Selecting, placing and installing a new gas clothes dryer for your home can seem daunting. However, with some planning and preparation, it can be a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right gas dryer, prepare your space, and install your new appliance safely and correctly.
Choosing the Right Gas Clothes Dryer
When selecting a new gas dryer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right model for your needs:
Size and Dimensions
- First, measure the space in your laundry room or utility area to ensure there is adequate room for the dryer. Be sure to account for any doors or corners the dryer will need to fit through. Standard dryer dimensions are 27-29 inches wide by 30-34 inches deep. Measure your space’s width and depth to find a model that will fit.
- Also check ceiling height. Most dryers need at least 36 inches of headroom and up to 42 inches for front-load models.
- Consider capacity – gas dryers come in standard 3.4-3.8 cubic feet capacity or larger 5-7 cubic feet models. Choose based on your household size and laundry needs.
Venting Requirements
- Gas dryers require ventilation to exhaust hot, moist air. Select a model that will work with your existing venting or plan new venting accordingly.
- Standard venting is 4 inches in diameter. Long vent runs may need 5-6 inch diameter for optimal air flow.
- Plan vent runs under 25 feet long if possible. Calculate total vent length from dryer to outdoor vent hood.
Gas Supply
- Confirm gas supply matches dryer requirements. Most models use natural gas with a 3/8” NPT gas pipe inlet.
- Standard gas pressure is 4-6” water column for 7,000-15,000 BTU heating elements.
- If your laundry room lacks an existing gas line, plan modifications ahead of time.
Key Features
Consider convenience and custom features:
- Auto dry settings or moisture sensors for optimal drying
- Steam functions to refresh clothes and reduce wrinkles
- Sanitize cycle to kill germs at high heat
- Quick dry cycles for fast turnaround
- Wrinkle prevention or extended tumble options
- Smart capabilities to monitor cycles remotely
- Reversible or centered doors for custom layouts
- Front or top load design
Budget
- Prices range widely from $400 for basic models to $2000+ for premium dryers. Determine how much you want to invest based on features and longevity.
- Energy efficiency ratings can make a difference long term in operational costs.
Preparing Your Laundry Room for a New Gas Dryer
Before purchasing and installing your new gas dryer, take time to prepare your space. This will ensure proper operation, venting and gas connections.
Check Gas Supply Lines
- Turn off gas supply valve and confirm inlet size (usually 3/8” NPT).
- Inspect line for leaks with soap solution. Bubbles indicate leaks needing repair.
- Install new gas line if old one is undersized or needs replacement. Stainless steel flex lines provide flexibility for positioning the dryer.
Review Electrical Supply
- Gas dryers need 120 volt power supply. Have an electrician install new outlet if necessary.
- Use 10 or 12 AWG wire and outlet rated for 30 amps minimum.
- Include 4-prong outlet for grounded connection (neutral, hot, ground, neutral).
- Ensure outlet is accessible behind dryer, not behind washer or laundry tub.
Ventilation Planning
Proper venting is crucial for safe operation and efficiency. Consider the following:
- Use rigid metal ductwork, not plastic flexible ducts (which can sag and trap moisture).
- Vent outside, not into attics or garages where humid air can cause damage.
- Minimize turns and elbows in vent run. Use 45 degree elbows, not 90 degree turns.
- Ensure vent hood outside has backdraft dampers and closes when dryer is off.
- Plan vent run as short and straight as possible. Slope vent slightly downward to prevent moisture pooling.
- Calculate total vent length; reduce duct diameter if over 25 feet long.
- Use clamps and foil tape at all vent connection points for air-tight seal.
Create Level, Stable Foundation
- Set dryer on solid flooring, not on carpets. Wood or concrete flooring works best.
- Use shims to level dryer if floor is uneven. Check with leveler.
- For elevated installations, build secure pedestal or platform to bolt dryer onto.
- Leave adequate space for air circulation and venting around dryer, at least a few inches.
- Make electrical and gas connections accessible behind dryer. Avoid cramping.
Step-By-Step Gas Dryer Installation
With proper planning finished for your space, now you are ready to install your new gas dryer. Follow these steps for safe and proper setup:
1. Unbox Dryer
- Carefully remove dryer from packaging materials and shipping skid. Recycle materials.
- Use an appliance dolly or get help to move dryer if heavy. Avoid dropping or impacting dryer.
- Keep dryer upright; do not tilt more than 45 degrees to avoid component damage.
- Inspect dryer exterior for any dents, scratches or damage during shipping.
2. Position and Level Dryer
- Place dryer in final location, leaving adequate space for ventilation and access.
- Confirm dryer is level side to side and front to back. Place shims beneath corners if needed.
- For elevated installations, bolt dryer to platform using brackets. Stabilize washer below with braces.
