Thread Number: 54711
Which is more cost effective to dry clothes, Electric or Natural Gas?
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Post# 771068   7/15/2014 at 14:13 (3,544 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN)        

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Typically speaking, which energy source costs less per load to dry laundry, electric heat or natural gas?

Is there a website that will calculate cost per hour, if you input your kW hour price for electricity and cost per 100 cubic foot natural gas?






Post# 771070 , Reply# 1   7/15/2014 at 14:18 (3,544 days old) by eronie (Flushing Michigan)        
dryer

I prefer gas it's cheaper and way faster too.

Post# 771071 , Reply# 2   7/15/2014 at 14:22 (3,544 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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GAS is usually the inexpensive choice to run......but it can vary by areas.....sometimes electric can be cheaper.....

GAS dryer pricing for the unit itself can add roughly 50.00 to the price over Electric

your mileage may vary....


Post# 771072 , Reply# 3   7/15/2014 at 14:23 (3,544 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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It really depends on what the costs of gas and electricity are in your area.  In my province (Quebec) electricity is still quite reasonably-priced;  it's very unusual to see a gas dryer for home use in the cities and suburbs around here.  However, a good number of laundries use gas dryers (the speed would probably trump operating cost there).  

 


Post# 771085 , Reply# 4   7/15/2014 at 15:08 (3,544 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
Growing up in Northern Ill.

The gas company always advertised that "Gas did the BIG jobs better. For Less!" Whether it was heating, cooking or drying. Natural Gas costs have risen considerable since then but so has electricity. The gap has gotten closer but I think on most areas gas drying is more efficient, economically speaking.

But I found the MOST economically effective way to dry when I went back to hanging out to dry last year. I bought a really good umbrella line dryer from Amazon. I didn't even put it in the ground. I use a heavy base patio umbrella stand right on my patio. You have to be careful what you buy though. My 1st line dryer was from Home Depot and it collapsed about the 4th time I used it. It was mangled and had to be trashed. Remember, I use a wringer washer so that's some heavy wet stuff when it's first hung out.

Larry


Post# 771102 , Reply# 5   7/15/2014 at 15:34 (3,544 days old) by twintubdexter (Palm Springs)        

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I'd be a nervous old man if I had to do laundry with an electric dryer while two central air conditioners are humming in the background. I rebuilt many a vintage dryer as a young person and always tested them with wet clothes...because it was fun. The gas dryers always seemed faster, of course using clothes from a Frigidaire Unimatic or Rapidry 1000 was not the same as a load from a Kenmore. The fastest were the Norge gas dryers. My mom had one. I think that huge fan and the way they sort of "injected" warm air into the clothes were the reasons. Although I can't speak for all the vintage brands, Frigidaire Filtrators were among the worst. Very little air flow and high heat that turned your white sheets pastel yellow. I'm sure many members have these dryers and love them. Of course, a Norge with it's reverse air flow ended up filling your laundry area with leaking lint and moisture as the dryer's seals aged. All the wall paper in my mom's laundry room peeled off along with the paint.

I'm lucky that my house has both gas and electric for the dryer. Oddly enough there's 220 under the gas cooktop and gas under the electric wall oven.


Post# 771103 , Reply# 6   7/15/2014 at 15:35 (3,544 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

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I think it would mostly depend on how much wash you have to dry. A few loads a week would not matter on either gas or electric. I prefer the clothesline outside too. But I have a friend that owns a chain of laundromats. All their dryers are propane or natural gas where available. They also loop the incoming water to the oil fired water heater over the tops of the dryers. He says his electric bill for the stores are all higher than the gas bills.

Post# 771109 , Reply# 7   7/15/2014 at 15:52 (3,544 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        

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I remember when my mom converted from gas to electric drying, she said, "I like the electric dryer because I don't worry about the pilot light." We had to re-light it when it got windy outside. But she too said that the clothes dried faster in the gas dryer. This is a question, electric or gas, that can't exclude (as everyone points out)prices for natural gas. However, if you are able and willing to hang outside, it wouldn't matter if it was gas...as you're not using anything during the months when you hang out laundry.

Post# 771124 , Reply# 8   7/15/2014 at 16:50 (3,544 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

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Here in Southern California, while there are "all electric homes" in some areas, natural gas is the predominant "fuel of choice" for heating water, heating the home, heating the pool, cooking, drying clothes, etc.    

              

After being limited to a 220V dryer for about 12-14 years, I now have both gas and 220V dryers and much prefer gas because it will dry in less time and at a lower cost vs. electric.

