How much does it cost to install a dryer?

National Average Range:
$700 - $1,500

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Dryer Installation Cost Guide

Updated: August 19, 2022

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date cost figures, we gather information from a variety of pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts.

Having a dryer in your home saves time and effort when doing your laundry. The only alternative is air drying, which takes considerably longer and results in wrinkles. Additionally, dust, dirt, and unpleasant odors in the air can settle in your freshly cleaned laundry and spoil its freshness. A dryer thoroughly dries items of all sizes and has them looking and smelling fresh quickly and minimizes wrinkles, and makes ironing the clothes easier.

Dryer costs vary depending on the unit’s size and additional features. The national average cost to install a dryer is $700 to $1,500. Most homeowners pay $1,000 to install a medium-size vented electric dryer in a space with electrical wiring. On the lower end, prices range from $300 to install a small vented electric dryer with only the basic features. On the higher end, it costs up to $3,500 to prepare the laundry area with electrical outlets, vents, and hookups and install a ventless dryer with Smart technology.

Dryer Installation Costs

Dryer Installation Cost
National average cost$1,000
Average range$700-$1,500
Low-end$300
High-end$3,500

New Dryer Cost by Energy Source

Depending on the energy source a dryer can cost between $500 and $2,100 without installation. Installing an electric dryer costs between $550 and $2,300, while the gas dryer installation cost can start at $650 to $2,200. All clothes dryers work the same. Electricity turns the internal drum while a fan distributes the heated air. When choosing between a gas or electric dryer, consider your energy usage and your home’s existing hookups. The type to choose is up to your needs and budget. Before deciding, weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each:

Cost of an electric and gas dryer with and without installation (mobile)

Energy SourceDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
Electric$500 - $2,100$550 - $2,300
Gas$600 - $2,000$650 - $2,200

Electric Dryer

Electric dryer units cost between $500 and $2,100 for the unit only and $550 to $2,300 to have it installed. Electric dryers use electricity to power a heater and fan to blow hot air through the machine. They require a 240-volt outlet, are easier to install, and require less maintenance than gas models. This is because most homes already have the correct wiring in place. However, electric dryers are not energy-efficient because it takes a long time to heat the coil that dries your laundry. Therefore, drying cycles are usually much longer.

Gas Dryer

A gas dryer costs $600 to $2,000 for the unit and $650 to $2,200 to install it in your home. Gas dryers rely on a dedicated gas line and burner to dry clothes. Since a gas model’s components are more expensive on average, homeowners pay approximately $50 to $100 more upfront than an electric dryer. However, gas units cost less to operate monthly because they use less energy. Gas dryers still use electricity to power lighting and the internal drum, but they dry clothes with a gas burner. This burner heats up almost immediately, so you benefit from faster drying times.

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Cost of a New Dryer by Type

Several types of dryers cost $500 to $3,200 for the unit and between $550 and $3,600 to have the unit installed. Aside from standard ones, some dryer types have features to improve the functionality and performance of the dryer. Energy-efficient dryers spend less energy, smart dryers with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features, quiet dryers that operate silently, and washer dryer combos with both functions in one unit.

Cost of a standard, energy-efficient, quiet, smart dryer, and washer-dryer with and without installation (mobile)

TypeDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
Standard$500 - $1,400$550 - $1,600
Energy-Efficient$700 - $2,100$750 - $2,300
Quiet$750 - $2,000$800 - $2,200
Smart$750 - $2,100$800 - $2,300
Washer-Dryer$800 - $3,200$1,000 - $3,600

Standard Dryer

The standard dryer price is $500 to $1,400 for the unit and $550 to $1,600 with installation included. Typically, electric dryers with a vent system have a capacity between 4.0 to 7.5 cubic feet. Standard dryers typically have 6 to 12 drying cycles depending on the model and no special or smart features. For additional features like sensors, scheduled cycles, display, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth functions, you will have to upgrade to a smart dryer.

