Converting to gas dryer

[fenneran]

Our electric dryer caught fire this weekend /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif (othing major..luckily we were nearby at the time) and are now in the market for a new one. I have heard that a gas dryer is better all around (quicker drying, more efficient, cheaper to operate, etc). So, for the vast expanse of TBN knowledge, I have the following questions:
1. Are my assumptions correct in a gas dryer being better? (this would be propane, not NG)
2. Our current W/D setup is in the kitchen and the lint/dust vent goes into the basement. I'm assuming I need a vent for the combustion event as well. Can I run this pipe through the floor and then out the basement wall? Or would this be too much "down" before venting?
3. Can a new electric dryer be just as efficient as a gas one?
4 Are there any other factors to consider?

Thanks in advance

-Frank

 

[JATO_RaT]

Our next dryer will be gas (LPG). Folks who converted from eletric to gas for the most part really are happy with them. The things often mentioned are, gas dryers dry faster, leave the clothes a little more "hung on the clothesline" like feel/smell and noticed a sizeable decrease in the electric bill and little increase in the gas bill. I don't know about the clothesline smell/feel, but the other two sound feasible. Rat...

 

[gerard]

There is no separate vent for combustion gases, they just exit with the exhaust air. Also most come equipped for natural gas, you need to change the orifice size for propane or tell them to equip for propane when you buy. Not sure if venting into your basement would be a problem. They don't run that much, probably not any more than a gas stove and they don't get vented to the outside........I vent to the outside because it just introduces too much humidity, more than I need, even in winter.......

 

[Rubintropfen]

Well, the difference is just in how you make heat. You will need about the same heat output to dry the clothes, regardless of whether it is gas or electric.

I've read that one gallon of propane has the same energy content as 26.9 KWH of electricity. So, what do you expect to pay for propane? What do you expect to pay for electricity? Do the math.

Another issue might be that most of the new dryers can sense the moisture level and stop the dryer when the clothes are dry (i.e. not after a time set by the owner). I'll bet the units with the best control and feedback systems are sometimes considerably more efficient.

My natural gas dryer exhausts (nearly all) of the combustion gases through the clothes drum and out the vent to the outside.

 

[fenneran]

Thanks to all. I stopped by Lowe's tonight and found one of their clearance models and the last one they had, so got a pretty decent deal on it. Now to hook it all up so momma is happy (and I can stop going to the laudromat!)

-Frank

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Gas driers live 3 times longer than electric driers. Venting the drier properly will require a clean vent pipe, and it should be maintained yearly (lint removal).
When it is installed, the installer should run a draft test to be sure products of combustion are leaving the house.
Plastic vent hoses are not recommended on gas driers.
Many propane vendors also sell equipment, and are well versed on the proper installation. Most appliance dealers aren't conversant with propane and properly setting up appliances to run on propane.

 

[thcri]

Well being somewhat in the business I would have to disagree on the gas dryer lasting longer than the electric. Electric you have an electric element, you have a motor/blower and some kind of fancy device to select heat and run time. Gas, well you got glow plugs, gas valves, gas regulators, loc-out devices, proving sensors, motor/blower and this fancy device to control temperature and run time.

The gas can nickel and dime you to death. Operation, gas is definately cheaper to run, especially natural. Gas is quicker if vented properly. But you have so many more items in a gas that usually over a ten year period the operation/maintenance repairs added all up end up being about the same for both.

I just built a new house, got natural gas but I still went electric.


Murph

 

[Anonymous Poster]

And electric heating elements never burn up, and overtemp klixons never fail, and the off shore built thermostats and clocks have sufficient contact area. Yup, electric is better, for guys in the business.

 

[JATO_RaT]

A couple of years ago, I took my moms old gas dryer to the dump. It still worked beautifully, but one of my sisters gave her a brand new electric dryer that just looked nicer with more buttons and fancy looks. The electric dryer worked fine, but the old gas one did too. Oh yeah, the gas dryer was purchased in 1954 and did require one repair. The fan bushings never received a drop of oil in their life and eventually developed/wore enough play to make a noise. To my surprise, they still sold the fan and bushings. I replaced the fan (not motor) and it was a thing of beauty to see it back to new. I miss that dryer. As a child I would peep through the little "spy hole" near the base to see the flame. Rat...

 

[Wingnut]

we have a gas (propane) dryer ... paid top dollar (stacked set w/ front load washer & dryer). Now about 5 years old.
Always had electric before.
Based on this, I'd have to say ... I'll switch back to electric when this sucker goes bye-bye. I have to assume that my spouse knows how to wash as well as I do ... after all, she reaised 3 boys ... and I know that using the electric dryers, I NEVER had clothes shrink on me. I mean shrink as in the sleeves and legs are shorter, not as in my belt is too tight. I can't count the number of shirts I have now that have sleeves too short ... that I KNOW fit just fine when I bought them.
Bottom line ...bought gas 'cause the wife assured me (she'd always had gas) it was better than high-priced electricity. After 5 years of high propane prices and reasonable power costs (and ruined clothes) ... I disagree.

pete