 

Kevin


Post# 771125 , Reply# 9   7/15/2014 at 16:56 (3,544 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
GAS!

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Is much faster and cheaper. I can't wait until I have a gas line in the laundry room.
WK78


Post# 771149 , Reply# 10   7/15/2014 at 18:49 (3,544 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
I Will Wager That A Natural Gas Dryer anywhere In N-America

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Will always be always be cheaper to run compared to the same dryer in standard electric vented format.

When comparing a Gas Dryer to an electric dryer this is the only comparison where both appliances are virtually 100% efficient, so you are enjoying the full cost difference between the heat value you get from gas or electric. This is never the case when comparing a gas water heater [ 70% efficient ] a gas furnace [ 80-94% efficient ] And a gas range is well less that 50% efficient in its use of fuel. There are many parts of NA where it is much cheaper to cook with electricity.

The other important comparison is the damage you do to the environment from using a dryer, unless 100% of the electricity you are using at your home is generated by methods that produce no carbon dioxide or other pollution a NGD will always be better for the environment because the heat is produced inside the machine so the amount of gas burned is just 1/3 of what typically would have be burned at a big power plant to produce enough electricity to run an electric dryer.


All that said there is very little difference in the operation of modern gas and electric dryers. There is little speed difference, reliability is about the same overall, Both are very safe if properly installed and maintained [ although I think we see fewer fires in gas dryers ]. gas dryers may be slightly harder on some types of clothing, but I have never seen any proof of this. Electric dryers with their very dry heat could be harder on cotton clothing if you even slightly over-dry items.

John L.


Post# 771155 , Reply# 11   7/15/2014 at 19:14 (3,544 days old) by washer111 ()        

I'm not really sure here - it really depends on what your utility charges. 

 

IN Australia - either is pretty cost preventative. Most people hang on lines, because it is FAR cheaper (and they avoid laundry in wet weather). 

 

Electric resistance heaters operate at 100% efficiency. Gas is somewhere reasonably close. 

No dryer will be 100% efficient, due to losses of heat.

A gas dryer may run hotter, producing faster results, and more wear on the clothing. 

 

In terms of cooking, Electric is always better since you don't have an open flame heating up an entire house. Good in the Winter, maybe, but in the Summer it wastes electricity for cooling (and as John said this is bad for the environment, since most electricity is generated from Coal). 

I prefer Induction cooktops - which actually use magnetism to vibrate the electrons in your metal cookware. This is FAR more efficient than any stovetop (Around 84% efficiency), and produces no residual heat. Its also quiet, and non-polluting (Very important in the 21st Century with well-sealed homes, where a Gas appliance could make you very sick). 


Post# 771168 , Reply# 12   7/15/2014 at 20:07 (3,544 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
For What It Is Worth

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Commercial laundries round the world usually prefer other sources of heat (steam, gas, propane) over electric.

That being said when it comes to domestic use in the United States much depends upon local rates. Here in NYC believe natural gas dryers out sell electric, which makes sense when you consider the high cost of electricity. Persons we know with electric dryers are mainly in high rise buildings that do not have gas lines for laundry purposes. If you live in a rental there probably isn't much that can be done about that situation. However in a co-op or condo building suppose with the proper permissions long as there is a gas line (cooking) going into the apartment it might be possible to do something for a dryer.

IIRC from this group and readings elsewhere depending upon geographic location when utilities were rolled out the dominant and or sole player in the market had a major influence. That is if you lived where the Tennessee Valley Authority was rolling out *cheap* electric then it is likely most if not all appliances in a home would run on that type of power.

Know persons what would love to have a gas dryers and or even ranges but their area/street does not have service. Local gas company costs simply make it too expensive to run a new main not only to the street but to just one home, so they are stuck. If you can convince several neighbors to sign up for service then things re different. However if you live in a remote area where it is just your home for miles around, then you may never be able to get a gas company to give you service.


Post# 771177 , Reply# 13   7/15/2014 at 20:41 (3,544 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Natural Gas Dryer here,  we were trapped with 100% electric in NOLA.  Gas dryers  IMHO,  do not dry quicker. The time savings comes from the rapid ramp up to "drying temp" much faster than electric especially with a large load of towels.  Natural gas is the main word here. If you are in a rural area with propane, go with the electric. Propane prices have really increased over the last few years. 