Energy-Efficient Dryer

An energy-efficient dryer that is ENERGY STAR rated costs $700 to $2,100 for the unit only, while installing it will cost $750 to $2,300. Energy-efficient dryers use about 20% less energy than conventional models with sensor drying, steam cycles, and low heat settings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry per year. The cost to run dryer units varies from house to house but ranges from $70 to $200 per year for electric units. Since gas dryers use a gas burner for drying, they use about a third of the electricity that an electric model does. Also, consider the gas vs electric dryer savings. Gas dryers are more efficient because they dry clothes faster. They have shorter cycles and use less electricity. However, electric dryers rely solely on electricity. This makes them more expensive to operate even though they are less costly upfront.

Quiet Dryer

A quiet dryer costs $750 to $2,000 for the unit only. Your costs run $800 to $2,200 with installation included. As its name suggests, a quiet dryer operates without making any noise. These models are built with vibration-reduction features to ensure your clothes get thoroughly dry without disruption. They are convenient for homeowners who want to keep their noise and dryer vibrations minimal. To mitigate these noises, leave optimal clearance on all sides of the dryer so that it does not bump into anything. Additionally, make sure it is level. Otherwise, it could move around throughout the cycle and scrape across the floor.

Smart Dryer

Smart dryer units with Wi-FI or Bluetooth functions included range from $750 to $2,100 for the material only, or $800 to $2,300 with installation included. These smart functions allow homeowners to start laundry remotely by controlling and monitoring cycles and settings through a mobile app. With Bluetooth dryer units, you can keep track of your drying cycle, whether you are in another room or away from your house. Some Wi-Fi dryer models pair with your Smart home system so that you can control drying cycles via voice assistant. Many manufacturers offer Google Home dryer units and Alexa dryer models, so homeowners can set up Google actions or Alexa skills to operate their units remotely.

Washer-Dryer

If you want to get a washer and dryer in one unit, the cost ranges from $800 to $3,200 for the unit only, while having it installed will cost $1,000 to $3,600. Many models of washer and dryer combos wash and dry your laundry in one cycle. A washer-dryer is a convenient option for homeowners that do not want to stack two separate units one on top of the other or want to save on space. Same as regular dryers, these units also come with different sizes, features, and options to customize your laundry experience.

New Dryer Cost by Capacity

Depending on the size of the dryer, the cost ranges from $250 for a small portable dryer to $2,100 for a high-capacity smart electric dryer. Having the dryer installed results in total costs of $300 to $2,300. There is a wide range of dryer dimensions, and all fall under three main sizes. In addition to their laundry capacity, different dryer sizes come with unique benefits and drawbacks. Your choice is ultimately up to your specific needs and your home’s available space.

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, a compact/small dryer is perfect. These models are designed to fit in smaller spaces and are less expensive to operate. However, they are only available as electric dryers, not gas models. The full-size dryer is the most common, with varying features and options designed to customize your laundry experience. Extra-large dryers are beneficial for larger families who need multiple loads of laundry every week to keep up with the household. However, bigger dryers use more energy per cycle, so they cost more to use.

Cost of a small, medium, full-size, and high-capacity dryer with and without installation (mobile)

CapacityDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
Small (1.5 - 3.9 Cu.Ft.)$250 - $800$300 - $1,000
Medium (4 - 7 Cu.Ft.)$550 - $1,350$600 - $1,550
Full-Size (7.1 - 8 Cu.Ft.)$650 - $2,000$700 - $2,200
High-Capacity (8.1 - 9.2 Cu.Ft.)$900 - $2,100$950 - $2,300

Cost of a New Clothes Dryer by Size

Based on the size, a dryer costs $750 to $2,100 for the unit and $800 to $2,300 with installation included. Dryers come in different sizes to accommodate diverse needs. Custom heights and depths are available for your specific space, though most dryers range between 27 and 29 inches in width, 30 and 34 inches in depth, and 38 to 46 inches in height. In addition to the dryer, leave about two inches of clearance on either side of your appliance. This reduces noise and optimizes airflow so that your dryer unit runs smoothly for a longer time. Below is a table with the most common dryer dimensions and how much it costs to install them.

