Shopping for a new clothes dryer and deciding which should you go for? Electric and gas dryers are essential during the wet and winter season to ensure that your clothes are clean and dry all year round. If you are wondering which is a better choice between these two power sources, you can find out the differences below to help you make a better decision.
Electric vs. Gas
The main difference between an electric and a gas dryer is that one uses gas to create heat while the other uses electricity. Both clothes dryers, however, operate the same way by tumbling clothes through the heated air to remove any moisture in clothes.
- Initial cost – When shopping for dryers, you might find that electric dryers can often cost lower than a gas dryer. Although it might be cheaper to purchase an electric dryer, a gas dryer can help you potentially save costs over a longer period.
- Price per load – A gas dryer uses natural gas to heat up the air, typically generating lower costs than an electric dryer. Depending on your location, drying a load in a gas dryer can cost 15-30cents per load and 30-cents per load in an electric dryer.
- Energy Consumption – Gas dryers can run at a hotter temperate than an electric dryer which can allow your clothes to dry faster. This means that you can potentially save on energy costs and reduce wear and tear on your clothes as they would spend lesser time in the dryer. A gas dryer can likely save you up to 50% of energy consumption.
Dryers with Moisture Sensors
No matter which dryer you are intending to purchase, you might want to consider those that are installed with moisture sensors. A moisture sensor can turn off the dryer automatically when your clothes are fully dried. It can ensure that your clothes are not damped or over dried when you remove them from the dryer. With this technology in place, consumers can expect up to 10% savings in energy costs compared to the traditional drying of setting a timer.
The Most Efficient Way to Use a Dryer
There are various ways to use a clothes dryer efficiently to ensure lower energy consumption. Operating an electric or gas dryer with these tips can help you save further on energy costs.
- Place your dryer in a ventilated area with room temperature. If it is in a garage or a basement that is cold or unheated, the dryer will tend to work harder to bring the heat up, thus, using more energy during the drying process.
- Cleaning the lint filter of your dryer regular is important to ensure a better airflow within the tumbler to maximize its efficiency.
- Check the outside of the dryer vent periodically to make sure that it is closed properly to prevent any outside air from leaking in.
- Do not overload the dryer. Follow the maximum load limit that is indicated on the dryer.
- Dry similar clothes of the same material together. For instance, synthetic clothes can be dried together to ensure a quicker drying process.
- Dryers typically come installed with a cool-down cycle in which you leave the clothes in the tumbler while it cools down with residual heat.
Choosing the ideal dryer and implementing the above techniques can certainly help you conserve energy and save costs in the long run. At Woodcocks, you can choose from our wide range of efficient electric and gas dryers. Feel free to reach us at 786-299-5141 if you require any additional assistance.
