Most homeowners can agree on the importance of having a working dryer on hand. Once your clothes come out of the washer, you may not always have time to air dry them or cart them over to the laundromat, and even if you have the time, it's much more convenient to dry them in the comfort of your own home. Because of this, your dryer is invaluable to you. Though you know the importance of having a dryer in your home, you may have more difficulty deciding whether to opt for a gas vs. an electric dryer. What are the pros? What are the cons? Well, these are the exact questions we aim to answer in this blog post.
When it comes to making any decision, you want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each side, depending on your unique needs. Which machine is more energy efficient? What's the difference in upfront costs? What maintenance is required? How does performance differ in each machine? That's what Mr. Appliance of Mansfield is here for. In this blog post, our Mansfield appliance repair professionals take the time to explore the benefits and cons of each dryer and how best to choose the one for your family's specific needs. Read on to find out more about the five factors to take into consideration when choosing a dryer!
What to Consider About Propane or Natural Gas Dryers vs. Electric Dryers
Installation Requirements
When it comes to installation, the process and requirements of gas dryers vs. electric dryers vary quite a bit. Gas dryers require a dedicated gas line connection and a standard electrical outlet for operation. They should also be installed by a qualified, trained professional to help prevent gas leaks and exhaust buildup and ensure safety protocols are followed. Gas dryers use natural gas or propane to generate heat, so they require a more complex installation, as they need to be vented outdoors to eliminate combustion gases.
Electric dryers, on the other hand, require a more powerful electrical outlet at 240 volts. No gas line is required for electrical units. Though venting to the outdoors is still recommended, ventless models do exist, and electrical dryers are generally much easier to install than gas dryers.
Upfront Costs
Gas dryers cost more upfront than electric dryers. This is because gas units require additional components for operation, which cost more to manufacture than electrical components, such as gas lines, burners, valves and ignition systems. Electric machines only require a 240-volt outlet, which most homes typically have, so no extra costs are factored in for additional components and gas hookups, making them typically cheaper than gas models.
Performance
Gas clothes dryers tend to remove moisture from the clothes faster than electric models. This is because they generate more powerful heat, which means that clothing dries more quickly. For larger households with more family members, gas dryers can help ensure large loads dry just as quickly as small loads. Additionally, gas dryers can be more gentle on fabric due to the shorter drying times and cycles, resulting in less wear and tear on your clothes and greater energy efficiency. Electric dryers, on the other hand, take more time to heat up as heating elements operate more slowly than gas and don't reach temperatures as high as a gas dryer can.
Energy Efficiency
For homeowners who want to lower their carbon footprint and home energy bills simultaneously, gas dryers are known for their energy efficiency compared to electric dryers. This is because gas-powered heat generates more intense heat than electric models. Intense heat means quicker dryer times and less energy used, netting cost savings over time due to decreased energy consumption. The cost to dry a laundry load with gas typically comes out to about half of what an electric dryer would cost.
Because electric dryers rely completely on electricity for heat, they will take longer to reach the desired drying temperatures than gas dryers, resulting in longer drying times and higher energy usage. Some electric dryers, however, come from renewable sources. If this is the case, your electric dryer will be the more eco-friendly option, as gas-powered dryers emit combustion into the air.
Maintenance Requirements
Due to gas lines, specialized burners and complex ignition systems, gas dryers tend to be higher maintenance than electric dryers. Some of the routine maintenance requirements involve inspecting the machine for gas leaks, ensuring the burners and igniter are clear of lint and dust and checking all gas connections. It's also important to check filters and vents to mitigate the risk of fire. All gas repairs should always be carried out by a professional expert for optimal safety.
Electric dryers are the lower maintenance option when it comes to your laundry room appliances. Maintenance measures include regularly cleaning lint filters, checking exhaust vents, and ensuring that drum belts and rollers are fully operational. Although working on electric dryers is less hazardous than working on gas machines, electrical issues may still occur, and when they do, it's best to ensure a trained professional takes care of them. Routine maintenance is essential for both gas and electric dryers to ensure the optimal safety and longevity of the unit, regardless of whether your machine is powered by electricity or gas.
Gas vs. Electric Dryers? Turn to Mr. Appliance for The Answers!
Choosing between a gas and electric dryer can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn't need to be when you have appliance experts on hand you trust. Whether you have or require a gas or electric dryer, depend on the appliance experts at Mr. Appliance of Mansfield to help with all your repair and maintenance needs. We have years of experience serving a wide range of drying machines from major appliance brands.
Contact us today and see the difference we can make with a single visit! With our upfront pricing models and conveniently scheduled appointments, there are no downsides to choosing our services.
Alongside our services for gas vs. electric dryers, homeowners can depend on us for refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, washing machine repair and more.