Cost with and without installation of a dryer by size: 7" x 30" x 39", 27" x 31" x "38.8, 23.5" x 33.1" x 23.6"... (mobile)

Size (Width x Depth x Height)Dryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
27” x 30” x 39”$750 - $1,700$800 - $1,900
27” x 31” x 38.8”$750 - $2,000$800 - $2,200
23.5” x 33.1” x 23.6”$800 - $2,100$850 - $2,300
27” x 32.5” x 46.9”$900 - $2,100$950 - $2,300
28" x 32" x 39.8"$1,050 - $1,650$1,100 - $1,850
29" x 33.4" x 40.9"$1,200 - $2,100$1,250 - $2,300

Cost of Dryer by Type of Ventilation

Depending on the type of ventilation, the cost of a dryer ranges between $530 and $2,100 for the unit and $580 to $2,300 with installation included. Most dryers across the country are vented. However, there are ventless models that can take up less space and offer more flexibility. Choosing between a vented or ventless dryer depends on your budget, available space, and laundry needs. Below is a table with the cost to install each type of dryer and their available models:

Cost of vented and ventless dryer with and without installation (mobile)

Ventilation TypeDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
Vented$530 - $2,000$580 - $2,200
Ventless$800 - $2,100$850 - $2,300

Vented Dryer

Vented options are the most common choice. There are many to choose from that cost from $530 to $2,000 before installation and $580 to $2,200 with installation included. Both gas and electric dryers are vented outside to avoid filling your home with moist, lint-filled air. Vented dryers generate a lot of heat, which dries clothes faster but can damage clothing. While they have a lower cost upfront, they consume more energy. Additionally, you need to cut a hole in your home’s exterior to fit the vent, which can be costly and lead to insulation problems.

Ventless Dryer

The condenser dryer price ranges between $800 and $2,100. The heat pump dryer cost is $850 to $2,300 for an installed unit. Ventless dryers require less energy than their vented counterparts and can easily be installed in older homes. They take up less space than vented units, allowing more flexibility in placement. Since they have a smaller drum, ventless dryers are gentler on fabrics, which can extend your clothing’s lifespan. However, smaller units dry fewer clothes per load. Ventless units recycle heated air, so you use less energy. While they can save money in the long run, they require a larger investment up front.

There are two different options for ventless dryers: condenser and heat pump. Like standard vented dryers, condenser dryers pull in dry air from the room, which is then heated and cooled in a few cycles and passed through the clothes. They are more energy-efficient and keep utility costs low. They only come in compact sizes, so drying times are much longer. On the other hand, heat pump dryers do not require ventilation because they reuse the energy to warm up and cool dry air and send it back to the drum. They use about half the energy that a condenser dryer uses but are more expensive to buy. To find the right fit for your space, consider your budget and laundry needs. Since ventless dryers are naturally more gentle on clothing, it mostly comes down to what specific features you want to see in your laundry room.

Cost of condenser and heat pump ventless dryer with and without installation (mobile)

TypeDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
Condenser$800 - $1,750$850 - $1,950
Heat Pump$880 - $2,100$930 - $2,300

New Dryer Cost by Finish

You can have a dryer with varying finishes for $500 to $2,100 for the unit only and $550 to $2,300 with installation included. Most homeowners do not care about their laundry units’ appearance. For the most part, they stayed tucked away in a room that guests do not see. This mentality has shifted as homeowners become more fixed on matching their laundry room to their home. Many finishes are available on the market, mainly white, black, stainless steel, black stainless steel, champagne, and chrome finish. Each has advantages and drawbacks.

