When looking to purchase a new dryer, there are a few things to consider. If you’re considering a gas vs electric dryer, you should know they require different outlets, have different energy levels, and have varying price points. Most dryers are engineered with the same interior workings. An electric and gas dryer each has small motors that turn a drum, thus tumbling your clothes until dry. But to know whether your home fits an electric or gas dryer is essential.
At a Glance
Gas vs Electric Dryer Installation
Gas vs Electric Dryers: What’s the Difference?
As we said, the differences between an electric vs gas dryer lie in the energy usage, installation, and cost. A gas dryer requires a standard outlet and a gas hookup nearby. In contrast, an electric dryer cannot be plugged into a 110-120 volt outlet. It needs a 240 volt outlet. If you’re replacing an electric dryer with another electric dryer, this isn’t an issue. But making the switch from electric to gas will require a bit of maintenance.
Gas Dryer Breakdown
If you’re wondering how a gas dryer works, it’s pretty simple. A gas dryer can be fueled by liquid propane gas or natural gas, and it always needs to be vented outside. Professional installation is recommended but will be more expensive, but the operating cost is typically half that of an electric dryer. Gas dryers are typically gentler on clothes and dry faster.
Discover the Best Gas Dryers the Industry Has to Offer
Electric Dryer Breakdown
An electric dryer needs an outlet twice the strength of a standard current. Still, some compact electric dryers will operate on a 110 voltage. These dryers are easy to install, and you most likely won’t need professional help. Electric dryers are relatively affordable and cheaper than gas dryer options.
Discover the Best Electric Dryers
Energy-Efficient Dryers
Between a gas and electric dryer, you’ll find a gas dryer costs more upfront but will save you money in the long run.
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Gas Dryers Energy
Depending on the economy at the time and where exactly you live within San Diego will impact your natural or propane gas costs. However, gas dryers cost less over time. In 2015, the United States Department of Energy began rating appliances for their energy usage. Most gas dryer models received the ENERGY STAR rating that qualifies them as efficient.
Electric Dryers Energy
Studies suggest that the cost of electricity required to dry a load of laundry is double the amount of a load dried by a gas dryer. This is because it uses electricity to power the appliances and uses electricity to tumble your clothing. This depends, of course, on the electric rates in your area. Still, even though an electric dryer costs less upfront, you may find yourself paying more over time.
Calculating Your Energy Cost
The national U.S. average cost to dry a load of laundry is 45 cents per load. This is based on a 40-minute run-time, a 12-cent-per-kilowatt-hourly rate, and a 5,600-watt dryer. If you want to know your specific dryers laundry load cost, you can find its model specs in its manual and follow the steps below.
- Divide the wattage of the dryer by the duration of the load in hours and multiply by 1,000. The overall number of kilowatt-hours utilized will be shown. This information can be found in the manual.
- Multiply the kilowatt-hours by your "cost per kWh." This figure appears on your electricity bill and is your cost per load.
- For your cost per month, multiply the cost per load by the number of monthly loads you do in a month.
- For your cost per year, multiply your monthly cost by 12.
Cost of Dryers
Between a gas vs electric dryer, the electric dryer option will cost you less money upfront. We are comparing affordable brands like LG or GE for our cost comparison. Consider that a high-end electric dryer with an Electrolux or Miele brand may cost more than an affordable brand gas dryer.
Gas Dryer Cost
Gas dryers run roughly $50 to $100 more than electric dryers. This is typically from the various components of a gas dryer that are more expensive. Also, consider that a gas dryer will typically need to be maintained by a professional, making the upkeep of this choice pricier.
The average cost of a gas dryer is $900.
Our Affordable Gas Dryer Choice: Maytag White Gas Dryer
Our gas dryer choice handles large loads with wrinkle-free results. The Wrinkle Control option tumbles clothes for 40 extra minutes after a cycle with no heat. This means that your clothes are ready to wear without costing you any extra cash. Also, two Moisture Sensing sensors monitor the needs of your load and adjust temperatures accordingly.
Electric Dryer Cost
Electric dryers may be less efficient with energy since they take longer to heat up and don’t remain as hot as a gas dryer. But when comparing gas vs electric dryer costs, you will find electric models are typically cheaper upfront than gas dryers.
The average cost of an electric dryer is $650.
Our Affordable Electric Dryer Choice: Samsung White Electric Dryer
You can optimize your cycle times with Samsung’s Sensor Dry feature. That means even though electric dryers take longer to heat up, it doesn’t waste time getting the job done. Also, with eight preset drying cycles, you can easily choose which cycle is best for your laundry, whether that’s a load of jeans or a bunch of towels.
Gas vs Electric Dryer Installation
Before purchasing a dryer, check to ensure you have the correct gas line connection. It can be quite expensive to install the necessary lines if you don’t already have them.
Gas Dryer Installation
If you don’t have the correct gas line for this dryer, your local utility company can install one at an additional cost. Or, if you have moved from a home with a gas line to one without, a gas dryer can be powered by a propane tank.
Electric Dryer Installation
An electric dryer is easy to install. You don’t have to have any special lines or cables, and it can be installed right out of the box. This is definitely a perk to investing in an electric dryer.
Top Dryer Brands
On top of the brands below, LG electric dryers are great to invest in as well.
🗸 GE offers a line of affordably priced smart dryers.
🗸 Samsung has a line to splurge on smart dryers.
🗸 Maytag's reputation for reliable dryers is unmatched.
🗸 Bosch has a great line of high-end dryers for smaller spaces.
The Verdict: Which is Better, Gas or Electric Dryers?
Depending on if your home has a gas line and how much you’re willing to spend upfront will determine which type of dryer is best for you. There are positives and negatives to both which we outline below.
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Gas Dryers |
Electric Dryers |
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More Affordable |
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More Energy Efficient |
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Saves Money Over Time |
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Easier Installation |
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What to Consider
Lastly, let’s review a few things to consider before deciding which is the best dryer and concluding this gas vs electric dryer debate. So, which is better gas or electric dryer?
- Noise reduction is priceless if you live in a small space or your laundry room is in or near a family room.
- Dryers with moisture sensors will prevent over-drying your clothing, resulting in a longer lifespan for your clothing.
- Steam cycles are typically pricier and require a water line that connects to your dryer. You’re able to achieve similar results by hanging your clothing in a steamy bathroom or by tumbling wrinkled pieces with a damp towel for a few minutes and then air drying.
FAQs
If you have remaining questions, let’s review them below.
Do dryers use a lot of electricity?
Compared to the other appliances around your home, dryers are the energy hogs of a house. Most heat-producing appliances like a water heater, oven, and dryer are the appliances that use the most energy.
Do electric dryers need a vent?
Every electric dryer needs a vent or outlet that can expel moist air. If you don’t vent your electric dryer outdoors, it can cause the frame to rot due to moisture and promote mold growth.
Can you convert a gas dryer to an electric?
Yes, a gas dryer can be converted to an electric one.
How long do electric dryers last?
Electric dryers have a long lifespan and last as long as 14 years.
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Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
Shop Dryers at Aztec
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dryers online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you discover the differences between a gas dryer vs electric dryer and which option is best for your home — whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
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