers: Key Benefits

To pick the best dryer for your home, you need to know what your family requires, what hookups are accessible and how much it will cost to run over time.

Electric dryers get all their power from electricity, but gas dryers use natural gas or propane to heat the air, plus electricity to run the controls and motor. A gas dryer might be a good investment if your home already has a gas line and you plan to stay there for a long time.

Electric dryers, on the other hand, are usually better if you want to cut your energy expenses, avoid complicated setups or already have a 240-volt plug in your home. People who rent or move a lot often choose them.

Benefits of electric dryers

• Takes less than 60 minutes to dry a complete load of clothes. Works well in any weather—no problems with outdoor venting.
• You can have a variety of settings specific to the type of fabric and how you like to dry it.
• A lot of heat helps clean garments organically.
• Many new models are made to use less energy, which helps lower power use over time. They are great for small spaces, especially when you have stackable washer-dryer sets.
• You don’t need gas lines or professional help to set it up.

Benefits of picking a gas dryer

• Gas burners create more heat, which speeds up the drying process.
• Compared to electric models, they require less total energy.
• Clothes usually come out with fewer creases and less wear.
• Long-term savings on energy expenditures, especially for families with a lot of people.
• More often than not, better for big loads that happen often.

Gas vs. Electric Dryers: Upfront and Operating Costs

The initial price tag is a key factor when comparing gas vs. electric dryers. On average, a gas dryer costs roughly $100 more than an electric dryer from the same company. Gas appliances should be professionally fitted to ensure they vent properly and lower the danger of leaks, which usually adds an extra $150 to $250.

Installing an electric dryer, on the other hand, is typically a simple do-it-yourself job as long as you have a 240-volt outlet and an exhaust vent that only conveys hot air and not combustion gases.

Gas dryers are often more energy-efficient and cost-effective to run, saving you about $40 a year on your energy expenses. That means you should be able to make up the difference in upfront costs in less than 10 years.

Knowing the cost of electric and gas appliances can help you choose the best home dryer for your budget and energy demands in the long run.

Existing Dryer Hookups

A conventional electric dryer runs on 240-volt power, requiring a dedicated circuit and a four-prong dryer receptacle. A gas dryer also needs electricity, which can be supplied from a standard receptacle on a 120-volt circuit.

But the dryer also needs a gas hookup. If you’re like us and don’t have natural gas, you’ll need to place a propane tank somewhere outside the house in addition to running new gas pipes. That can get expensive.

When replacing an existing dryer, it’s cheapest to utilize your existing hookups. That means replacing gas with gas and electric with electric. If you’re remodeling and installing a dryer for the first time, your home may already have the necessary gas infrastructure, and your electrical panel may have the capacity for a dryer. In that case, you can choose gas or electric.

Day-to-Day Operation

When it comes to everyday use, gas vs electric dryers differ significantly in performance. Gas dryers usually heat up and dry clothing faster than electric dryers. If you have a lot going on, the speedier drying time is a big plus. Our gas dryer typically handles a full load in 45 minutes or less.

This efficiency not only saves time, but it also uses less fuel, which means cheaper energy costs. This is an important factor to think about when looking at the energy efficiency in dryers.

When it comes to upkeep, electric dryers have an edge. A handy homeowner can typically safely and easily do DIY repairs, including changing a heating element or fixing a fan. Gas dryers are more complicated because of the potential for gas leaks and other safety issues, so when something goes wrong, you usually need a professional specialist to fix it.

When choosing the right home dryer for your lifestyle and how comfortable you are with appliance maintenance, it’s a good idea to think about how well it works every day and how easy it is to keep it clean.

Gas vs. Electric Dryers: Environmental Concerns

The main motivation behind gas appliance bans is improved air quality. With stoves, there’s a real danger of indoor air pollution. But a properly vented gas dryer only releases emissions outdoors.

Electric dryers, on the other hand, release no emissions. At first look, that makes them cleaner, but the big picture is more complicated.

An electric dryer consumes two to six kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity, which comes from a power plant that could be hundreds of miles away. A significant portion of the energy the plant produces is lost in transmission.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 60% of U.S. power plants burn fossil fuels. So while the dryer itself emits no combustion gases, it still contributes to atmospheric pollution unless it gets electricity from solar panels or another clean power source. Get to know the reasons behind dryer squeaking.

Deciding Between a Gas or Electric Dryer for Your Home

If you already have a gas line and an electrical outlet that works with it, a gas dryer may be the best choice for your family over time, especially if you have a lot of washing to do. You’ll also save on utility costs. Electric dryers, on the other hand, are safer for households that don’t have gas lines and are usually cheaper to install and maintain.

Electric is the preferred choice if you’re worried about gas leaks, costly repairs or want to use energy-efficient electric models that might be eligible for subsidies.

In the end, choosing the right dryer for your home relies on your budget, your energy goals, and how long you want to stay in your present home.

FAQ

What is the difference between a gas and an electric dryer?

The biggest difference is how the appliance makes heat. Natural gas or propane is used by gas dryers to heat air, while electric dryers utilize a heating element that is powered by electricity. Gas models usually heat up faster, which makes them better for big loads. Electric models, on the other hand, are easy to install and keep running. When picking the best home dryer for your needs, this difference is important to keep in mind when comparing gas and electric laundry machines.

Which is cheaper to operate: a gas or electric dryer?

Gas dryers usually cost more at first, but they are often cheaper to run over time. Because they use less energy, they cost roughly $40 less to run each year on average. On the other hand, electric dryers may cost less to buy at first, but they can make your energy bills go up depending on how you use them and the rates in your area. When making a long-term decision, it’s crucial to think about the electric vs gas appliance costs.

Do I need special hookups for a gas dryer?

Yes. A gas dryer requires a gas line connection, proper ventilation, and a 120-volt electrical outlet. If your home doesn’t have a gas line, it can be expensive to install. Electric dryers, on the other hand, need a 240-volt outlet but are usually quicker and cheaper to install. When picking the right dryer for your home, it’s important to know what connections you already have.

Sources:

• USEIA: “What is U.S. electricity generation by energy source?”
• BKV Energy: “Choosing Between a Gas vs Electric Dryer: Which is Right for You?”
• Enbridge Gaz Quebec: “Natural gas dryer: 4 reasons to make it your first choice!”