White dryers are a classic choice that offers a neutral look, while black dryers modernize your space without being distracting. Both finishes hardly show fingerprints or dirt buildup, making them easy to clean and maintain. However, neglecting to clean them can lead to dirt and grime buildup. Stainless steel is good for traditional and contemporary laundry rooms, while black stainless steel has a sleek appearance and low-maintenance cleaning. Unlike regular stainless steel, black stainless steel is resistant to fingerprints, streaks, and water spots but is prone to scratching due to the colored acrylic coating. Finally, champagne and chrome finishes are contemporary finishes that offer the cleaning convenience of other finishes while having a futuristic look. They, however, cost more to install.

Cost with and without installation by finish: white, black, stainless steel, champagne, chrome, black stainless steel... (mobile)

Type of FinishDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
White$500 - $1,450$550 - $1,650
Black$750 - $1,750$800 - $1,950
Stainless Steel$750 - $1,800$800 - $2,000
Champagne$800 - $1,550$850 - $1,750
Chrome$800 - $2,050$850 - $2,250
Black Stainless Steel$850 - $2,100$900 - $2,300
Ivory$1,000 - $1,400$1,050 - $1,600

Average Cost of a Dryer by Brand

Depending on the brand, the average cost of a new dryer is $500 to $3,500 for the unit and $550 to $3,700 with installation included. Many companies offer high-quality dryers for property owners across the country. The brand you choose depends on your style, budgetary needs, and brand availability based on your location. Regardless, it is crucial to do your research. Here are some of the most popular dryer brands and their cost:

Cost with and without installation of a dryer by brand: Crosley, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Kenmore, GE, Samsung, Maytag... (mobile)

BrandDryer Cost (Unit Only)Unit Cost (Installed)
Crosley$500 - $1,000$550 - $1,200
Frigidaire$650 - $1,100$700 - $1,300
Whirlpool$670 - $2,000$720 - $2,200
Kenmore$700 - $1,450$750 - $1,650
GE$700 - $1,650$750 - $1,850
Samsung$750 - $2,100$800 - $2,300
Maytag$800 - $1,600$850 - $1,800
LG$800 - $2,100$850 - $2,300
Speed Queen$900 - $1,900$950 - $2,100
Bosch$1,000 - $2,100$1,050 - $2,300
Miele$1,200 - $3,500$1,250 - $3,700

Dryer Installation Cost

The average cost of a new dryer and installation is $1,000. The appliance is $850, and $150 is for labor. If you already have the electricity, plumbing, and venting systems, you will pay around $50 and $100 per hour for the dryer installation, which takes an hour or two to complete. However, when some of the systems are lacking, you need to hire additional professionals. An electrician installs the outlet and connects the wiring for $40 to $120 per hour. A plumber runs a gas line for $45 to $200 per hour. A carpenter installs dryer vents for $35 to $100 per hour. A handyman installs the appliance for $50 to $100 per hour.

To install the dryer, the professional first prepares the area where the dryer will be placed. Before starting the installation, they will make sure there is a power source adequate for the type of dryer and the additional requirements for the dryer: vent, duct, valve, and hookups. If not, you need to hire additional workers to set them up. Once everything is in place, installation is simple. All the worker does is push the dryer in place, attach the dryer hose that connects to the vents, and plug the dryer into a power source. After they plug it into a power source, they test if the dryer runs properly. Below are some of the most common parts a dryer needs and the cost to add each one:

Cost of parts needed to install a dryer: duct, outlet, vent, gas valve, and gas line (mobile)

PartUnit Cost (Installed)
Duct$100 - $300
Outlet$120 - $200
Vent$150 - $250
Gas Valve$200 - $500
Gas Line$250 - $800

Dryer Duct Installation

Ductwork installation costs $100 to $300 which can be installed in two to four hours, depending on the exact length. Having dryer ducts for your dryer is extremely important. It increases the appliance’s efficiency and keeps your space safer. A dryer duct sucks the hot air and moisture towards the vent. It then leads it outside to prevent lint and mold from building up inside the dryer and damaging it or the surrounding area. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, “the maximum developed length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 35 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced by 2.5 feet for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend.”

