Key Difference – Gas vs Electric Dryer
Gas dryer and electric dryer are two types of dryers used to dry clothes. The key difference between gas and electric dryer is the energy source used by them. Gas dryer produces heat with the use of gas while electric dryer uses electricity to produce heat. However, the motors in the gas dryer are powered by electricity. An electric gas dryer can be less expensive to buy, but compared to a gas dryer it can be more expensive to run in the long run due to the need for a lot of electricity. Both of these dryers have their advantages and disadvantages.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Electric Dryer
3. What is a Gas Dryer
4. Side by Side Comparison – Gas vs Electric Dryer in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is an Electric Dryer?
An electric dryer is a dryer that uses electric heat to dry clothes. Electric energy is also used to power the motors of the blowers and drum within the dryer. Electric dryers use a voltage of 240 volts.
When compared to gas dryers, electric dryers are more durable. Electric dryers are also easier to fix when it comes to repairs. Electric dryers are often more popular when compared to gas dryers.
Electric Dryer Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to install
- Does not require a dedicated gas line
- Often will not require a vent to the outside
Electric Dryer Cons
- More expensive with time
- Generally slow to heat up
- Takes more time to warm your clothes
- Require 240 V outlet
What is a Gas Dryer?
A gas dryer is a dryer that produces heat with the use of gas. But its motors are powered by electricity. Thus, the gas dryer will need an electricity in addition to a gas hookup. These units will also need additional venting which means gas dryers will require additional space when compared to electric dryers.
When compared with an electric dryer, gas dryers are more energy efficient. It is also worthy to note that gas dryers are capable of drying clothes faster than electric dryers. The electric dryer will mostly be cheap to buy upfront, but the gas dryer may be a cheaper option in the long run which will depend on a number of factors. If gas prices are expensive and you do not have access to a gas hookup, the electric dryer can be a cheaper option.
The first thing that could break with the gas dryer is the pilot light, which is very costly to repair and will require a specialist when fixed.
Gas Dryer Pros
- Less expensive to upkeep but can depend on the cost of electricity vs gas
- Heat up cloths faster compared to electric dryers
- Warm up quickly
- Gentle on fibers
- More energy efficient
Gas Dryer Cons
- Require a vent to the outside
- Require a dedicated gas line
- More expensive up front
- Requires professional installation
What is the Difference Between Gas and Electric Dryer?
Gas vs Electric Dryer |
|
| Gas dryers use gas burners | Electric dyers use heating coils |
| Cost | |
| Expensive | Cheap |
| Expenses | |
| Less expensive in the long run | More expensive, especially in the long run |
| Time to Dry | |
| Fast | Slow |
| Vent | |
| Necessary | |
| Maintenance Cost | |
| More | Less |
| Risk of Fire | |
| Less | Great |
| Installation | |
| Requires a gas line and expertise of a technician for installation | Easy, just requires a plug in |
Summary – Gas vs Electric Dryer
The main difference between gas and electric dryer is their source of energy. Both these types of dyers have their pros and cons. It is important to look at both these and choose what suits you the best. However, the only environmentally friendly solution when drying clothes is to hang your clothes although may not turn out to be the practical solution for every climate.
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