Gas Dryers

Generally, gas dryers run on natural gas and require a gas line to attach to the dryer. If your home has a gas line ready, you’ll need to call your plumber to set your dryer up. They will ensure your fittings are secure and you have no gas leaks after hookup. If you don’t have a gas line ready to hook up to your dryer, a plumber will need to run you a line, which will cost extra. Also, gas dryers should be maintained yearly to be sure the vents are clean, and the hookups are still tight. You should also install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to ensure you are alerted should you develop a leak in your gas line.

The pros for gas dryers are that they are quick to heat inside and can dry a load of clothes faster than electric dryers, so your clothes aren’t exposed to high heat for as long as in an electric dryer. They usually create less static cling, so your clothes will also be less wrinkled because the heat created dissipates faster when the cycle ends, which means there’s less time for wrinkles to set in. You should consider all of this when deciding on the best gas dryer for your home.

Electric Dryers

Electric dryers seem to be more prevalent in homes probably because they are so easy to install. If you have the right electrical supply and a dryer vent, it’s easy for most homeowners to hook it up themselves. You’ll also find a wider range of dryers available, so you’re almost certain to find the best electric dryer to fit your needs and your budget.

Cons for electric dryers are that they take longer to heat up and take longer to dry your clothes. Electric dryers are also notorious for creating more static electricity throughout the cycle, leaving your clothes quite staticky. And because the dryer heat takes longer to cool when it’s finished, you will end up with more wrinkles if you don’t promptly remove your clothes.

A Heat Pump Alternative

For efficiency and energy savings, a heat pump dryer is a great option—especially if you’re working toward having a Net Zero home. GE Profile offers its UltraFast Combo Washer/Dryer with Ventless Inverter Heat Pump technology that washes and dries a large load in about 2 hours. This is about how long it takes to wash and dry a load with a washer and a dryer, but here, you don’t have to transfer clothes from machine to machine. Its heat pump technology uses a patented fast airflow drying system that works by creating a wind tunnel of warm air to efficiently dry even large loads. That means clothes aren’t exposed to high heat, which is better for the fabric. And, since it’s one machine, it takes up less space in your laundry area.