Gas dryers are sometimes the forgotten child in the dryer family, but they offer a number of benefits that could suit some homes. They’re the simple appliance that gets your clothes dry much faster than other types of dryers, but how do you know if it’s the perfect fit for your laundry? Read on to find out more about gas dryers and why they could be an ideal choice for your home.
What is a gas dryer?
A gas dryer burns gas to produce heat and electricity to make the fan, lights, drum and controls work. It will plug into an outlet but will also connect to a gas valve, meaning you need a gas connection to natural gas or LPG in your laundry. Because this type of dryer runs on gas, it doesn’t rely on electricity to do the heavy lifting to help the machine function, making them one of the more efficient choices for dryers.
How does a gas dryer work?
Gas heaters use a flame – created from burning gas – to heat the air that is then pushed through the clothes using a fan. As the clothes then tumble around in the dryer the water evaporates and is expelled through the dryer’s exhaust.
Are gas dryers energy efficient?
Gas dryers aren’t one of the most energy-efficient types of dryers, but given they run on gas and not electricity for their heat source means they can reduce your energy bill to a degree. A dryer’s energy efficiency will depend on its star rating, so checking to see where a gas dryer sits can help determine your potential savings.
Are gas dryers better than electric?
Gas and electric dryers both have their fair share of pros and cons. While gas dryers may have cheaper running costs, they will leave you more out of pocket when you first buy them. Electric dryers on the other hand are cheaper to buy upfront but aren’t always the most energy-efficient choice if you want to cut down your electricity bill.
Another consideration is drying time. Gas dryers heat up faster than electric ones and can dry clothes faster, however, electric models require less installation than a gas dryer. With all this in mind, choosing which type of dryer is best for you comes down to personal preference and which areas of positives are more convenient for you.
How much do gas clothes dryers cost?
Gas dryers will generally set you back from $1,000 to $4,000 for stand-alone appliances. They come in sizes up to 9kg and can be bulkier appliances to fit into a space. Some brands sell washer-dryer combos that can help save space and can cost up to $9,000 for a washer and dryer.
Who sells gas clothes dryers?
Two popular brands that sell gas dryers are Rinnai and Speed Queen. Rinnai in particular is known for its gas appliances including gas heaters.
Rinnai Gas Clothes Dryers
Rinnai has one model of gas dryer that offers the option to connect to both natural and LPG gas. Retailing for around $2,000, it boasts a number of features including automatic shut off when the drying cycle is finished, time remaining indicator and is said to leave clothes softer after drying than a vented dryer. With four programs and a 9kg capacity, it’s an ideal entry-level gas dryer.
Speed Queen Gas Clothes Dryers
Speed Queen offers a broader range of gas dryers in both natural and LPG connections. Retailing from $2,500 to $4,000 you can select from a range of 9kg gas dryers. Many of the models in the range offer up to eight different cycles as well as additional settings including EcoDry and anti-wrinkle for a perfect dry. These dryers are said to dry complete loads of laundry in 60 minutes which is convenient for those short on time or in a rush.
Features to consider when buying a gas dryer
When looking at buying a gas dryer, there are plenty of features and benefits that can influence your decisions. When shopping around keep in mind these points:
- Dryer cycles: Consider what types and how many dryer cycles you may need for your clothes. Gas dryers tend to offer the basics and possibly one or two additional cycles.
- Star rating: Like with any appliance, checking the star energy rating will help determine if an appliance will hike up your energy bill or help cut it down.
- Capacity: If you live in a household with multiple people, opting for a larger capacity dryer may be ideal. Whereas if it’s just yourself, a smaller capacity dryer could be a better fit.
- Space: Due to gas dryers needing a gas connection and good ventilation, you will need adequate space and ventilation in your laundry to install one.
Should I buy a gas clothes dryer?
Whether or not you should buy a gas clothes dryer will come down to personal preference. If you’re someone who enjoys the basics and has an existing gas connection, installing a gas dryer would be easy. However, if your budget is on the slimmer side, forking out upwards of a couple of thousand dollars may not be ideal. To see which dryer may be the best for you, start by comparing dryers via the link below.
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