When it comes to clothes dryers, there are plenty of different makes and models available today. You may be wondering though, what is the difference between gas and electric dryers, and which style works best? Find out now by following our guide on how to choose the right model for your needs.
What’s the Difference Between Gas and Electric Dryers?
Do I need a gas or electric dryer? The answer comes down to several factors including speed, efficiency, and cost of operation. Let’s take a closer look at the most important gas vs electric dryer pros and cons.
Heat Source
As you can imagine, electric dryers use electrical components for heating and drying your clothes. Because of their power consumption needs, electric models require a heavy-duty 240-volt power cord to provide the energy needed to power the unit, including the heating element. The benefit of this system is that installation is fast and easy – just plug the dryer in and you’re ready to go.
Gas dryers do still use electricity to power the drum, fan, and controls, but the heat is generated by a gas igniter and burner. That’s why gas dryers use a standard 110/115-volt power cord, although installation isn’t as simple as with electric models. You may need a professional to install your gas unit due to the importance of safety when dealing with gas.
Drying Speed
A big difference between gas and electric dryers is how fast they dry clothes. Electric models take longer to heat up and don’t get quite as hot as gas dryers. This inevitably leads to longer cycle times.
If speed is a concern for you, as gas model may be your best choice. Since they tend to heat faster and stay hotter inside, dry times are significantly reduced. Another added bonus is that less time tumbling in the dryer means less wear and tear on your clothes and other items.
Energy Efficiency
Overall, there isn’t too much of a difference between gas and electric dryers when it comes to energy efficiency. Both styles use roughly the same amount of energy, but gas models do come out slightly ahead.
Because of the shorter cycle times, gas dryers don’t need to run for quite as long as electric models. No matter which type you choose though, be sure that it’s an Energy Star certified dryer to maximize your savings on utility bills.
Price & Upkeep
There’s a bit of a tradeoff when considering gas vs electric dryer price. Electric dryers cost less to purchase than gas models, but the initial price is only a starting point. Longer dry times mean bigger energy bills which can add up over time. Upkeep and repair are also a bit more expensive with electric units.
Conversely, gas dryers cost more to buy, but you’ll make up for the money you spent with bigger energy savings. Careful planning will help you decide which style best suits your needs.
Family Size
The more family members there are in your household, the more laundry there is to do. That’s why homes with never-ending piles of laundry are best suited for gas dryers with faster dry times, lower energy costs, and reduced upkeep.
For smaller households that don’t do laundry every day though, electric dryers are more practical. They’re cheaper to buy, installation is fast and easy, and fewer loads means that your energy bills won’t be noticeably higher than with a gas model.
In the end, your decision on which type of dryer is best comes down to your personal preference and needs. No matter which style you choose though, if your dryer won’t heat or develops other issues, call the dryer repair Tampa FL experts at Appliance Repair Specialists right away!
