Gas vs Electric Dryers: What You Need to Know

So, you’re in the market for a dryer, and your neighborhood now has access to natural gas, which is less expensive to pay for. But there’s also the Inflation Reduction Act that passed which offers you a rebate on some electric appliances. And all that has you asking, “Gas vs electric dryers—which is better?”

The bottom line is that dryers are an essential appliance in any household. So, when it comes to choosing between a gas or electric dryer, you need to keep in mind the upfront cost of the appliance versus the long-term cost of operating the appliance. Both types of dryers have their pros and cons, so let’s go through comparing gas vs electric dryers so you can make the best choice for your home.

Gas dryers use natural gas or propane to heat up the air inside the dryer drum. The heated air then circulates through the clothes, removing moisture and drying them. Gas dryers require a gas line and a 120-volt electrical outlet for operation.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re using propane, make sure that you purchase the propane conversion kit with the appliance. The gas pros won’t be able to hook up your new machine without it.

1. Energy Efficiency: Gas dryers are generally more energy-efficient than electric dryers. Natural gas is cheaper and burns cleaner than electricity which can result in significant savings on your utility bills.
2. Faster Drying Time: Gas dryers can dry clothes faster than electric dryers. This is because gas dryers can heat up the air inside the drum more quickly and to higher temperatures.
3. Lower Maintenance: Gas dryers have fewer moving parts and run for less time, so they tend to require less maintenance than electric dryers and have a longer lifespan.

1. Higher Upfront Cost: Gas dryers are more expensive upfront than electric dryers—but not by much. They’re usually about $100 more to purchase, plus the cost of professional installation, which starts at $150. Additionally, if you plan to use propane gas, then you may need to purchase a propane conversion kit. Most manufacturers include a conversion kit, but some don’t. Ask your friend Colder’s associate, and they’ll be able to help you out.
2. Safety Concerns: Gas leaks are serious business. At its least dangerous, it makes you sick, and at its worst, it could cause your house to go up in smoke. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional to install your new dryer and keep it properly maintained.
3. Limited Placement: Gas dryers require a gas line to operate, which means it’s harder to install them in a basement or closet.

Electric dryers use electricity to power a heating element that warms up the air inside the dryer drum. Electric dryers require a 240-volt electrical outlet and ventilation leading outside for operation.

1. Lower Upfront Cost: Electric dryers tend to be less expensive upfront than gas dryers because they don’t require costly add-ons or professional installation.
2. Safety: Electric dryers don’t leak gas that can make you nauseous and give you a headache, but they are still one of the leading causes of home fires. As with all dryers, it’s important to remember to clean out your dryer duct about once a year.

✅ Pro Tip: Using the rigid metal dryer duct provides for better airflow and easier cleaning.

3. Ease of Installation: Electric dryers are easier to install than gas dryers, and they can go anywhere you want to haul them that has electricity.

1. Higher Operating Costs: Electric dryers tend to be more expensive to operate over time than gas dryers.
2. Longer Drying Time: Electric dryers take longer to dry clothes than gas dryers. This is because they are unable to heat up the air inside the drum as quickly or to as high temperatures as gas dryers. That also means electric dryers tend to wear down clothes more than gas dryers.
3. Higher Maintenance: Electric dryers tend to require more maintenance than gas dryers. This is because they have more electrical components that can break or malfunction over time.

Electric Dryer vs Gas Dryer Operation Costs

While gas dryers may cost more to install, it’s less expensive to run a gas dryer that uses natural gas than an electric dryer.

There are a couple of reasons why a gas dryer is less expensive to operate. For one, gas dryers dry faster, which means the overall operation time is less. Less time operating means less energy spent, and therefore, less money spent.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average cost of electricity in the United States is about 13 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while the average cost of natural gas is about $1.10 per therm. One therm is equivalent to 100,000 BTUs, which is a common unit of energy used to measure the heat output of gas appliances like dryers.

Assuming an average load of laundry takes about 45 minutes to dry, we can estimate the energy usage and cost of running a gas dryer and an electric dryer with this information:

→ Gas dryer: A typical gas dryer uses about 20,000 BTUs per hour, or 333 BTUs per minute. Assuming a 45-minute cycle, this amounts to about 15,000 BTUs. At a cost of $1.10 per therm, this equates to a cost of 15 cents per cycle.

→ Electric dryer: A typical electric dryer uses about 5,000 watts per hour, or 83 watts per minute. Assuming a 45-minute cycle, this amounts to about 3,750 watts, or 3.75 kilowatt-hours (kWh). At a cost of 13 cents per kWh, this equates to a cost of 49 cents per cycle.

It’s clear that running an electric dryer is more expensive than running a gas dryer, but many shoppers wonder “what about propane?” In short, propane is still more cost effective than electric at a cost of 23 cents per cycle.

Of course, the actual cost of running a dryer will depend on the cost of energy in your area. Nonetheless, for most areas, a gas dryer is likely the more energy efficient dryer and cost-effective option over time.

Now that you have a good idea of the electric vs gas dryer debate, here are some top, energy efficient, front load models that our customers love.

Featured LG DLHC1455W review: “We have had this a month now. Really glad we made the purchase. It's not only nice to look at but works so efficiently. Super quiet. We don't even know it's on unless we walk up to it. It's difficult to find a quality set that will fit in our condo but this one fits perfectly.”

This massive Whirlpool dryer easily handles large bulky items like bedding and quilts with 7.4 cubic feet of drying capacity. And it’s okay to put that last load in at bedtime because this machine is quiet, not to mention intelligent with moisture sensing technology, an EcoBoost mode, Wrinkle Shield technology, and Wi-Fi compatibility. Simply put: If you have a gas connection in the laundry room and want to save on laundry costs, check this model out.

Featured Whirlpool WGD7120HW review: “I've only had this for about a month but so far it has beat all my expectations. It is so quiet that you barely hear it. The space inside is phenomenal, drying large blankets etc will no longer be a problem. As usual, whirlpool has put out another great product. My last one lasted about 12 years, yea Whirlpool.”

Featured Electrolux ELFG7637AT review: “I've had this dryer for several months and have been happy so far. It is part of our stackable washer/dryer set up in our new home. The machine is really big and fits lots of towels and blankets and has a large removable lint catcher which pulls up from the inside. I haven't used all the features/options yet but it's nice to have them.”

Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.

Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee.

Don’t put off happiness — and shop dryers online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn more about electric vs gas dryer models, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!

Learn More: How Much Does a Dryer Cost?

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