ALR


Post# 771209 , Reply# 14   7/15/2014 at 23:14 (3,544 days old) by A440 ()        

I have always preferred Natural Gas Dryers.
For a couple of reasons actually.
From the vintage gas dryers to the modern, I love the design and engineering of a gas product. It is like taming the beast to me. I love to study the design and see it work in action. Not only gas dryers, but any type of gas product.
As for actual drying of items, I find gas dryers much softer. Softer in the sense of moisture left behind in the clothes. I find electric dryer items to be stiff and in the winter crunchy with static.
B


Post# 771220 , Reply# 15   7/15/2014 at 23:48 (3,544 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

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I'd be hard pressed to say that gas driers don't finish a cycle faster then electric. It seems to be a significant difference in my experience.

When we moved to Minnesota we came from an all electric home in Ohio, bring along with us a ~1970 Kenmore electric dryer. We used that for about 3 years before on a visit here, John swapped all the parts effectively making our dryer a gas model. This is about the best apples and apples comparison that you can get since it was the same drier, same blower and same ducting etc. I can't imagine going back to an electric.

About the only advantage electric has is that the dew point of the heated air is slightly lower since there is no moisture by products from combustion. But it doesn't seem to make up for the increased heat of the gas burner in ultimate drying speed.

In the coldest depths of a MN winter I wonder if electric might not become more cost effective provided the drier vents indoors. Pulling all that cold make up air inside only to have to reheat it may nullify the lower cost per BTU of the gas energy.


Post# 771227 , Reply# 16   7/16/2014 at 00:07 (3,544 days old) by Supersuds (Knoxville, Tenn.)        

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This site has a handy calculator that lets you plug in your local rates and number of weekly loads in order to estimate annual costs.

michaelbluejay.com/electricity/dr...

Using my approximate local rates -- 10¢/kWh for electric and $1.10 per therm for gas in summer -- 8 loads per week costs $137 for electric and $109 for gas. That's for the entire year. So in my case there's really not much difference unless I was doing a huge amount of laundry.

I haven't checked California electric prices, but from what has been posted before they impose a steep penalty for using more than a certain amount, so it's easy to see why Californians would avoid electric dryers whenever possible.


Post# 771248 , Reply# 17   7/16/2014 at 03:41 (3,544 days old) by washer111 ()        
Sees the "MichaelBluejay" Link...

... And runs away SCREAMING!

 

I can't bring myself to take someone who advocates Cold-only washing, ditching A/C and dumping older appliances seriously. 

Doing either the former or the latter and mentioning it here on this forum is like committing a major sin/treason against appliances, Lol!

 

One way of reducing the costs of drying certainly would be switching between Outdoor and Indoor venting, depending on the season. 

Or, using a closed-circuit dryer that doesn't vent at all (Like a condenser dryer, perhaps?). Provided the moisture is removed from the air, this saves a massive amount of energy, in that, all your heated air isn't wasted to an outdoor area - where the indoor area must subsequently be re-heated or cooled, depending not the season. 


Post# 771251 , Reply# 18   7/16/2014 at 04:51 (3,543 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

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Used both extensively, however with a fairly small number of machines. Gas made stuff smell burnt, probably the detergent scent overheating. In addition to the things that can go wrong with electric (motor, belt, timer, thermo, coil) gas adds two more I've had trouble with, igniter and valves. So I prefer electric.

As above, relative cost depends where you live and how utilities are apportioned.

One thing is absolute: The more water you spin out, the cheaper the task of (powered) drying. Just did a queen set in the (1300rpm) twintub last night. 2 1/2 min spin costs virtually nothing*. Put the whole shebang in a coinop electric set on LOW heat and it finished in TWENTY MINUTES.

The same load washed in the coinop Neptune FL (~800rpm) takes twice as long on max heat in the same dryer. No difference in dryer fuel is going to make up that difference unless one fuel is free. So to save on whichever fuel the clear choice is high spin speed. Also meets the 'carbon footprint' objective since the energy difference in spin speeds is negligee (sic).

* Since I made that assertion I'll do the math to back it up. Spin motor rated at 140W. 2 1/2min = 0.042hr. 140 x 0.042 = 5.83 Whr. 5.83 / 1000 = 0.006 kWh. .006 x national average electric 12c per kWh = 7/100ths of a CENT. Let's take a low 3000W dryer running 50% duty for 1500W and 20 extra min. 20min = 0.33hr. 0.33 x 1500 = 500 Whr. 500 / 1000 = 0.5 kWh. 0.5 x 12c = 6c for that extra 20min to dry the same load only wetter. Now the punchline: 6c / 0.07c = 857 times more expensive to remove the 800rpm water with the dryer than with the 1300rpm spinner.