Dryer Outlet Installation

The electric dryer outlet installation cost is $120 to $200. Hiring an electrician to install a dryer outlet costs $40 to $120 per hour, while the outlet costs $10 to $20 per unit. An electric dryer requires a 240-volt electrical outlet with a special plug to operate properly. If you do not already have one, an electrician would have to install a new one where the electric dryer will be installed. This takes around two hours to complete but may take more for complex areas and systems.

Dryer Vent Installation

If you need a new dryer vent, you can expect to spend an additional $150 to $250. Dryer vents are designed to expel the excess heat generated in the dryer to prevent fires. To install a new vent, the professional determines the straightest and shortest course for the vent to the dryer. Once they do, they drill a hole with about 4” to 4.25” diameter, where the vent cap will be fitted and secured evenly with caulking. After setting up the vent cap hole, they place the dryer hose pipes that were previously cut to the correct length and connect them to the exhaust port that connects to the ducts in the back of the dryer. Finally, after the professional pushes the dryer against the wall, they attach the remaining sections of the pipe and tighten them so they do not break or come loose.

Gas Valve Installation for Gas Dryer

Installing a gas valve costs between $200 and $500. Every appliance that uses gas needs a shut-off gas valve that stops the gas supply to the unit. If you smell any gas or fuel, you need to pull the valve to stop the gas from leaking. When the professional finishes the installation, they inspect the shut-off valve to ensure it functions properly.

A Run Gas Line to Dryer

Installing new gas lines costs between $250 and $800. The gas lines cost between $10 and $20 per linear foot. Hiring a plumber to get the lines ready costs $45 to $200 per hour. If you have never had a gas dryer and there is no gas line, a plumber would have to add one for the dryer to operate properly. This is a highly professional job and should always be performed by an experienced contractor. Any gas leak can result in a high risk of fire, which is something you definitely want to avoid. To install the gas line, the professional turns off the gas supply, connects the line to the dryer with leak-proof pipes, and uses a wrench to tighten them. Once they install the gas line, they inspect it to make sure there are no leaks.

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Washer and Dryer Installation Price

Installing a washer and dryer at the same time costs $850 to $2,500 for both the unit and installation. Installing both units at once reduces the installation costs because the professional will not have to make the second trip. The washer and dryer may be completely separated, installed side-by-side, come as separate stackable units, stacked vertically as one unit, or be a washer and dryer combo. The units’ prices vary depending on the loading method, capacity, features, color, size, and brand. Some companies offer removal services for the old appliances as part of their installation package.

Dryer Maintenance Cost

Performing regular maintenance on your dryer can save time, energy, and money on utility bills. Most importantly, it can prevent dangerous fires and extend your dryer’s life. One of the most important tasks to perform is to clean the exhaust vent every couple of years for around $145. Buildup in that vent can lead to a fire. Clean your lint screen and lint trap daily or weekly. Additionally, you can clean the inside of the drum to wipe excess lint or dryer sheet residue. Check the vent cap outside because it is common for debris, dirt, or snow to build up around the vent. Finally, it may be a good idea to replace vinyl or plastic exhaust vents with metal because it is less likely to catch fire. This replacement costs between $75 and $100.

Laundry room equiped with a smart dryer and washing machine

Cost to Convert a Gas Dryer to Electric

Swapping from a gas to an electric dryer costs $900 to $3,500 with the unit included. The conversion is technically possible but not recommended. Converting a gas dryer hookup to an electric one is technically possible but not recommended. While converting appliances from natural gas to propane and back is simple, the internal parts of electric dryers are different - controls, wiring, heating, relays, and sensors. Electric dryers are powered with an electrical outlet and use a heating element. Gas dryers need gas lines to function and have a burner to dry clothes.

