Gas and electric dryers dry clothes similarly, but their cost and installation requirements differ. The best choice is usually decided by the hookup your laundry room already has.
This applies to U.S. homes where a gas line, a 240-volt outlet, or both are possible.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you are replacing a dryer or planning laundry hookups and want to compare purchase price, running cost, and installation work.
Compare cost, speed, and hookups
- Upfront price: Electric dryers are usually cheaper than comparable gas models.
- Running cost: Gas is often cheaper per load where natural gas rates are favorable.
- Drying speed: Gas may heat slightly faster, but total dry time is usually close enough that it should not decide the purchase alone.
- Electric hookup: Electric dryers need a dedicated 240-volt outlet, not a normal household outlet.
- Gas hookup: Gas dryers need a gas line plus a standard 120-volt outlet for controls, motor, and igniter.
- Venting: Both gas and electric vented dryers need a proper exterior vent.
Decide based on your home
- Choose gas if the laundry area already has a safe gas line and 120V outlet, and gas rates are lower.
- Choose electric if you already have a 240V dryer outlet and no gas hookup.
- For a new laundry area, compare the cost of adding a gas line with adding a 240V circuit.
- Renters and frequent movers often find electric dryers easier to match to future homes.
- If you already pay for natural gas service for heat or hot water, a gas dryer can be more cost-competitive.
Installation safety
- Never connect or modify a gas line yourself.
- A gas dryer must be properly vented outdoors because combustion byproducts include carbon monoxide.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Delivery services may connect to existing hookups but usually will not run new gas piping or electrical circuits.
- Use rigid or semi-rigid metal exhaust ducting; avoid flexible plastic or flimsy foil duct.
Switching dryer types can require both a licensed gas installer and an electrician. Get the full cost, including permits and hookup work, before assuming lower operating cost will pay back quickly.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Energy – Clothes Dryers (2025)
- Consumer Reports – Gas vs Electric Dryers (2025)
- American Gas Association – Home Appliance Installation Safety (2024)
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