Post# 771268 , Reply# 19   7/16/2014 at 08:16 (3,543 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Drying Costs

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Hi Rick, your cost estimate is probably way off, A standard Coin-Op dryer still consumes about 6000 watts on low heat and drying sheets for 20 minutes probably means the heat was on full for 15-18 minutes if you took the clothing out about the time the clothing was dry.

Since the electric dryer is the big power user here the only way you can make an accurate calculation is to know exactly how much power you used to dry your load. I would [ Guess ] that you actually used about 4500 watts for 20 minutes.

John L.


Post# 771276 , Reply# 20   7/16/2014 at 09:26 (3,543 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
well for me its electric but if you went to truly save $$$

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Well for me its electric but if you truly went to save $$$$ i would say the best option is to line dry your laundry.

Post# 771277 , Reply# 21   7/16/2014 at 09:28 (3,543 days old) by Magic_Clean (Florida)        
Another

consideration............is how free flowing the exhaust vent system is. This is a major contributing factor. Have had both and don't recall any significant difference in drying results or time.

..L.P.


Post# 771318 , Reply# 22   7/16/2014 at 16:11 (3,543 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
In case no one has said it yet............

the LEAST expensive way to dry clothes, is on a clothesline.

Post# 771323 , Reply# 23   7/16/2014 at 16:42 (3,543 days old) by Supersuds (Knoxville, Tenn.)        

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I don't know anything about Micahelblujay, washer111, but the calculator seems like it would give a rough and ready estimate, that's all. ;)

Post# 771328 , Reply# 24   7/16/2014 at 16:50 (3,543 days old) by mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

Most cost effective? A clothesline.


Post# 771420 , Reply# 25   7/17/2014 at 00:55 (3,543 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

Would LOVE to use my clothesline--BUT--TOO HUMID-esp this time of year-bugs,squirrels,tree sap,and birds,neighbors dogs.So--- its my electric dryer.Don't let it run any more than I need it-half hour usually does the trick.-2 loads.Don't think that is going to break the bank or cause the planet to collapse.A neighbor several houses from me-has their clothesline better located-no trees,and in an area that gets lots of sun and breezes.My line is sorrounded by trees.so the sun,wind is blocked-and tree sap.

Post# 771444 , Reply# 26   7/17/2014 at 02:52 (3,543 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

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Yes John, the dryer estimate was stingy. But the point was how almost zero cost of highspeed spin cancels much more expensive dryer time. Not how much dryers actually cost.

A shocking number of homeowner associations outlaw line drying. Less shocking perhaps that most HOAs are comprised of busybody control freaks with tihs for brains. Who else would care what you did in your fenced backyard other than testing explosives and raising skunks?


Post# 771449 , Reply# 27   7/17/2014 at 04:55 (3,542 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

I don't want to burst anyone's bubbles here, but please keep in mind the difference between vintage and modern machines.

Vintage machines were often equipped with gas burners of 24,000 BTU/h or more (gas), and 4,500W heating elements (electric), because back then the controllers were just a timer and thermostats. Finishing as fast as possible was the goal, particularly with spin speeds on the low side for most washers.

Modern dryers often have 5,200W heating elements and gas burners of 22,000 BTH/h or less (some are being equipped with 16,000 BTU/h burners). Mostly, now that the controllers include a moisture sensor, both dryers use the same controller and the gas burners are tuned to work well with the moisture sensor, so it's about as fast to use an electric or gas dryer.

People who live in areas with hydroelectric power plants may find that electric dryers can be more economical than gas. People with thermoelectric power plants will probably pay less for gas.

The other consideration is that electric dryers provide a neutral atmosphere -- the air is just warmed up. Gas dryers provide a reducing atmosphere, because oxygen is removed from the air to burn the gas, and the combustion by-products are then circulated inside the drum. Most people don't find any problem with that, but some fabrics do not do well with reducing atmosphere and won't last as long as possible, because most fabrics are in fact more resistant to oxidizers (like chlorine bleach, perborates and percarbonates) which are routinely used for laundry.

I must say that most of the above is only important to us, who like to talk about details -- in practice most people don't notice any difference between gas and electric dryers and, if they do, it has more to do with cost per load than anything else. And even there, the cost per load will vary with the price of utilities.


