Thinking of upgrading your laundry room?
If so, you have some big decisions to make…starting with whether you want gas or electric machines. When weighing the pros and cons of gas vs. electric washer and dryer units, there are definitely advantages and disadvantages for each type.
Let us guide you through the decision-making process so that you can create the very best laundry room for your home.
Is It Cost-Effective?
Buying a new laundry machines an exciting experience and can be a significant investment. One of the first questions you must ask yourself is whether the machines you’re considering are cost-effective for your specific home and budget.
As a general rule, electric washer and dryer units come with a lower price tag. Better yet, they are typically easier to install than gas machines (calling all DIY enthusiasts!) and are low-maintenance, which means budget-friendly repair costs if something goes wrong. You might be able to fix an electric machine yourself, and the overall safety risks of these machines are minimal too.
But here’s the catch – gas washer and dryer units tend to be more cost-effective and affordable in the long-run. This is because these laundry machines are fueled by natural or propane gas, which is generally less expensive than electricity with regular use. By “long-run,” we mean that you’ll likely offset the initial cost and start saving money in about five years with a gas unit. However, it’s generally recommended to have your gas laundry machine professionally installed unless you’re familiar with this sort of work. You also need to have an existing gas hookup in your laundry room or go through the time and expense of having one installed.
What’s the Drying Ability?
None of the “bells and whistles” of a modern laundry machine matter if your clothes don’t end up clean, dry and looking great at the end of the cycle.
Performance matters a lot when it comes to buying a new dryer, regardless if it’s fueled by gas or electric. But with today’s high-quality and modern machines created by the top industry brands, the answer to which type has better drying ability is a total toss-up.
Some electric dryers, such as the electric dryer from Samsung, are Energy Star-certified so you know they’re high-efficiency. Plus, this model has drying sensors to protect your clothing and a large-capacity drum to dry more clothes in a single load.
Meanwhile, some gas dryers, like the front-load gas dryer, have a quick-dry cycle for smaller loads when you’re in a hurry, a sanitize cycle to kill common household bacteria and are also Energy Star-certified. Both of these examples come with smart features to control your machine from a smartphone app and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The takeaway? Don’t base your gas vs electric washer and dryer decision on drying ability alone because this really varies more between individual products rather than more generally between gas vs. electric.
Does a Gas or Electric Dryer Work Faster?
Honestly, who has time to sit around and wait for clothes to dry in a slow, inefficient machine? Not us!
If speed is a top priority for you, then consider buying a gas dryer. In general, gas dryers heat up faster than electric ones because of how gas is combusted and instantly turns into heat, thereby reducing energy loss and boosting efficiency. Gas dryers get hotter in a shorter amount of time compared to electric ones, which means that the dryer cycles are shorter and your clothes will be ready to wear a little sooner.
Does it Need to Be Vented?
Something else to consider when choosing between an electric or gas washer and dryer is venting. Gas dryers always need to be vented, but only some electric dryers need venting. Older electric dryers need venting to prevent hot and damp air from blowing into your house. However, some modern electric dryers are built in a way that eliminates the need for this venting. A gas dryer that isn’t properly vented can actually be dangerous because it can allow carbon monoxide fumes to get into your house and put your health at risk.
Vented dryers typically come at a lower cost than ventless models, while also having larger capacity and drying clothes faster. But if you live in an apartment or condo without a good ventilation system, you might be better off with a compact dryer that’s perhaps a bit less efficient but is easy to install and may give you greater energy savings over time.
Are you feeling a little more confident about whether an electric or gas washer and dryer is right for you? We hope so, and we’re here to help you find your perfect laundry setup at The Brick!
