# Switching from natural gas dryer to electric dryer **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Tags:** tools-electric-diy\ **Created:** [December 20, 2023, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849 "2023-12-20T00:17:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/21 "2023-12-20T16:43:34Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > these are about twice the cost of most w/d units but they claim twice the lifespan The warranty is only two years. Where are they claiming twice the lifespan? > [@kanicbird](#): > > Igniting gas for heat is basically 100% efficient The city of Berkeley (if I remember correctly) is about to or already has banned new home construction with (some or most) gas appliances due to the carbon emissions of burning natural gas. So I presume this is a genuine issue for climate change. How does a gas dryer measure up on carbon emissions? ---
**Author:** ![Oooklout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ba8739/32.png) [@Oooklout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oooklout)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/22 "2023-12-20T16:55:28Z")
For UK readers the Bosch washer/dryers are great. Lint and dryer condensation goes out the waste pipe like the dirty water from washing does. So no user maintenance (except coins and keys:-)) Low energy, and with a 1500 wash-cycle spin which uses little power once running, we don’t need to dry stuff much. Only bad thing, not unique to Bosch, it doesn’t know the time of day and can’t run off an external timeswitch so to use night-tariff electricity it’s a fiddle to work out how many hours delay to set at bedtime. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/23 "2023-12-20T17:15:42Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > How does a gas dryer measure up on carbon emissions? Compared to what? Natural gas is a majority hydrogen combustion, as such is pretty much the least carbon per unit of energy of the fossil fuels, however there is still carbon. OTOH burning natural gas in a gas turbine power plant to provide power for one’s electric dryer does release about 2.5 x more carbon for a drying cycle. ---
**Author:** ![a6ka97](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c2a13f/32.png) [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/24 "2023-12-20T17:32:27Z")
My house is set up for both so no additional cost when our 10 year old gas dryer quit and deciding between staying with gas or switching to electric. Decided to switch to electric as initial cost and ease of installation were deciding factors. That being said, definitely miss the gas dryer. The washer and gas dryer would “time out” relatively close so on laundry day it was washer to dryer to folding to doing another load in washer and dryer at about the same time. The electric dryer takes about a1/3rd to 1/2 times longer to dry. Messed up my ideal system for washing clothes. I hope to get at least 10 years or more out of my new dryer but the next one will definitely be gas. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/25 "2023-12-20T17:38:45Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > Unnecessary replacement of a working appliance is wasteful in itself. When I replaced my washer and dryer I put an ad on Craigslist in the free section and someone who didn’t have appliances was thrilled to get them. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/26 "2023-12-20T21:26:45Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > burning natural gas in a gas turbine power plant to provide power for one’s electric dryer does release about 2.5 x more carbon for a drying cycle. I guess I would have to do some research myself in order to verify this assertion. Or do you have a cite handy to save me some time? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/27 "2023-12-20T21:32:17Z")
I thought the reason for restricting or eliminating gas appliances in the home was because things like gas stoves release methane even when off. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/28 "2023-12-20T21:45:54Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I guess I would have to do some research myself in order to verify this assertion. Or do you have a cite handy to save me some time? Not directly on that but this one is close. [Gas vs electric dryers – Green Energy Efficient Homes](https://green-energy-efficient-homes.com/gas-vs-electric-dryers.html) ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/29 "2023-12-20T21:51:20Z")
Yes, apparently that release of methane, although it is not specific to where the gas is used, but also to where the gas is stored and transported. So general reduction of gas usage was one goal. There is also concern, in California specifically, about transporting natural gas in a state with many major earthquake faults. Also, there are health and safety concerns, because gas appliances release significant emissions and pollutants indoors. I got this information [here](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/23/berkeley-natural-gas-ban-environment), from an article about the original ordinance passed in 2019. From there, I also found this interesting quote: > “There’s been a lingering perception that burning gas was cleaner than electricity, which might have been true 20 years ago when electricity came from burning coal,” said Pierre Delforge, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council . “When we look at electrification policies, we need to think about what the grid will look like in 10 or 20 years, not what it looked like yesterday.” Implementation of the ban in Berkeley has been stopped by a Federal appeals court. There are now various entities, including the White House, urging the Federal courts to re-hear the issues, as those entities believe it was fueled by a serious mis-reading of the law. Stand by for further developments. For the purposes of this thread, I don’t want to dive too deeply into this debate. We’ll never resolve it among ourselves. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/30 "2023-12-20T21:54:23Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > > [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > > > I guess I would have to do some research myself in order to verify this assertion. Or do you have a cite handy to save me some time? > > Not directly on that but this one is close. [Gas vs electric dryers – Green Energy Efficient Homes](https://green-energy-efficient-homes.com/gas-vs-electric-dryers.html) That article talks about getting electricity from burning coal. I don’t believe California has any coal-fired sources of electricity. > when it comes time to _replace_ your dryer, you absolutely should go for a heat pump dryer as they can be up to 3x more efficient than gas or standard electric dryers, and we have consistently seen utilities across the globe make progressive cuts to the percentage of electricity generation coming from fossil fuels. Buying a new gas dryer now is basically locking in greenhouse gas emissions until the _next_ time you buy a dryer, and we should avoid that at all costs. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/31 "2023-12-20T22:07:52Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > The warranty is only two years. Where are they claiming twice the lifespan? I got it from the link below. I forget where I read that washer/dryers today tend to have around a 10 year lifespan (can be more or less of course depending on many things…my sister had a Samsung dryer which broke after 4-years and required $500 to repair…YMMV). > **TESTED TO BE EQUIVALENT OF 20 YEARS´ USE** > > During the development phase of the product series listed hereafter Miele has conducted tough durability tests simulating a 20 years average use of an average household. The extent of testing for each tested series is described below. This does not represent any assurance or guarantee of a durability of our marketed product series for 20 years. Notwithstanding testing during development phase individual machines may require occasional servicing or may require repair or replacement of core components. In this respect, the statutory warranty provisions apply and – where applicable – additional provisions on product warranty within the general sales terms for the Miele product. - [SOURCE](https://www.miele.com/en/com/legal-notice-2075.htm#p6737) > Clothes [dryers](https://www.superiorairduct.com/how-long-will-a-dryer-last/) typically last for about 10 to 13 years. - [SOURCE](https://www.superiorairduct.com/4-signs-that-you-need-a-new-dryer/) > The [average life expectancy of a dryer](http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2009/03/by-the-numbers-how-long-will-your-appliances-last-it-depends/index.htm) is around 10-13 years. - [SOURCE](https://www.spencerstv.com/blog/replace-dryer) > With good maintenance, you can expect a washer to last for about 10 years and a dryer for 13, although with extra care they can last longer. - [SOURCE](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-long-do-washers-and-dryers-last/) Also, if you buy their high-end washer dryer before December 31, 2023 they will give you a 5-year warranty (if I am reading that right). > **[Free Warranty with Purchase of High End Appliances | Miele](https://www.mieleusa.com/c/peace-of-mind-warranty-promotion-4809.htm)** > > Enjoy a free warranty when you purchase a high end kitchen or laundry appliance between June 12th and July 16th. Choose from a selection of Miele’s premium domestic products. > By purchasing a Miele major domestic appliance between June 12th to July 16th, 2023 or between September 18th to December 31st, 2023 - you have opted for durability, optimum user convenience, and excellent quality. For these purchases, you have the option of extending the warranty for your Miele appliances to up to 5 years within the manufacturer warranty period. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/32 "2023-12-20T22:34:29Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Pricey for a 4 cu.ft. dryer at $1699 from Lowes. Typical 6-7 cu.ft. dryers run half that. However, if the energy efficiency is real it should pay for itself. It is pricey to be sure. That said, I think @Roderick_Femm said it would be serving two people. That is more than big enough to manage (and they hold more than you think…IIRC Miele says up to 17 pounds but do not rely on my faulty memory if you use one). Indeed, a 6-7 cu.ft w/d is probably overkill for two people and less efficient. If you have a big family (more than four people) then yeah…you’d probably want something bigger. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/33 "2023-12-20T23:00:58Z")
I see that Best Buy carries them (Miele washers and dryers), so maybe I’ll toddle over there after the holidays and take a look (and maybe get an earful). ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/34 "2023-12-21T00:02:57Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I forget where I read that washer/dryers today tend to have around a 10 year lifespan Sigh. My washer is more than 25 years old, and I’m afraid the new ones don’t clean as well. (They use a lot less water. Also, i see ads that claim if you use THIS product, you’ll never need to run your laundry through the machine twice. Something i have never in my life done, but apparently can be needed with the new, “efficient” machines.) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/35 "2023-12-21T00:08:52Z")
Speed Queen for one still makes washers and dryers with mechanical controls if you prefer that sort of thing. They are not cheap though. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/36 "2023-12-21T00:10:42Z")
My drier died a few years ago, and we replaced it with a speed queen. But the issue with washers is the regulations, not the brands. They aren’t allowed to use much water. I think it’s like the 20 years when you couldn’t buy a new toilet that actually flushed. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/37 "2023-12-21T00:47:26Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Sigh. My washer is more than 25 years old, and I’m afraid the new ones don’t clean as well. (They use a lot less water. Also, i see ads that claim if you use THIS product, you’ll never need to run your laundry through the machine twice. Something i have never in my life done, but apparently can be needed with the new, “efficient” machines.) They high efficiency liquid laundry soap (labeled as “he”) that work great with less water. I have never had a problem with clothes still being dirty after one wash. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/38 "2023-12-21T13:50:47Z")
My washer is efficient with water but I have never had a problem with my clothes being clean and only ever do one cycle for a given load. To be fair, my clothes never really get very dirty these days. On the upside, my washer automatically dispenses detergent from special bottles of it that they sell. The washer seems to know how much laundry is in there so dispenses the correct amount each time. In general, front loaders will be more water efficient than top loaders. They fill a puddle of water at the bottom and toss the clothes through that water as opposed to having to fill a big tub of water. Front loaders can also have their own problems (mainly some water stagnates and gets gross and smelly). Mine has a self clean cycle I run on occasion and I have never had an issue with it but I have read of others who have that problem (which can be dealt with easily enough but it is a little extra care). I guess part of it is where you live. I live in Chicago which has an abundance of fresh water and, while I like to not be wasteful, I don’t feel too bad if I squander a little water (as it is I have an efficient washer and low-flow toilets). If I lived in (say) Phoenix I’d be much more concerned about my water use. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/39 "2023-12-21T17:21:20Z")
I live in the northeast, and we don’t have a shortage of water. Some years, there are a couple of weeks in the summer when i try to avoid wasting water. Most of the time i don’t worry about it. If the average rainfall on your property is many multiples of your annual water usage, any shortage is probably about infrastructure. (Of course, there’s also energy spent moving, cleaning, and heating water.) ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849/40 "2023-12-21T18:08:16Z")
I wouldn’t worry about it in the Northeast either. It’s a different story in areas prone to drought. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849.md?page=3)