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Community and Q&A

Best dryer for indoor air quality: gas or electric?

Carfar96 | Posted in Green Products and Materials on

Is a gas or electric dryer the best for our indoor air quality in a new home? We have access to gas, so that isn’t a concern. Just looking for what is best for the health of our family. Thank you!

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Replies

  1. iLikeDirt | | #1

    In my climate (high desert), the best dryer for air quality is my trusty indoor laundry drying rack; the moisture in the clothes raises the indoor relative humidity. In general, burning gas indoors is bad for air quality. It might be a lot cheaper to run though, at least until you add some solar panels and wish you'd bought the electric one.

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    Carolyn,
    There shouldn't be any difference in indoor air quality between these two types of clothes dryers. Obviously, a clothes dryer needs to be vented outdoors. If the vent pipe isn't clogged, and everything is operating properly, either type of dryer will work fine, and won't contribute to indoor air quality problems.

    If you have a problem with the venting system -- the most common problem is a vent pipe that is clogged with lint -- either type of dryer can lead to high indoor humidity.

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