Most every dryer will come either as a gas or electric version.
Do most homes have gas or electric dryers.
However over the last five years gas prices have declined and will continue to do so and electric has crept up slowly and probably will forever.
Electric dryers require a high voltage 240 volt outlet.
Measuring the power usage of.
According to the consumer energy center the clothes dryer whichever type you have is the second most energy hungry appliance in the house only the refrigerator uses more power.
This is a dedicated circuit that runs from your electrical panel to your laundry room.
So the outlet should look pretty typical and there will be a capped off gas line in.
How to check for if i have an electric dryer.
They re easier to install than gas dryers and can be installed by a homeowner.
Most electric dryers come in a wide range of models and have a lower upfront cost.
Most homes already have appropriate wiring in place.
Limitations of electric dryers.
The most recent survey data show that homes using natural gas as their main space heating fuel are more likely to also use natural gas for other purposes.
Gas dryers cost more than electric dryers.
Gas dryers run on electricity to do things like power the lights and turn the drum but they heat with gas.
Nationally only 20 of clothes dryers use natural gas but in homes with natural gas as their main space heating fuel that percentage increases to 34.
More expensive upkeep though it depends on the usage energy costs in your area electric dryers are typically a little more expensive to operate than gas dryers.
Dryers are measured by a standard called the energy factor which measures pounds of clothes per kilowatt hour of electricity this standard is also used in a similar application.
They are relatively low maintenance and have budget friendly repair costs.
240 v outlet required most electric dryers require a 240 v outlet which most laundry rooms will have if yours doesn t however you ll need to use a converter or hire an electrician.
Requires a gas line in order to have a gas dryer you must have a gas line running to your home.
Even if you have one the line may not run to the laundry room.
That s because the components for gas dryers are more expensive than those that electric dryers.
Upfront cost gas dryers are more expensive to purchase than electric dryers.
Almost all houses here have electric dryers and every single rental house apartment condo is only electric even those with gas fireplaces water heaters and ranges.
Some homes may have a gas cooking stove and gas hot water heater but the previous homeowner never switched the dryer from electric to gas.
