Are you looking to get rid of that old dryer that looks like it came straight out of the 1950s? Or maybe you’re sick of hearing the loud humming or rattling of a dryer that’s on its last legs. Do yourself a favour and purchase a new, reliable dryer for your laundry room. There are numerous types of dryers available now that home appliances have become so advanced.
But do you know which one will be best?
The best clothes dryer will depend on a multitude of factors, such as the dryer model, load capacity, size, energy efficiency, and more. That’s a lot to consider.
Here’s what to look out for when determining what type of dryer will work best for you:
Types of Dryers
First, let’s walk through the different clothes dryers and what they offer. There are typically four types of dryers available:
Gas Dryers
It may not come as a surprise, but a gas dryer relies on natural gas to function. Many people decide on gas models to stay energy efficient. Most gas clothes dryers use 60% less energy than electric models. While a gas dryer operates like a standard electric dryer, they’re more cost-effective. Many have come to appreciate gas clothes dryers for their quick drying cycles. Most gas dryers can dry loads in about half the time of electric dryers and produce less static cling in your clothing.
However, a gas dryer option will be more expensive as it requires a separate gas hookup and ventilation system, which may not be simple if you’re low on space. While gas-powered dryers may cost more, they’ll save you more money in the long run.
Vented Dryers
Vented dryers are considered the most common type of clothes dryer. These dryers heat the air and pass it through the drum. The hot air is then vented out of the dryer and replaced with fresh air once it becomes too moist, ensuring the clothes are dried thoroughly and efficiently.
A vented dryer may be less expensive than a gas dryer to buy, but they’re notorious for their operation costs. However, you can get a lot out of a vented dryer if used wisely. You may consider this option if you mainly line dry and need a dryer as a backup.
It’s worth noting that when a vented dryer releases moist air, it pumps heated air straight into its surroundings. You’ll need a laundry room with excellent ventilation to keep it from feeling like a sauna. Vented dryers can prove useful, but they can also potentially damage your clothes by over-drying them. If your heart is set on a vented clothes dryer, ensure that you use it properly to avoid ruining your classy outfits.
Condenser Dryers
Unlike standard clothes dryers that use a heating element to raise the internal temperature of a machine, condenser dryers use the air around them. How? We’re happy you asked. A condenser clothes dryer pulls in air around the unit and passes it through a condenser, where it gets warmed up. Then, the warm air is sent to the drum to start the drying process.
Condenser dryers often take longer to dry clothes as they tend to have lower temperatures within the unit. Longer drying times mean higher energy costs, which makes a condenser dryer the less-than-ideal choice if you’re looking for energy efficiency. However, condenser dryers don’t require a venting duct, which makes them a solid option if you can’t install a ventilation system in your home.
A condenser dryer also uses cooler temperatures when drying clothes, which means your delicate fabrics will last longer.
Heat Pump Condenser Dryers
Heat pump dryers provide the latest technological advancements in clothes drying units. This dryer uses a heat pump instead of a condenser to expel the moisture from your clothing. Like a condenser dryer, the heat pump dryer draws in air from its surroundings and sends it through the drum/heat pump.
This unit relies on a refrigerant system made-up of hot and cold coils. The cold side of the heat pump dryer condenses the air coming in through the heat pump, which releases moisture and generates heat. Any lingering air in the unit is reheated by the hot coils for further use. Because of the intricate refrigerant system, heat pump dryers can reduce energy use by at least 28% compared to standard dryers. They also dry clothes at lower temperatures, so it’s gentler on clothing materials.
Dryer Size
In addition to the type of dryer you want, you’ll have to consider its size and whether you have the right space and setup for it. You may consider a full-size or compact dryer, depending on your living space.
According to GE Appliances, a traditional dryer is between 69 to 71 cm / 27 to 28 inches wide and 76 to 89 cm / 30 to 35 inches deep. When purchasing a new dryer, plan for at least 15 cm / 6 inches of space between the machine and the wall and 2.5 cm / 1 inch between the machines. Furthermore, you should also measure the doorway to your home and the stairwell to ensure your new clothes dryer will be able to fit.
If your space is limited, you may consider a compact dryer or stackable dryer that can sit directly on top of your front-loading washer for more convenience. If you’re looking for a compact unit, remember that it may not be suitable if you’re someone that does heavy loads of laundry each week. Full-size dryers can handle multiple loads if more than one person is doing laundry.
Load Capacity
Standard full-size clothes dryers have a load capacity of 5 cubic feet and 7 cubic feet. However, if you do laundry quite often, there are mega-capacity models available that can load up to 9 cubic feet or more.
You’ll want to ensure that your dryer capacity is at least twice the size of your washer. If your dryer is too small, you won’t be able to have your wet clothes properly dried. However, going with a dryer capacity that’s much bigger than you need can result in higher energy bills. Considering how often you do laundry and how many loads can help determine the capacity size you need.
Dryer Features
As dryers become more advanced, the amount of smart technology features has doubled. Today, you can find dryers with stainless steel drums, longer cycles, multiple temperature settings, cycle options for different types of clothing, safety locks, and much more.
There are some key features you may want to look out for when looking at clothes dryers:
Display
A dryer with an electronic or LED display will be able to alert you about how much time is left for your laundry load, as well as when you need to change your filter. Some models come with a touch screen, so you don’t have to fiddle around with buttons or dials.
Energy Rating
Do some research on the clothes dryers you may be considering. You can search for products on ENERGY STAR and learn more about their features. Look for models that have a good energy rating and promote energy efficiency. Most energy-efficient dryers have an expensive upfront cost, but they’ll save you money on your energy bills.
Additional Programs
The dryer’s basic programming may be suitable for most, but you may have the option to purchase a unit with additional programs. Some other programs include eco-mode or anti-crease, or a steam cycle. Some of the added programs may help you save energy consumption and protect your clothes from wrinkling or damage.
Auto-Sensing
Auto-sensing is a helpful feature that ensures your drying cycle automatically stops if it senses that your clothes are dry. This feature keeps you from running cycles for too long and minimizes energy consumption. It also prevents clothes from over-drying, meaning your clothing items will maintain their look and shape without the possibility of heat damage.
Filters
You typically need to clean your dryer’s filter between each load, especially if you have a vented dryer. To make the cleaning more convenient, try to look for a clothes dryer with a filter that’s easy to access. Some dryers come with filters located on the front.
Time Delay Function
Sure, you might think it’s proper laundry etiquette to start your dryer after you’ve just loaded it, but there are various reasons why you might want to delay it. You can set your dryer to start at a more convenient time for you, such as in the morning, so it isn’t running loudly overnight or when you come home from work.
Child Locks
If you have a curious child, consider a dryer with child lock features. This feature ensures that the dryer can’t be opened or operated without hitting a specific button or combination of buttons. It’s an added incentive if your child is particularly fond of investigating new appliances.Washers and dryers are a big investment. With all the additional features and model types available, you’ll want to make sure that your investment gets the best maintenance possible. Contact your local dryer repair in Ottawa if your dryer breaks down or needs a repair. Our team will ensure that your appliance gets the service it needs.