New dryer needed. Electric or propane is the question?

[atwmommy]

What would you get? With the newer energy star ratings, is still less to run?

 

[Jonathan Swift]

If your only criteria is efficiency, then you'll have to compare the energy factor of both dryers to see which is better. Technically, electrical powered dryers are more efficient, but there are some things to consider:

• Do you have a 220/240V line?
• The price of electricity.
• The price of propane.

There are some dryers that operate over 110/120V, but I don't know if they are less efficient to operate. With any appliance purchase, I would consult with the ratings in consumer reports. You want to take into account other factors, particularly reliability.

 

[ssawka]

What do you have now? Personally, I would stick with what you have so you don't have to spend too much on the install. Switching from one to the other will incur a higher installation cost since a new electrical line or gas line would need to be installed.

 

[taaren]

I had this quandary several months ago since I just moved and bought a bunch of appliances. It turned out gas vs electric in my area didn't make much of a difference (my home has the hookups for both). So I went with the cheaper dryer, which happened to be a factory refurb that matched the washer I wanted and it was a steal (thank you Sears Outlet!).

One thing that a lot of people say make a difference (and after 4 months, I believe it) is if you can afford it, get an HE washer. When your clothes come out they are just damp, the washer does such a good job of wringing out the water you don't need to stick them in the dryer for very long to get them dry ... usually its about half an hour, slightly longer for towels/blankets.

 

[set1208]

I'd go with electric since gas/propane dryers can leak causing exhaust into the home. Not always, but I was just talking to a gas company worker who deals with this a lot.

 

[Zeppelin]

i've had propane for ten years and its been fine...the good thing about propane is if the electric goes out for an extended time (and we've had that happen quite often recently with the hurricanes in the NY area) you can use it with a small home generator...electric dryers need a much bigger generator to run...

 

[pigletto]

We're pleased with our gas dryer and have had no problems in the 7 years we've had it. Our gas bill is very low, and our hydro bill is NOT. So I am definitely happy to not have one more thing running up our hydro.

 

[jperrot1]

Remember that it is how well your washer is at getting out water that is the main factor in how much it costs to wash and dry a load of clothing. In other words, look at the efficiency rating of your washer, and then get whatever dryer you want.

We like using natural gas for as many appliances as we can. If you use propane to heat your house, then I might be inclined to go with that. But, electric dryers are a little less expensive to buy and find deals on. I think I would go with whatever hookup you have.

 

[rdevine10]

We had a gas dryer for years and I loved it. But, I found that once we moved into our new home (with an electric dryer) it was actually much cheaper to run the electric dryer. (Propane was cheap years ago when we had gotten the gas dryer and increased in price).

Very happy with my electric dryer. I, as the others mentioned, am much more worried about the washer. We love our HE front loader!

 

[Mom2Stitch]

One pointer-ask the propane company you would be using or where you would be purchasing your appliance from about rebates-many times they are offered through a state agency. I work for a propane company-we offer free tankless water heaters with a contract for gas, you may be able to find a similar deal for your dryer in your area.