Introduction
Dryers are some of the most expensive and energy-hungry appliances in your home. That’s why most people get confused when choosing between a gas and an electric dryer. If your dryer is just broken, the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option is to repair it by hiring a professional. You can hire a pro by searching for “dryer repair near me”. However, if you have to buy a new dryer, you should know about the advantages and disadvantages of gas and electric dryers to figure out which one’s best for you. Let’s check them out:
The Choices
- Upfront Cost – When it comes to upfront cost, gas dryers are generally more expensive than electric dryers. It can cost you as much as $100 more than the electric dryer with comparable features. On average, electric dryers tend to cost around $500 to $2000 while gas dryers are available in the range of $600 to $2100.
- Installation Cost and convenience – Electric dryers are very easy to install. If you’re a skilled homeowner, you can easily hook up your electric dryer to a water supply line, a vent and plug it into the wall. Just make sure that it’s leveled properly so that it stays stable while it operates.
On the other hand, homeowners shouldn’t attempt to install gas dryers even if they are skilled DIYers and spend most of their time tinkering with machines in the garage. In some states, it is required by law that a gas dryer is installed by a certified plumber and certified technician. That means installing or fixing your gas dryer by yourself may put you in legal grey territories.
There is strict regulation when it comes to working with gas dryers. That’s because working with gas dryers requires handling natural gas lines that are highly flammable. You also need to make sure that the vent connected to the gas dryer is functioning properly after the repair so that the home doesn’t get filled with poisonous gases. Even if you’re an exceptional DIYer, your house burning down is just an honest mistake away.
So, you have to spend good money on installation and every time you need to get your gas dryer fixed. Certified and reputable professionals can charge you as much as $150 for labor. For replacing broken components, you need to pay more.
Moreover, while electric dryers release moisture and lint from their vents, gas dryers release poisonous carbon monoxide and other gases. That makes installation at certain locations of your home very impractical. Some electric dryers have completely gotten rid of vents by adopting cooling coils that cool down the moisture and release it into a tray under the dryer. That’s why you need to get rid of that tray water after every use of the dryer.
- Energy Efficiency – While electric dryers have the upper hand on purchase and installation costs, gas dryers make a big comeback by driving out the competition with energy efficiency. A gas dryer is much more energy-efficient than an electric dryer. The disparity is so high that in the long term, the overall purchase and running cost of a gas dryer maybe half of the electric dryer.
Gas dryers burn gas for heat, while electric dryers use a heating element powered by electricity. That’s why gas dryers are more energy-efficient and generate heat much faster. So, your clothes and sheets would come out faster from the gas dryer and you use less fuel. The energy efficiency is extremely high in modern gas dryers since they use a moisture sensor and stop burning excess fuel when the drum is completely dry.
Moreover, in most parts of North America, gas is cheaper than electricity and allows you to save even more money with a gas dryer. Check the Energy Star label on both the gas dryer and electric dryer options and factor in your local utility cost per unit to figure out which one is best for you.
- Maintenance and repair – For routine maintenance, both gas dryers and electric dryers are very similar. Check up the lint trap, dust filters, and vents. Clean them every once in a while, to ensure smooth airflow. When it comes to repairs, gas dryers can rack up the cost.
They are more likely to fail since there are more moving parts. While DIY enthusiasts may be able to save money on electric dryer repair, they have to shell out a hefty sum for repairing gas dryers since they need the help of a licensed and certified repair technician. Even the components of gas dryers are usually more expensive.
- Risk factors – With gas dryers, there are two major safety risks. One is a gas leak while the other is poisoning due to malfunctioning or clogged vents. Gas leaks can cause explosions and burn down your property while endangering the lives of everyone inside your home.
It also produces poisonous gases like carbon monoxide that is odorless and colorless. So, if the vents are clogged or if there is a malfunction that causes the backflow of the poisonous gas into your home, you wouldn’t even realize it until you breathe in a dangerous amount of it and start having respiratory problems.
Electric dryers don’t have either of those problems. However, they have the risk of electrical fire due to faulty wiring. It’s the same with any electrical appliance in your home. That’s why you should get electric dryers installed and repaired by certified professionals even if you are a DIY expert. You don’t want to risk your life to save a few bucks.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the differences between a gas and electric dryer, you should have an easier time making your choice. Otherwise, you can fix up the old dryer in your home or get it serviced to make sure it lasts you for a long time. Hire a professional to service or repair your dryer by searching for “dryer repair near me”.
