Can You Convert a Gas Dryer to Electric? (Here’s How)

Converting a gas dryer to electric is simple, provided you know the right method. Moving into a new house where the dryer is connected to electricity may be necessary. However, these dryers are expensive, so converting them is not a good idea.

The most important thing is to buy a suitable dryer. If you use it in your house, you should ensure it is UL-approved. This will ensure that it is safe to use and complies with the latest safety standards. If the dryer is not UL-approved, you should not even attempt to convert it. Instead, you should go and buy a new one.

You can convert a gas dryer to electric in two ways: by changing the heating unit or using an external electric heater. Changing the heating unit is by far the simplest method.

However, it might be a bit expensive as you will have to buy an electric heating element and other necessary materials. You will also have to change the gas supply lines and control valve.

Gas Dryer to Electric

Is It Worth Converting Your Gas Dryer to an Electric One?

If you have a gas dryer, you may ask yourself if it is worth converting it to electric. It all depends on the type of dryer that you have. It is worth converting if you have a gas dryer with an electric heating element.

However, sometimes it’s not worth converting it. Suppose your house is connected to natural gas lines and you have a gas dryer that is more than 30 years old. In this case, it’s not worth converting as you will have to buy a new one anyway.

Converting your gas dryer is good for the environment, reducing your carbon footprint. If you are looking for a more eco-friendly method, you can convert your dryer to a solar-powered one.

Differences Between the Gas and Electric Dryer

Gas and Electric Dryer

Electric dryers are cheaper than gas ones but less powerful compared to electric dryers. Gas dryers generate more heat and operate faster than their counterparts.

Moreover, gas dryers tend to be noisier than electric models, although some models are equipped with a noise-dampening system. Electric dryers are quieter and consume less energy than gas models.

The differences between gas and electric dryers go beyond the performance of each model. Gas dryers tend to be heavier and bulkier. They also require a vent line connected to your home’s central heating system. This gas dryer vent line is needed to release the moisture produced by the dryer.

On the other hand, some electric dryers do not need a vent line because they use electric heating elements instead of gas heaters.

Gas dryers may be more efficient than electric ones because they can generate more heat with less energy. However, this does not mean that electric models are inefficient – in fact, the latest models of both electric and gas dryers are very efficient.

Gas dryers are significantly more energy-efficient than electric ones, using almost half as much electricity. Your energy costs may be lower as a result, although this may depend on the gas price in your area.

The Installation Processes of Dryer

Installing Gas Dryer

A natural gas dryer must be connected to a natural gas line. The local utility company should provide the required lines and connections. It may be feasible to fuel the dryer with liquid propane gas rather than LP gas in a tank to save on storage space.

If you wish to use this option, you may want to find out how much it costs to fill a propane tank. A certified technician should help set up a gas dryer, especially when you have limited skills in installation.

The following process will guide you when installing a gas clothes dryer:

  • Make sure that the dryer is compatible with your home
  • Consult with a professional if you do not feel confident that you can install the dryer yourself
  • Assess the location of your dryer. Once you have decided on the location, check for natural gas lines.
  • Follow the instructions given with the dryer
  • Connect the gas line to the shut-off valve and then to the dryer
  • The burner tubes must be attached to the gas supply
  • Check that the vent pipe leading to the outside is connected correctly
  • Confirm if the gas hookup is appropriately done by turning on the gas supply

It is essential to install the dryer in a safe place. It should be placed on a sturdy floor that can support its weight. The dryer should be placed away from fire hazards and must not obstruct the door’s opening.

Installing an Electric Dryer

The wiring must be done correctly, and following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential. Installing an electric dryer is straightforward; all you have to do is plug it into a 240V outlet. The plug includes three or four prongs, making connecting it to the outlet difficult. Some dryer components might have to be changed based on the plug.

The following steps will help you install an electric dryer properly:

  • Check if the dryer is compatible with your home
  • Make sure that you have enough electrical power for your dryer. If you are unsure about this, consult an electrician
  • Make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions before you start any installation
  • Make sure that you check if the dryer is damaged before installing it. If there are any damages, contact the manufacturer to get a replacement part
  • Check whether all the electric hookups are properly done and well-connected
  • Check if you are using the correct power cord for your dryer. The power cord must be long enough to reach from the outlet to the back of the dryer

Features of the Electric Module

The features of an electric dryer include:

Tumbling action: This is the main feature of an electric dryer. It uses heated air to tumble your clothes to prevent them from creasing

Electric heating element: It heats the air inside the dryer

Electric thermostat: This controls the air temperature inside the heating assembly of your dryer

Electric motor: This is used to turn the drum where you put loads of laundry on your dryer

Electric timer: This controls the length of the appliance operation

Electric door switch: This indicates if the dryer door is opened or closed

Venting Systems

It is critical to vent dryers to remove hot and moist air from the machine into the outside air. If your laundry room is not adequately vented, you will be inundated with lint and dust particles floating in the air. Inhaling gas dryer exhaust can be dangerous.

