Are gas dryers better than electric dryers?

Gas dryers cost slightly more than electric dryers upfront but cost less to run, although some people prefer the simplicity of electric dryers. Gas dryers require a gas line connection, while most electric dryers require a 240-volt connection.

As of 2015, most estimates place the energy cost of gas dryers at half that of electric dryers. Although electric dryers efficiently convert electricity to heat, power plants lose energy converting their fuel to electricity. Gas dryers can extract most of the heat in natural gas, so their efficiency is greater than that of a natural gas power plant. Homeowners concerned about environmental factors may prefer an electric dryer if their home is supplied by solar, wind or nuclear energy.