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How do I know if my dryer is gas or electric? Well, this is article is all about how to tell if dryer is gas or electric
Wait: is your dryer gas or electric?
Well, if you are unsure, then you are in the right place.
In this article, I will help you know how to tell if the dryer is gas or electric(perhaps you’re looking to replace your old dryer and you’re not quite sure if it is gas or electric).
How do I know if my dryer is gas or electric [How to tell if dryer is gas or electric]
Well, you can easily tell the difference by simply looking at the connections.
So here is how to check: Other than an electrical cord, is there a pipe connected at the back of the dryer?
Now, if it is just an electric cord, then, yours is an electric dryer.
On the other hand, a dryer with an electric cord and a pipe at the back is typically a gas dryer-There will be a flexible gas line (behind the dryer) attached to a pipe(black) at the wall then to the rear of your dryer..
Here you might have to pull the dryer out -from the wall- a little….
So in short, if no gas line, the odds are yours is electric.
Another way to know what type of dryer you have is to look at the size of the cord.
You see, electric dryers have thick power cords and fat plug heads whereas gas dryers have cords whose thickness and plug heads are similar to those of normal,small kitchen appliances.
Now, the difference in their cord size is because the two consume different amounts of power(electric dryers need higher voltage since it’s using electricity to heat and power all the important components).
To be clear, electric dryers’ cords are designed to carry 240V of AC(Their power cord has a fat plug on it) while gas dryers will only require 110V (The power cord come with a standard-sized plug on it).….
Keep in mind that electric dryers’ larger-than-standard plugs will include either 3- or 4-prongs (it goes into a grounded 240-v electrical outlet)while gas dryers plugs into a regular 110v 3-prong outlet.
There’s still another simple step that could help you tell the kind of dryer you have: by checking your unit’s model number.
All you need is to find a plate (a tag) that is placed around or inside the door (just inside the dryer door) or somewhere on the back then check it.
You then Google that specific model number on the web(you can type the brand name and model no. )
Let us move on to something else: both dryers have their own pros and cons.
With that in mind, below are some of the most important pros and cons of both gas and electric dryers.
Gas vs electric dryers pros and cons
Electric dryer pros
- Cheaper to purchase.
- Many models to choose from.
- Easier installation compared to gas dryers.
Electric dryer cons
- Requires special power outlet – 240v AC.
Gas dryer pros
- Uses standard power outlets – 110v AC.
- Faster drying times.
- More energy efficient compared to electric dryers.
Gas dryer cons
- Requires a gas hookup.
Now that we have looked at some of their basic pros and cons, let us dive in a bit more to determine which is the better dryer type – gas or electric.
Is gas or electric better for a dryer
Now that you know the primary differences between these two dryer types, you might feel unsure about which dryer type to purchase.
So, is one better than the other?
To better answer this, let us compare them from a couple of different perspectives.
Gas vs electric dryer buying price
Winner: Electric Dryer.
Generally, gas dryers will cost more than their comparable electric dryer models (The price difference starts from $50 and can go up to $200)
That is likely because gas dryer components are more expensive to manufacture than electric dryers.
Note: The high buying cost of gas dryers is offset by the fact they are more energy efficient – they accrue reduced utility bills over time as you will read next…
Which dryer is more energy efficient: gas dryer or electric
Winner: Gas Dryer
In general, gas dryers are more energy efficient than their electric counterparts- gas dryers tend to heat up faster so they reach optimal drying temperature quicker.
In contrast, electric dryers are notorious for slower heating hence they take longer to achieve the desired temps.
For that reason, gas dryers are more energy efficient and will cost less to operate in the long run.
Nonetheless, the cost of gas and electricity in your area may change this though in most states, gas is usually cheaper than electricity.
Which dryer is easier to install – gas or electric
Winner: Electric Dryer
Electric dryers are pretty easy to install.
In fact, all you need to do is simply plug in their cords to the power outlet and you are good to go.
As for the gas dryers, installing them is not that easy.
Indeed, some cities require that natural gas appliances should be connected only by licensed technicians.
Besides, even in areas where installation by non-professionals is allowed, you will need to read up on the local codes to make sure that you are using the recommended sealants.
Which dryer type lasts longer – electric or gas
Verdict: Tie
On average, gas dryers last for around 13 years which is not significantly different from electric dryers (electric dryers last for 14 years, on average).
The good news is that both types can even last for more than 20 years if you take good care of the appliance(It all comes down to how well you maintain your dryer).
How do I know if my dryer is gas or electric – Recap
Here is how to check: Other than an electrical cord, is there a pipe connected at the back of the dryer?
Now, if it is just an electric cord, yours is likely an electric dryer- but if it has an electric cord and a pipe at the back, it is typically a gas dryer.
You can alternatively look at the size of the cord- electric dryers have thick power cords and fat plug heads whereas gas dryers have normally-sized power cords and plug heads.
Finally, you can find a plate (a tag) that is placed around or inside the door (just inside the dryer door) or somewhere on the back then check what is written there.
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