Gas vs. electric dryer: pros, cons and cost.

Electric vs. gas dryer comparison chart.

Electric dryer overview.

Electric dryers require electricity to produce electric currents sent through a heating element. It turns the energy into heat and transfers it to the air. A fan then blows it through the dryer so that your load of laundry comes out dry and toasty.

Pros of electric clothes dryers:

• Electric dryers are more popular. When shopping for an electric dryer, you have many options — from brands to sizes, colors, and more.
• Electric dryers are cheaper upfront. They often cost less to buy compared to gas dryers.
• Electric dryers are usually easier to install. If you don’t have a gas line in your laundry space but already have a 240-volt electrical outlet, installing an electric dryer is easier.
• Electric dryers may be easier for you to maintain. Over time, you’ll need to unclog vents, change the belts or fix the thermostat. Nevertheless, these general repairs are typically easy to DIY or cheaper to have repaired by a pro.

Related: Dryer Repair 101: common problems, fixes and who to call.

Cons of electric clothes dryers:

• Electric dryers require a 240-volt outlet. They won’t work in your standard 110-120-volt household outlets. Unless you know how to do it, you’ll need a professional to set up the outlet.
• Electric dryers are more expensive to operate. Even if you could save money by buying a low-cost electric dryer, you’ll still need to factor in the costs of running the dryer. Electric dryers are typically less energy-efficient than their gas counterparts, but it depends on the cost of energy in your area.
• Electric dryers have safety risks. Prevent fires and electrical issues by ensuring the wires are properly hooked up and by cleaning the lint screen and ducts.

Related: How often should you clean your dryer vent?

Gas dryer overview.

While gas dryers need electricity to power certain parts of the machine, it requires natural gas or liquid propane to generate heat. It then forces the hot air into the dryer with the help of a fan or a blower.

Pros of gas clothes dryers:

• Gas dryers are more energy efficient. While they do need some electricity to run, they require less energy — only about one-third as much as similar electric models.
• Gas dryers cost less to operate in the long run. Because gas dryers are usually more energy efficient, you won’t have to spend so much on electricity and other costs, giving you bigger energy savings over time. But note: energy costs depend on where you live and the cost of gas in your area.
• Gas dryers use a standard outlet to power the machine. You can use a standard 110-120-volt outlet to power the drum, fan, lights, and controls instead of having to set up a 240-volt outlet.

Cons of gas clothes dryers:

• Gas dryers need a nearby gas hookup. A gas dryer needs a gas hookup and natural gas or propane for the heating element to run. If you don’t have this in your home or laundry area, you’ll need to have it installed by an appliance installation professional.
• Gas dryers are more expensive upfront than electrical clothes dryers. You also have to factor in the costs of installing a gas dryer.
• Gas dryers also have safety risks. For example, they're more prone to gas leaks and can produce carbon monoxide. If the natural gas accidentally leaks into your home, it may cause a risk of fire or poisoning. You'll also need to properly clean your dryer to avoid fire hazards.

How to choose the best dryer for your home.

If you aren't sure what kind of dryer to get, check these tips on choosing the best dryer for your home:

1. Find out what dryer you currently have.

For simplicity, you may want to buy a new electric dryer if you currently own an electric dryer. The same goes for gas dryers.

Not sure what kind of dryer you have? The easiest way to find out if you have an electric or gas dryer is to look behind it.

Your current dryer is likely electric if you see a heavy cord plugged into a regular outlet. If your dryer plugs into an outlet and connects to a gas valve, you probably have a gas dryer. For simplicity, you may want to stick with the same type of machine you previously had.

2. Check what kind of setup your laundry room has.

If you are moving to a new home and buying a new dryer, check where you will place the dryer (likely the laundry room or bathroom). If there is an existing 240-volt outlet, it might be better to get an electric model. If there is a normal plug and a gas hookup, it’s easier to go with a gas dryer.

3. Determine how long you will be staying where you are.

Where you live and how long you plan to stay there may affect your decision on what kind of dryer to get. Getting an electric dryer might be cheaper and more efficient if you plan to stay for less than five years.

However, if you plan to live in your home for a long time, buying a gas dryer could be more efficient and provide long-term savings.

Related: How long do dryers last? 5 signs it's time to install a new one.

4. Get a dryer that is Energy Star certified.

Some dryer products are recognized for being energy efficient. If you want your gas or electric dryer to be energy efficient, buy one that is Energy Star efficient.

You might always want to consider a heat pump dryer, which uses "almost 30% less energy than a conventional clothes dryer."

5. Check if your home has the proper vents.

Clothes dryers require exhaust vents that push moisture, heat, and lint out of your home. If you want a conventional dryer, but your home lacks the proper ventilation system, you'll need to factor in the cost to install it. However, there's another more efficient option: heat pump dryers.

Unlike a conventional dryer, a heat pump dryer doesn't release air through your home's exterior. According to Energy Star, "Rather than releasing moist air through a dryer vent to the exterior of the home as a conventional dryer does, a heat pump dryer passes humid air in the dryer drum through a condenser to remove the moisture without losing too much heat."

So, you can save money by getting a heat pump dryer instead of installing new vents for a conventional dryer.

Find a pro to help you repair or replace your dryer.

Whether you opt for a gas dryer or an electric one, you may need some help installing it in your home. If you’re going for an electric dryer but don’t have a 240-volt outlet in your laundry room, you’ll need to get a skilled electrician to install one. If you’re going for a gas model but don’t have a gas hookup yet, you’ll need to hire a professional to help you with that.

Download the Thumbtack app and find nearby appliance repair and installation services to help you with your project.

FAQs.

Can I switch from a gas to an electric dryer (and vice versa)?

You can switch from one dryer to another if you meet the requirements. In the case of an electric dryer, you need a 240-volt outlet. In the case of a gas dryer, you need a gas hookup. If you have both, you can easily alternate from one to the other.

But if you have only one (for example, a 240-volt outlet), you may find switching difficult because that would require hiring a skilled technician to install a gas line.

Is an electric dryer cheaper to run than a gas dryer?

The type of dryer that's cheaper to run depends on energy costs where you live. Generally, though, a gas dryer uses less energy than an electric dryer.

Why are electric dryers more popular than gas dryers?

More households own electric dryers than gas dryers because homes all have electricity. It’s also easier to install than gas dryers and various makes and models are available.

However, many communities now have electric and gas lines, giving you more options when you’re deciding what kind of dryer to get.

Does a gas dryer use a lot of electricity?

A gas dryer uses some electricity to power the motor within the appliance — the drum, fan, lights, and controls.