- To operate, all dryers require a small electric motor. When turned on, the motor powers the drum, which then tumbles the clothing inside. All dryers also utilize an electric fan that blows the heated air into the drum, thus effectively drying the clothes. To run, a dryer needs a source of heat, either electric or gas, to dry the clothe, as tumbling alone does not suffice. (Reference 2)
- According to the California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center, both dryers use approximately the same amount of energy, regardless of what the heat source is, which is why dryers do not come Energy Star rated. Both dryers require a dedicated source; electric dryers require a dedicated 240-volt outlet and gas dryers require a dedicated gas line. Both dryers also come in a number of capacity sizes, colors and with various settings.
- The major difference between the two dryers is that electric dryers use heating coils to produce heat whereas propane gas dryers use gas and an ignition source to create heat. Electricity is readily available throughout most of the U.S. whereas gas lines may not be readily available in certain more rural areas. In these instances, propane tanks must be used. Most houses are already equipped to handle an electric dryer; for a propane gas dryer, a professional is required to install a gas line.
- An electric dryer tends to cost less upfront but may cost slightly more to run over its lifespan. Meanwhile, propane dryers cost more upfront, but when propane gas prices are low, they may cost less to operate during the dryers' lifespan. In fact, according to the Consumer Energy Center, the cost of electricity to dry a load of laundry costs around 30 to 40 cents whereas gas costs around 15 to 20 cents. However, this does not account for the fact that a gas dryer also requires electricity to operate.
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