Believe it or not, many of us often don’t know if we have a gas or electric dryer until we need to buy a new one. When making the decision of a gas vs. electric dryer, you may find yourself questioning, “Is an electric dryer better in the long run?” or “Is installing a gas hookup worth the initial cost?” Not to worry! If your broken dryer is no longer repairable, we’ll show you which model is best for your household.
Difference Between Gas vs. Electric Dryer
But what should you consider when choosing between a gas or electric dryer? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of factors to help you make an informed decision.
Heating Source
Most of us know dryers use heat to dry clothes but when weighing gas vs. electric dryer pros and cons, it’s important to know how a gas and electric dryer differ in providing that heat. Gas dryers use a gas burner to generate heat, while electricity still powers the machine’s motor. Consequently, gas dryers require a professionally installed gas hookup (at extra cost) as well as a 110-volt electrical hookup.
Electric dryers provide heat through electric coils and use electricity to power the dryer’s motor. As a result, a larger 240-volt electrical hookup is required, using more electricity per month in comparison to a gas dryer. However, no professional assistance is needed for installation, as plugging it in is all that’s necessary.
Drying Speed
In considering a gas vs. electric dryer, the speed in which each dries clothes is another factor to consider. Generally speaking, gas dryers heat up faster and dry at higher temperatures then electric dryers. Consequently, clothes dry faster in a gas dryer and, because they are exposed to heat for a shorter amount of time, may experience less wear and tear.
Efficiency
Generally speaking, gas and electric dryers are almost equal in their energy efficiency; the latest gas models come out slightly ahead due to their shorter drying times. Regardless of if you choose a gas or electric dryer, always make sure your choice is Energy Star certified to save the most money on utilities.
Family Size
When asking, “Do I need a gas or electric dryer?” the size of your family is something to consider. A large family equals more laundry so even though a gas dryer may cost more to install, it could be the better choice in the long run since it will dry your frequent loads in a shorter amount of time. However, if you have a smaller family that doesn’t create a lot of laundry, an electric dryer may suit your needs just fine. While electric dryers can cost more to operate over time, your fewer loads in comparison to those of a larger family go a long way to make up the cost difference.
Overall Cost
As with so many things, the overall cost can’t be ignored when making the choice between a gas vs. electric dryer. A gas dryer will cost more upfront to buy and install but its faster drying times will save energy and money over the life of the machine. Meanwhile, an electric dryer is cheaper to buy, but may end up costing more in the long run due to its longer drying times.
Making the decision to buy a gas or electric dryer will ultimately come down to a combination of all these factors to make the best decision for you and your family. The professionals at Aviv Service Today are happy to help you in this process and remain your dryer repair service throughout the life of your dryer!