Additionally, each unit uses different electrical currents - gas dryers operating on a 110-volt current and electric dryers on a 240-volt current. This means electrical wiring must be modified, which takes longer than installing new lines. Electricians generally charge $40 to $120 per hour. Many people do this because they move into a home without a gas line. While converting can be done, it likely costs more than buying and installing a new electric dryer.

Cost to Convert an Electric Dryer to Gas

Changing from an electric to a gas dryer is possible. However, it is an impractical task that costs $1,400 to $4,000. It is equally impractical to convert an electric dryer to a gas dryer. You would be better off removing your old electric dryer and purchasing a new gas one. Gas dryers have an ignitor, gas burner, and other parts that would need to be added to an electric unit. Additionally, parts that are unique to electric units must be removed. If you do not have gas lines set up already, you need to hire a plumber to install new gas lines, which costs between $10 to $20 per linear foot. The additional cost between converting and installing a new unit comes from removing the parts of the electric unit and adding the gas parts.

Dryer Special Features

Many dryers come with advanced features to make homeowners’ lives easier, so the dryer with these features costs $500 to $2,100. Some of these features are purely for convenience, and others save money. Generally speaking, these features does not impact your dryer’s price much. There are many beneficial features to choose from, so you need to decide which work best in your living space.

Some features are designed to add to the convenience and flexibility of the dryer. One of them is a front control model with the control panel on the front or a four-way venting that vents out of the back, bottom, or left and right sides, giving you more flexibility when installing the unit. A delayed start allows you to pre-select and set up the cycle for a future time without starting the drying process right away.

Other features improve the drying experience and make clothes easier to iron and store later. The wrinkle-guard feature prevents wrinkles from setting into clothes, while a rack dry allows you to place a rack inside the drum and dry hats, sneakers, or stuffed animals without damaging them in a regular tumble dry. Moisture sensors ensure the clothes do not get over-dried, while a damp alert will let you know when clothes have not fully dried so that you can remove more delicate items. There are also dryers with a steam feature that uses hot, moist air to penetrate fabrics, reducing wrinkles and prolonging the life of delicate fabrics. Finally, reverse tumble dryers switch the rotating direction to ensure the laundry is dried evenly.

Cost of dryer with special features: wrinkle guard, front control, four-way venting, reverse tumble, damp alert... (mobile)

FeatureDryer With Feature Cost (Unit Only)
Wrinkle Guard$500 - $1,500
Front Control$530 - $2,100
Four-Way Venting$580 - $2,000
Reverse Tumble$600 - $1,800
Damp Alert$600 - $2,100
Delay Start$650 - $1,900
Moisture Sensor$770 - $1,800
Rack Dry$1,000 - $2,100
Steam$1,050 - $1,800

Talk to local pros to get quotes for your dryer installation

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Dryer Vent Booster Fan Installation

Adding a dryer vent booster fan costs between $150 and $500, including installation. A booster fan is recommended in installations with more than 35 feet of ducting. Adding it makes the airflow easier outside, preventing moisture and lint buildup that can lead to risks like mold or fire. When installing a booster vent, leave at least 15 linear feet of ducting so it does not get clogged with damp lint.

Dryer Pedestal

Dryer pedestals cost $100 to $400. Depending on your needs, you may also want to make your dryer taller. Rather than setting it directly on the floor, you can use a pedestal to raise it about 15 to 20 inches. Dryer pedestals bring your dryer up to a better height for more comfortable use and often come with built-in drawers for extra storage space. This can be especially useful if you do not have extra space for shelving around your dryer.

Dryer Cabinets

If you plan to install cabinets in your laundry room for your dryer, expect to pay $2,500 to $7,500 for custom cabinets. When installing your new dryer, you may want to do additional laundry room remodeling to make the space more functional and appealing. You can add two or three base cabinets and one above your dryer. You can also install a built-in dryer that blends in with the surrounding cabinetry, costing $200 to $400 more than freestanding units.

