If you have a gas dryer or an electric dryer but want to change, you might also be thinking about if can you convert a gas dryer to electric or the other way around. Then we would say you definitely can do that. If you have a vast knowledge about appliances and their inner parts, then you can try to attempt the converting process.
The road to that converting process is pretty long and hectic. It may be a long time and a long list of inner parts change that will just blow your mind. Obviously, the whole process of the gas dryer is different from an electric dryer. From hookups to the heating process everything is completely different.
Can You Convert A Gas Dryer To Electric
You might also not find places where you might take your dryer to do the converting process for you and even if you do that might be more expensive than buying a new one. So we recommend you sell your gas dryer and then buy a new electric one.
How does A Gas Vs An Electric Dryer work?
There are several aspects regarding the difference between a gas dryer and an electric dryer which makes them equally effective but at the same time may also be the cause of the disruption.
Here we are going to learn about the ways how each of the kinds works and also mention some of the problems related to them.
Gas Dryer
Not all dryer looks the same but all of them operate in the same manner. Via a blend of three main factors- airflow, heat, and drum rotation. Here we will address how these three factors work together in a gas dryer, as well as potential problems you may encounter.
- Airflow
When operating the gas dryer use a blower wheel to draw air in from the front or rear of the appliance. The air is heated and circulates through the cloths as the drum rotates.
The hotter the air the more effective it is at removing moisture from the clothes. You can anticipate a moderate load of clothes to take about 60-minutes to dry.
For gas dryers, the air is warmed by a burner. For reasonable airflow, the machine should be kept several inches apart from the wall. For proper airflow make sure your gas dryer has a rigid or semi-rigid venting.
- Heat
As we mentioned earlier that the dryer is heated by the burner, and the burner is energized by a standard 120 vols of alternating current when the timer and the heat stage are fixed on the dryer control panel and the start switch is started.
To keep the proper air temperature, the heat in the blower housing is observed by the cycling thermostat. During a typical operation, the air temperature should be around 120 to 160 Fahrenheit.
- Drum rotation
As the blower wheel pulls the air into the dryer and the burner body heats it, the drum is rotated by a drive belt. The belt goes around the entire drum and is looped down to a drive pulley on the motor which drives the belt and around an idler pulley which puts tension on the belt.
The drum has baffles inside to lift and rotate the clothes which is an important step in the process as it allows the heated air to dry the clothes evenly.
Over time the drum supports might wear out and the dryer may become noisy during use. If the drum is overfilled It can also break down.
Electric Dryer
The air inside an electric dryer is heated by a heating element. This element is activated when it receives 240 volts of alternating current through two legs of voltage, each caring 120 volts.
When you set the timer and the wheat selector on the dryer control panel, then press the start switch, the first leg of voltage sends current to the motor and through the cycling thermostat, high-limit thermostat, and a thermal cutoff fuse before reaching the heating element.
The second leg of voltage maintains the current through a switch on the motor which closes when the motor is running the current is then sent to the contrasting side of the heating element. Once both legs of voltage reached the element the circuit is closed and the element begins to the air.
During normal operation, the air temperature is between 120 to 160 Fahrenheit. If there is an airflow issue the high limit thermostat may switch off the first leg of voltage to stop damage to the dryer, or the dryer will not warm.
The heating elements that most commonly fail are the thermal fuse, the thermal cutoff fuse, the high limit thermostat, and the heating element itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When To Replace Gas Dryer
Most gas dryers have a life expectancy of around 15 years. However, many factors can affect how long your particular dryer will last. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement:
- Your clothes are taking longer to dry.
- The outside of the dryer is hot to the touch.
- There’s excessive lint build-up inside the dryer.
- The dryer is making strange noises.
- Your energy bills have gone up.
If you’re not ready to replace your gas dryer quite yet, there are a few things you can do to extend its life. First, make sure the venting system is clear of lint and other debris.
Second, have the dryer serviced by a professional every few years? This will help keep it running efficiently.
Can You Use A Gas Dryer Without Gas?
If your gas dryer is not working, you may be able to use it without gas. Dryers use electricity to operate, so as long as you have power, your dryer will likely work.
However, keep in mind that a gas dryer will not heat without gas, so your clothes will not get dry as quickly. Additionally, your dryer may make a strange noise without gas.
Who To Call To Disconnect Gas Dryer
If you need to disconnect your gas dryer, you should call your local utility company. They will be able to shut off the gas to your home and disconnect the dryer for you.
Final Verdict
So now you know that you can convert a gas dryer into an electric one because apart from some specific areas and hookups the gas dryer and the electric dryer works the same way. But it is always a better idea to change your dryer rather than convert it.