Post# 771494 , Reply# 28   7/17/2014 at 09:41 (3,542 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Vintage Gas&Electric Dryers Vs Current designs

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Have not changed much, vintage electric models usually had at least 4800 watt MT HOH ] elements and most brands had 5000-5400 watts and virtually every WP-KM had 5600 watts. Now every full sized dryer in the US has 5000-5400 [ 5400 for all WP products ] watt elements.

Some vintage gas dryers did have higher BTU burners at one time, but even back in the 50s and 60s the majority of brands only had 18,000 BTUs. Today most dryers are 20,000 BTUs, SQ is 22,500 and I am aware of no current full sized dryers that are less than 20,000 BTUs.

Interesting thoughts about there being less oxygen inside a running gas dryer and although the oxygen reduction is very minimal [ a person would have no trouble breathing inside a gas dryer ] I would think that if anything the lack of oxygen would make natural fibers like cotton last longer as they will not deteriorate as fast in a reduced oxygen environment.


Post# 771503 , Reply# 29   7/17/2014 at 10:27 (3,542 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

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In the eastern part of Canada, most houses don't have access to natural gas. Both natural gas (where it's available) and propane are more expensive than in the United States and electricity is cheaper than it is in most states.  Most of our electricity is produced with hydraulic power.

 

So the ratio of electric/vs gas dryers is very different here. In fact, I don't know anybody who owns a gas dryer here!

 

My '65 Rapidry washer is finishing it's final spin while I'm typing this, I'll need to go out and hang my wrinkled clothes outside! Running them in the Filtrator dryer that I got from John me would help getting the wrinkles off but I don't care much about that!


Post# 771617 , Reply# 30   7/18/2014 at 00:55 (3,542 days old) by A440 ()        

It is so interesting to hear everyone's thoughts through examples and experience.
I really want a set up with a 50 pound washer and a dryer to match. Of course I don't want a electric dryer set up. I don't know if there is even such a thing for drying.
Looking around. Want used. I also have run the exact gas line size. So it is a matter of the correct time for the find.
I have looked at tons possible washers and dryers for my personal setup. Usually they are all very used! Very Used! I have seen machines eaten through from bleach and Dryers used till the gas manifold is gone. Amazing to see the cheap materials. Of course advertising them as "hardly used". Whatever.
Sometimes I do think to buy new. This would be an honest consideration from the manufacturer.
You know the rest of the story.
B


Post# 771788 , Reply# 31   7/18/2014 at 23:45 (3,541 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
Well tomorrow

It's supposed to be hot AND dry here in Denver. I plan on 2 weeks worth of laundry tomorrow through the Maytag E2LP, (1964 so 50 this year!)and hang everything out.

In Denver the power company, Excel Energy, raises the rates to almost double if you go over 500 kWh in a month. In the HOT months, even a few days with Central Air will put you over 500. So in those hot weeks I don't use the electric stove or electric dryer. The cooking is done on a charcoal Weber grill and microwave oven. The clothes are done OLD SCHOOL. Conventional Washer and clothes line. I can certainly afford the utility costs but I like to eliminate profits to the power companies when I can. Same with the U.S. Post Office. "Short, May Their (remaining) Reign BE!"


Post# 771872 , Reply# 32   7/19/2014 at 10:11 (3,540 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
Here's the cheapest way to dry!



  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 771877 , Reply# 33   7/19/2014 at 10:38 (3,540 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        
Reply 32 above

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If that stand provides sturdy support, you're lucky - can you use it if it's a little windy? Ours is a late 40's early 50's model, that doesn't have a stand; the post slides over a shorter pole, secured in the ground with cement.
Yours looks much light and easier to maneuver, so that's why I wonder about the wind effects. Nice job on pinning up the laundry! :-)


Post# 771891 , Reply# 34   7/19/2014 at 12:37 (3,540 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
Wind isn't a problem

This has a cement base and weighs a ton! It' s actually difficult to move but wind won't knock it over, which is why I bought it. A regular table umbrella stand DID fall over in the wind. But not this heavy duty stand. I found it at Costco. And in 2 years, it's never fallen over, even in a strong wind.

They do come with instructions on how to plant them into the ground in cement. But this was easier for me and it works. It really works well but like I said earlier, you have to get good, quality brand. The first one I bought from Home Depot broke within the first month. This one I got from Amazon. The brand name is Brabantia. European. But it holds 8 loads of wet clothes washed in wringer washer that leaves clothes wet and heavy. I really like it.