Additional Considerations and Costs

  • Space. Before installing a new dryer, accurately measure the available space in your laundry room. Gather precise measurements, leave at least 2 inches free on each side for clearance and approximately 6 inches for the pipes or wiring in the back. This ensures your dryer gets proper airflow and reduces noise pollution. Additionally, you should leave about 48 inches of space in front of your units for easy use.
  • Reversible door. Some dryers offer a reversible door feature. This special door arrangement can be done before the dryer is delivered to be configured for easier loading of your clothes or a better fit in the laundry area.
  • Antibacterial cycles. Washing your clothes with water and detergent is a good start toward cleaner clothes, but some dryers take it a step further. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Ratings takes care that your dryer properly sanitizes clothing by reaching high temperatures for an extended period. NSF-certified dryers have been tested and proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria after a cycle. These cycles are recommended for cotton and mixed-load cycles because these materials can withstand the heat needed to kill those microorganisms.
  • Dryer cords. Since your home dryer outlets may vary, almost all manufacturers sell dryer cords separately. Older homes typically have three-pronged outlets, while homes built after the year 2000 are required by the National Electrical Code to have four-prong outlets. With the purchase of a new dryer, verify the new cord’s cost and make sure it is included with the installation, delivery, and quality-check for any damages in the product. A new three-pronged cord usually costs around $10 to $20, and a four-pronged cord is $15 to $25.
  • Local regulations. Before you start looking for your new dryer, check your local resources for building code regulations related to dryer installations. Certain areas throughout the U.S. have specific guidelines requiring electric panels and gas dryer electrical requirements.
  • Lifespan. The average lifespan is between 10 and 13 years for gas dryers and 10 to 14 years for electric dryers. However, with proper care and maintenance, some dryers last up to 20 years.

FAQs

  • Does a gas dryer need to be vented?

Yes, gas dryers must be vented to the outside because they expel moist and lint-filled air. Without a vent, your laundry room would quickly become stuffy and mildew-filled. Additionally, gas dryers make products of combustion. Having a vent ensures you do not inhale dangerous substances.

  • Which is more energy-efficient: gas or electric dryers?

Gas dryers use approximately half the electricity that electric units use, so they are the more energy-efficient choice. They tend to dry clothes faster, too. Many companies also offer ENERGY STAR dryers, which save even more.

  • How much does it cost to run a dryer?

Your dryer uses approximately 2,790 watts per hour. When used regularly, most homeowners can expect to pay approximately $70 to $200 per year to run their dryer. ENERGY STAR dryers use about 20% less energy than standard units, so you can expect to pay $200 less over the lifetime of the dryer with eco-friendly models.

  • Can you convert a gas dryer to electric?

Technically, you can. However, it is not practical or recommended. This is because each unit has a unique heating system that cannot be easily altered. You would spend more than if you sold the gas model and purchased a new electric one.

  • Will the gas company hook up my dryer?

When installing a gas dryer in a space without a hookup, you need to hire a professional technician to install the line. While your gas company generally does not hook up your dryer, they can help you find a capable dealer who can ensure proper installation.

  • Can a dryer be both gas and electric?

No, the heating system is different in gas dryers and electric dryers. However, a gas dryer also uses electricity to power the lights and turn on the drum, but they solely heat with gas.

  • How long does a dryer last?

On average, your dryer should last between 10 to 13 years. This varies according to its use and upkeep, so it is important to regularly clean the lint trap after each use. It is also a good idea to clean the inside of your dryer with a microfiber cloth to remove dryer sheet residue.​

  • Can I install a dryer myself?

If the laundry area is ready and has all the hookups needed for the dryer, installing it yourself is a simple task. However, suppose a new electrical outlet, gas line, valve, vent, pipes, or hookups are needed. In that case, it is advisable to hire a professional with the needed knowledge and experience to perform the job safely.