Shopping for a clothes dryer is a bit more simple than shopping for a
washer but there are many more options today than in years past.
Today's clothes dryers offer a wide-range of features to compliment
washing machines. Before you buy, take time to consider your the laundry needs of your family.
Is Matching Set Necessary?
The
main benefit of purchasing a washer/dryer set is that the styles,
colors and heights will match. They are more attractive but certainly
not necessary to doing laundry well. The average life expectancy of a
dryer is thirteen years; so weigh that against buying a new one right
now. Read what you need to know about buying a washer - matching or not!
Dryer Options
There
are two basic dryer options in the United States - Traditional Front
Load or Front Load with Steam to remove odors and wrinkles. Each is
available in gas-fueled or electricity run options.
Traditional dryers are usually less expensive and still offer a wide range of sizes, multiple temperature settings and cycle options.
The capacity sizes can vary from compact 4.4 cubic feet units to 9.5 cubic feet.
Steam
dryers offer a cycle that incorporates water vapor to freshen clothes
by removing wrinkles and odors. These models are more expensive and some
require the installation of a water line to the machine.
- Compare Prices on Steam Cycle Dryers
- Compare Prices on All-in-One Washer Dryer Units
- Compare Prices on Electric Dryers
Gas or Electric
There are two ways to create the heat needed to efficiently dry clothes - gas (natural gas or propane) or electricity. Which one should you choose?
Most electric dryers operate on 240-volt current, twice the strength of ordinary household current, to fuel heating coils.
Natural gas dryers use a gas burner to create heat, but otherwise they operate the same as an electric dryer. Natural gas is more efficient in heating air and dries clothing more quickly than electricity. Installation of a gas line must be done by a professional which will add to the cost if a gas line is not already available.
Vented or Ventless
For homes without a dryer venting system, there are ventless clothes dryers
often called condensation dryers. Ventless clothes dryers have no
output air vent and rely on other methods to dispel the moisture laden
air.
Two types are condensation dryers and heat pump dryers.
Ventless dryers can function any place in the home and do not require
installing a vent pipe making them perfect for renters and small spaces.
All ventless dryers are powered by electricity due to the combustible
nature of gas.
While all dryers require maintenance to prevent lint build-up, ventless dryers do require a bit more daily care to prevent moisture problems.
Energy Star Ratings
Until
2015, the U.S. Department of Energy did not rate clothes dryers for
energy efficiency. Older models showed little difference in the energy
use between models.
However, that has changed. Working with
appliance manufacturers, the DoE developed efficiency specifications
that some manufacturers have met by incorporating advanced sensors that
more effectively detect when clothes are dry and stop the dryer. The Energy Star certified dryers with the improved sensors are available as gas, electric and compact models.
At least 45 models of dryers earned the Energy Star label, including Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, LG and Safemate, by being at least 20 percent more efficient than older models and are now available at prices comparable to standard dryers.
Options and Special Features
Dryers
with moisture sensors typically shorten drying times and prevent
overdrying that can shorten the life of your clothing. Noise reduction
packages are a good choice if your dryer is located in or near a family
room.
Perhaps the most important "option" for a clothes dryer is
how you connect the dryer to your home's venting system. If you still
have a flexible plastic accordion-style dryer vent hose, replace it
immediately. Whether white plastic or shiny foil material it is a lint
trap just waiting for an accidental fire to happen. Be sure to buy and install the proper rigid metal or rigid plastic dryer hose vent and outdoor vent and clean them regularly.
Location
Even
if you already have a clothes dryer, get out that measuring tape before
you go shopping anywhere. Measure the laundry room space - height,
width and depth - as well as the sizes of any appliances you plan to
keep. Measure the doorways and access areas, write it all down and take
your notes and tape measure with you when shopping. Be certain that the location of the dryer vent will align with your new dryer.