Post# 771950 , Reply# 35   7/19/2014 at 19:14 (3,540 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)        

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I have that same clothesline...love it. I agree the cheapest way to dry laundry is on the line. It's free, can't beat that! That said I have both gas and an electric dryer and here our gas isn't cheap nor is electricity so for me it's a wash. The GE Profile dryer that I have does a fantastic job drying and that's electric. The sensors are spot on and doesn't take long to dry a load. The Frigidaire built GE piggy back dryer that I have is gas and it does ok, but I find it can get carried away and easily over dry a load when the temp is set at Regular. On Low temp it works very well since it uses the thermostats to sense the dryness of the clothes. I know that this dryer is a fire hazard since some have had issues with them.

Post# 772989 , Reply# 36   7/25/2014 at 04:21 (3,534 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

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Seems as though the way gas is widely used, it would have the edge in energy consumption--and performance--over electric... Much like how compressed air is used to run a jackhammer...

But as for servicing and repairs, would electrics be more simple, needing only a basic heating element, or would gas dryers be almost as simple, if you can diagnose what components for the drying, and that need replacing or repairs? Which is more true?


-- Dave


Post# 772994 , Reply# 37   7/25/2014 at 06:15 (3,534 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

Actually---Compressed tools are cool-but inefficient!!!!Air powered tools are being replaced by yes--electric ones and hydraulic ones.An example--Black& Decker used to make an air powered circular saw-2Hp---BUT----you needed a 20Hp compressor@100PSI to run it.An electric 2 hp circular saw draws only 12A at 120V.An air powered drill with a half hp motor needs a 5 Hp compressor to run it.So for most applications involving rotary tools--electric ones are more efficient--and cheaper.For the air ones not only the compressor but also hoses and lubricant.Used to sell and work on these.Nail guns,though,make excellent use of air power.Beats swinging a hammer.

Post# 773002 , Reply# 38   7/25/2014 at 07:06 (3,534 days old) by beekeyknee (Columbia, MO)        

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Oh dear, not this again. There was a similar discussion this time last year and it had to be moved to "Dirty Laundry". Let's not go down that path again.

Post# 773008 , Reply# 39   7/25/2014 at 07:23 (3,534 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        
the path

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The clothes dried long ago, while the conversation between the lines, over the flames and under current flaps on. At aw.org, you get a good wringing and extended drying. :-)



Post# 773021 , Reply# 40   7/25/2014 at 09:35 (3,534 days old) by PassatDoc (Orange County, California)        
line drying

All of my clothes for work are office casual (khakis with button down dress shirts) with wrinkle-free finish from LL Bean. 20 minutes in the gas dryer and they're done, just hang them up and they look as if they were professionally laundered. Line drying would result in wrinkles and ironing. I've never checked to see how much electricity my iron consumes, but thanks to wrinkle-free finishes my ironing has been reduced to nearly zero. The energy costs of running the gas dryer for 20-25 minutes, over the zero cost of line drying, have to weighed against the energy cost of running the iron for an hour or more. I could see line drying heavy things like towels, which take longer (45-50) to gas dry, since wrinkles are not an issue.

When I bought my present home in 1988, San Diego Gas & Electric (which, despite the name, provides electricity but not gas to southern Orange County; in San Diego County it provides gas and electricity) sent an energy saving guide as a bill insert. By the time it arrived, I had already bought new appliances, but the leaflet said that it cost 25 cents to dry a load of laundry with gas, vs $1.00 with electricity; the calculation included the electricity consumed by a gas dryer's motor. We pay currently about 65-75 cents per "therm" and close to 15 cents per KWh (dividing bill by KWHr used, this factors in taxes, fees, fixed distribution costs). I don't know if it's still four times more costly to dry with electricity here, but it can't be cheaper.

In the mid-1990s, the neighboring city of San Clemente outlawed 240V outlets in laundry areas in new construction, leaving gas as the only option. THe rationale was that SDGE was struggling to keep up with generating capacity for a growing population, whereas there was no shortage of gas. My 1988 home, not in San Clemente, does have a never-used single phase 240V outlet.


Post# 773033 , Reply# 41   7/25/2014 at 10:10 (3,534 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
for many areas, and as mentioned HOA's, line drying is not even allowed, not to mention optional.....

hanging a car mat over your fence while washing your car will yield you a 25.00 fine....been there....

side note, this same location did not have central air, and A/C's or fans in the windows were not allowed either....wish they had these portables available back then, but they might have complained about the vent in the window just the same...

I didn't stay there long!.....



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