If you d like to know if your dryer has a gas or electric hookup there is one sure way to find out.
Gas vs electric dryer hookup.
Step 1 open the dryer s door.
Examine the back of the dryer and the cords or.
In addition to a 120 volt electrical outlet they need a separate gas hookup.
One of the easiest ways to determine whether you have a gas or electric dryer is to look at the plug and outlet.
Installation needs differ between gas and electric dryers.
Gas dryers use a gas burner fueled by either natural or propane gas to generate heat.
If you only have an electric hookup go with an electric dryer because adding a gas line is an added expense.
If gas prices are expensive and you do not have access to a gas hookup the electric dryer can be a cheaper option.
Step 2 pull the dryer far enough from the wall so you can slide behind it.
Gas vs electric dryer.
Natural gas and propane gas dryers use a gas burner to create heat but otherwise they operate the same as an electric dryer.
Gas dryers are more complicated and require additional space.
An electric dryer will have a grounded 240v electrical outlet that will look like the one pictured in the graphic above.
The first thing that could break with the gas dryer is the pilot light which is very costly to repair and will require a specialist when fixed.
Gas can be a cost effective more affordable fuel over the long run.
In addition all gas dryers require outside venting to disburse harmful fumes.
Is there a way to change a gas hook up in the house to an electric hook up for the dryer.
A gas dryer operates on a regular 120 volt circuit an electric dryer operates on 240 volts.
The plug will be larger than a standard plug and will include either three or four prongs.
If you don t have one you ll want to hire a professional gas fitter tech to ensure it meets all safety codes.
Gas dryers cost more upfront to buy and require a gas hookup as well as electrical power but they are usually more energy effic.
Benefits of a gas dryer.
Require a gas hookup.
Use the inside lip of the dryer as a handle then pull the dryer out and away from the wall.
Use a standard 110 115 volt outlet to power the drum fan lights and controls but employ natural gas or propane to generate heat.
Electric dryers are less expensive to buy than gas dryers but can be costly over time as they need a lot of electricity to run.
Gas dryers dry loads in about half the time of electric dryers and produce less static cling.
Learn more about the differences between gas dryers vs.