Ventless electric dryers are an excellent choice for homes with poor ventilation since they don’t require an external exhaust. They are also available in compact sizes.

The exhaust hose of a vented dryer must be properly connected to the wall and routed outside your home. The ductwork must be insulated to prevent condensation from forming inside the ducts. The dryer vent and exhaust hose should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure they are not clogged with lint.

Some gas dryers include an internal system that uses a fan to exhaust the dryer’s hot air. This is called an internal venting system.

Lint traps are required for vented and ventless dryers to prevent lint from clogging the dryer’s exhaust hose. Lint can catch fire in a hot dryer vent and cause a fire in your home.

If the gas dryer vent is not connected correctly to the wall and routed outside your home, the dryer’s hot air and moisture will build up inside the house. The moisture will condense on cold surfaces like windows and walls, causing damage. The moisture can also promote mould growth.

Reasons Why Converting Gas Dryer Is Not Worth

1. Expensive

Converting a gas dryer to electric is more expensive than purchasing an electric dryer because the price of an electric dryer is relatively low.

In fact, you may end up spending a lot of money on repairs and putting your family at risk if the conversion process goes wrong. Therefore, you should think twice before attempting to convert a gas dryer to an electric one.

2. Difference in Electric Current

Electric dryers require a 240-volt standard outlet. The electric current in the United States is 110 volts, whereas, in some countries, dryers need to have a 120 volts standard electric outlet. Converting a gas dryer to electric would require you to change the current from 120 volts to 240 volts, which can be costly.

3. Safety

Converting a gas dryer to electricity can harm you and your home. It is best to hire a professional to convert your gas dryer.

Which Dryer Is More Energy Efficient?

A gas dryer uses less energy than an electric dryer. The cost of converting a gas dryer to electricity can be quite expensive. A gas dryer is an energy-cost-saving appliance; you can use it for years without converting it to anything else.

Converting gas dryers to electric is more expensive than converting gas to propane. Converting a gas dryer to propane is more expensive than buying a new electric dryer. Instead of carrying out these quite expensive processes, purchasing a new electric dryer is best.

FAQs

Q: Can a Gas Dryer Also Be an Electric Dryer?

If you want to use a gas dryer as an electric one, you will need to purchase an electric conversion kit. The kit will include an electric heating element and wiring instructions, among other things.

You might want to convert your gas dryer into an electric one if it is beginning to malfunction. This conversion process is rather straightforward, but you will need some knowledge and a few tools.

It would be preferable to replace the washing machine with a separate dryer rather than modify parts to convert it.

Q: Which Is Safer: Gas or Electric?

It is commonly assumed that gas model dryers are safer than electric ones. However, this is not true. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), electric dryers are safer than their gas counterparts, thus solving this dryer conundrum.

Q: Can I Use My Gas Dryer Without Gas?

The dryer’s heating element is the only device that requires gas and is consequently the only part that will not function if there is no gas. The remaining dryer parts, powered by electricity, will still function. The air-dry and heatless settings will still be available, however.

Q: Can I Use My Electric Dryer Without Electricity?

It is possible to use your electric dryer without electricity. You will need a gas conversion kit to use your dryer without electricity. This option is perfect for people who need to use their dryers in remote areas with no electric power.

Conclusion

In some regions, an electric dryer may be a better choice than a gas dryer because gas may be more expensive than electricity. You can convert your current gas dryer to an electrical one by carefully adhering to the required technical procedures.

If you are planning to use a gas dryer, it is important that you keep it in good working condition. You should have it serviced at least once a year and perform maintenance checks by a professional to avoid sudden or intermittent malfunction.

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Ezekiel Mutitu

Ezekiel Mutitu is a man of many talents. He has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, which has led him to do thousands of DIY projects. He loves learning about anything and everything - especially electronics and electrical items. Ezekiel knows that by being passionate about writing, he can help people from all walks of life understand complex topics and processes.

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