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Gas or Electric Dryer

MrPoopyButthole

MrPoopyButthole

#Billsnamechangessuck
We are remodeling the utility room and we are looking at new washer and dryers. What ever dryer we pick, electric or gas, both will require either moving the electrical line or adding the gas line (it is piped into my house, have to get it to the new spot)

I'm getting that gas dryers will prove to save more in the future, but a very very very distant future.

So what should I do? I plan to be in the house for around 10 years, do people prefer to see gas dryers or electric.

I live in a wonderful state of NY with deregulated energy so I get to pay delivery charges on Natural Gas (so the more I use the more that delivery does go up) and I have to pay for usage too.

Right now 900kwh is about $100/month and 75 thermal units is about $100 (maybe a little less on both).

Also, I can move the 240volt line, my dad seems to think I should pay to have the gas line installed only because if there is an issue and I have to involve home owner's insurance, I could not get any coverage. Although I have done some small gas line installs in the past, I feel I could handle this no problem.
 


Used to be that gas dryer was always the "hands down" winner. Since the advent of the HE washer, doesn't matter as much. Gas is still king, but you can offset the higher energy cost of an electric dryer by spending a little more on the washer. THAT's what matters. Look for the highest RPM washer. Spins more of the water out.... Dryer doesn't have to work hard.

Bottom line; Go with whatever easiest for the dryer. The washer is the key. JM2C
 
Even HE washers aren't super necessary. Had one for a few years and it did its job, but it also failed after only 3 years and the parts to replace it were more than a replacement washer. Replaced it with a non HE washer and it spins out just as well as the HE and haven't seen any kind on increase in water or electric bills.
 
ive always had gas dryers, one girl i dated had an electric one that sucked a dick, but that was years ago. new stuff im sure is better.

if you have a gas line near by its not a big deal to move it. just make sure you add a on/off valve at the start. use that dope paste on the threads.
 
Buy the dryer that you get the best deal on then install the gas or electrical yourself.
I am more comfortable with gas lines but the electric would be equally easy.
 


Scottydoggs said:
ive always had gas dryers, one girl i dated had an electric one, she sucked a dick, but that was years ago. new stuff im sure is better.

if you have a gas line near by its not a big deal to move it. just make sure you add a on/off valve at the start. use that dope paste on the threads.
Click to expand...

Are you considering doing solar at some point? If so.. you see my point. Beyond that, as we become less dependent on oil/gas the price will go down unless supply is seriously restricted.
 
I've had both gas and electric, and I liked the gas a bit more cause it was a bit quicker. However, right now we have electric due to having municipal electric.

One thing I will mention, is be careful with the front load washers. They use less water, but because they have to be water tight at the door, they are also air tight and have issues developing mold on the door seal, and also smelling. Google "Front Load Washer Smell" to get an idea. It can be combated by not closing the door after, or by cleaning it often. I found it a pain on mine, which we decided to sell when we moved into the current house (since the electric). Also, unless you get the pedestals to put them on, you'll be bending over a lot to get the clothes in and out of. The pedestals make them MUCH nicer to use, and give you a place to store stuff. I waited to get mine and ended up finding them on clearance at the box store for $50 instead of $200.

We now have a top load HE washer and it works great. I would recommend looking at one of those if it is an option. Also, one thing my current one does not have, that I wish it did: Delay start. Really nice when you put a load in before bed, and don't want it sitting damp all night.
 
I've decided to go electric. Did tons of research.

Even if I do the gas line myself, I'm in it for $45 (corrugated line) + $15 (two fittings) + $6 (elbows) + $20 (In wall shutoff) + $10 (shutoff at T's where gas comes in) + $5 (pipe dope) + $100 (more for gas dryer) = $201 I would have to recoup. The 220/240 line is long enough to reach its new destination with ease and I could reuse everything.

Even if I invest in the regular front loaders (not the highest rpm), they do loads in 45 minutes and it is said they all do spin the clothes so dry that a dryer is only needed for around 30-40 minutes. I will obviously reduce my kwh with a new dryer considering the current one is over 10 years old. If I went increase my gas usage which I figure to be around 8-10 thermal units in a month. The recoup factor would take roughly around 5+ years and maybe more. I talked to my real estate agent and asked him what do people prefer to see and he said electric since most people think it is more maintenance. I plan to sell the house in probably 10 years and move to bigger and better things eventually.

We are doing front loaders so we can stack them and open up the little room we have in that downstairs bathroom. I'll be posting before and after pictures when things get finished around the house.

We will probably end up with an electric induction range since it might be easier as well and cheaper.

Next step: replace hot water heater and attach the external geothermal heat pump for hot water.
 
Sounds well thought out. Can't really stack a top load. Keep an eye on the rubber seal of the washer. If you use the soap in the little pouches, you'll probably need to clean it more. I believe the outer parts builds up in it. If it starts to turn black, it can be cleaned, but may stay discolored after. It's not hard to keep on it, but since i got surprised by it, I figured I'd share my experience.
 
Dave.. I found the brackets for stacking to be super cheap on line vs in store. Also.. If you need them snugged closer to the wall, don't buy the side exit kit. It's a quick measure and cut of the existing pipe with one added heavy duty elbow from HD. I have the hole saw if you need it.
 


Thanks bill, I should be good, I already have a front loader in the place where the new stuff will go (This front loader can't be stacked because of where the control board is).
 
Sucks to hear that. Although.. might be worthwhile to double check that. The dryer sometimes sits pretty far back to stack those.
 
I got some work to do in this room but it should be awesome once done. I'm adding more storage in the room, it was going to be a shower stall...but plumbing was turning into a nightmare.
 
Time to get a new combo instead of just a dryer. I know it's a lot of extra money, trust me when I say.. it's well worth it.
 


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