The way all dryers work is the same. The dryer draws air in, which is heated to help the items inside warm up and absorb moisture. The clothes are tumbled in an electrically driven drum while the moisture is gathered and blown out. The energy required to produce heat is what separates gas from electric dryers. Electric dryers utilise electricity; gas dryers use gas. So, what does it matter which one you choose?
Pros of Gas
Cheaper to Run: Gas Dryers have lower operating expenses because gas is almost always less expensive than electricity. Compared to electric dryers, operating expenses might be as much as 50% lower.
In addition, gas has a higher heating efficiency than electricity. Electric dryers must transform electrical energy into heat, resulting in some energy loss. In contrast, no energy is lost when a gas combusts inside a machine and quickly produces heat.
Depending on how your power is produced, gas dryers may not only be more energy efficient but also more environmentally beneficial. An electric dryer will undoubtedly be better for the environment if your electricity is generated by solar energy. Gas, however, is unquestionably superior if the source of your electricity is a fossil fuel power plant.
Faster Drying Times: Gas dryers heat up garments more quickly than electric dryers. In contrast to how quickly electric coils heat up, gas ignites instantly. Because electric parts don't run as hot as a gas burner, gas dryers are also able to provide more heat than electric dryers.
Drying times are shorter as a result. Any decrease in drying time allows you to run more loads in less time and ultimately save money. Also, since they spend less time spinning in the dryer, clothing and linen will endure less wear and tear.
Cons of Gas
Gas Connection: Although there is electricity at every location, not every wash facility has a gas hookup. Even if gas is accessible, it is unsafe to deal with it, so a qualified gas fitter or plumber must install gas dryers. A flawed installation could result in an explosion, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
More Expensive Initially: Due to the costlier components, gas dryers are more expensive to buy than electric ones.
Ventilation: The price of installing a vent is another aspect of the installation to take into account. Every gas dryer needs to be vented outside. In addition to allowing moisture to evaporate, this also avoids the accumulation of gas byproducts, which is more crucial.
You must therefore consider the additional costs associated with installation when considering whether to use a gas dryer. These expenditures can be high if you need to install a gas line and a vent.
Even if you already have a gas supply and a vent, you'll still need to set aside a little extra money for the additional expense of having the dryer(s) installed by a licensed plumber or gas fitter.
Pros of Electric
Initially Less Expensive to Purchase: Due to the significantly lower upfront cost of electric components compared to those needed for gas, electric dryers are less expensive to purchase.
Installation: You can perform installation on your own; it is simple. Just take it out of the box and plug it in. You don't require a skilled tradesperson or any privileged connections. They do need a 240V outlet, however in Australia, they are the norm.
The need for venting an electric dryer outside is also frequently unnecessary. Many electric dryers condense water vapour using cool air, which is subsequently collected in a collection tank or drainpipe.
Cons of Electric
More Costly to Operate: Given that energy is more expensive than gas and that electric dryers dry clothes more slowly than gas dryers, electric dryers are more expensive to operate in the long run.
Increased Drying Times: Drying periods are greater with electric dryers since they take longer to heat up and do not get as hot as gas dryers. In comparison to a gas dryer, an electric dryer can dry less loads in the same amount of time.
Other Dryer Considerations
If your dryer lacks sensor technology, drying periods will be significantly longer. While moisture sensors automatically switch the dryer off when the garments are dry, temperature sensors regulate the dryer's internal temperature.
These sensors conserve energy and prevent over-drying of your clothing, which lowers wear and tear. According to estimates, temperature sensors can save energy expenses by 10% and, when used with a moisture sensor control, by 15%.
Summary
Gas dryers cost significantly more up front in terms of purchase price and installation fees, but they can end up saving you money over time. The sooner you start to see the financial advantages of a gas dryer, the more the machine will be used.
However, you must determine how long it will take the dryer to pay for itself based on the amount of washing you already do, how much you anticipate doing in the future, and other factors. For instance, buying an electric dryer can be more cost-effective for you if you want to sell your company in three years.
Faster drying cycles, longer drying durations, and more energy efficiency, however, can help you save a lot of time and money over the long run if you intend to stay in business.