3. Connect Gas Supply
- Locate gas connection point on back of dryer. Check for proper gas inlet size.
- Connect stainless steel flex line from gas supply to dryer inlet. Use wrench to tighten for leak-free seal.
- Turn on gas supply and spray all connections with soap solution to test for leaks. Fix if bubbles form.
4. Install Venting
- Attach vent ductwork to exterior exhaust port centered on back of dryer.
- Run venting to terminate outside following planned route. Use clamps to seal all joints.
- Outside, ensure vent hood flaps open when dryer runs and closes when off.
- Confirm vent run is sloped down slightly to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Connect Electricity
- Insert 4-prong electrical cord into grounded outlet rated for 220v power supply.
- Keep cord behind dryer; do not run between appliances or to front access area.
- Ensure cord has some slack and is not pulled taut or pinched behind dryer.
6. Check Water Inlet for Steam Models
- For dryers with steam cycles, connect water line to inlet on back. Use rubber washing machine hoses.
- Turn on water to confirm washers seal properly without leaks.
- Check that water supply pressure is 20-120 PSI. Install pressure regulator if needed.
7. Confirm Exhaust Operation
- Initiate brief test cycle to confirm dryer turns on and exhaust air flows from vent outside.
- Listen for air movement from vent hood outside. No other exhaust vents should open.
- Check for leaks around joints using hand to feel for airflow. Seal with duct tape if needed.
8. Wipe Out Drum Interior
- Remove any dust from shipping inside the dryer drum with microfiber cloth.
- Ensure drum turns freely by rotating it manually.
- Vacuum out any lint in ductwork leading to blower exhaust.
9. Level and Stabilize Top Load Models
- For top load dryer models, ensure dryer does not rock side-to-side when pushed. Add shims if needed.
- Confirm dryer does not vibrate or move during operation. Stabilize washer below if needed.
- Use a level to double check top of dryer is level. Adjust shims if required.
10. Confirm Functionality
- Perform test run using various settings to verify all dryer functions work properly:
- Run timed drying cycle and check auto shut off
- Test different heat levels and durations
- Check steam cycles if equipped
- Ensure LED display and controls operate normally
- Listen for abnormal noises indicating loose parts
- Monitor entire cycle for operational issues
Gas Dryer Safety Tips
Follow these safety measures when using your new gas dryer:
- Keep dryer area clear of clutter and combustible materials.
- Clean lint screen before every load to prevent fire risks. Avoid lint buildup.
- Ensure exhaust hood flappers open and close freely outside.
- Check venting yearly for lint buildup or obstructions.
- Turn off gas and electrical supply before servicing dryer.
- Supervise children near drying laundry to avoid entrapments.
- Allow dryer to cool before touching internal components.
- Unplug dryer and turn off gas when not in use for extended periods.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Dryer Issues
If problems arise, check the following quick fixes:
Dryer won’t start:
- Confirm power supply is on and door is closed securely.
- Check circuit breaker or fuses are not tripped. Reset breaker switch.
- Make sure gas supply is turned on. Listen for gas valve opening at start.
- Examine door latch for obstructions preventing closure.
Dryer doesn’t heat properly:
- Verify gas supply is on and operating at proper pressure.
- Clean lint screen which can block airflow and heating efficiency.
- Check exhaust duct and outside vent for obstructions or debris clogs.
- Listen for igniter attempting to light at start of cycle. Replace igniter if no sound.
- Have technician test heating element and thermostats for proper operation.
Clothes take too long to dry:
- Ensure venting is properly connected and exhausting outdoors.
- Confirm venting is right length and diameter without kinks slowing airflow.
- Clean lint buildup from ductwork, lint screen and interior cabinet.
- Use moisture sensor settings instead of timed cycles.
- Have heating element tested for proper wattage output.
Clothes are too hot:
- Adjust dryer heat settings to match load items. Use lower temps for delicates.
- Limit load size to improve airflow and drying efficiency.
- Clean lint buildup which can restrict airflow and cause excess heat.
- If issue persists, have thermostats tested in case they are not regulating temp accurately.
Excess moisture in exhaust:
- Ensure vent run slopes down slightly toward outdoors. Level or tip venting downward.
- Use rigid metal venting, not plastic ducts which allow moisture condensation.
- Reduce vent length if over 25 feet.
Gas Dryer Maintenance Tips
To keep your gas dryer operating safely and efficiently, follow these maintenance practices:
- Clean lint filter before every load. Scrub screen monthly to remove film.
- Check venting yearly for lint buildup or obstructions. Detach and clean duct sections as needed.
- Vacuum interior cabinet, ductwork and blower assembly to remove lingering lint.
- Confirm dryer vent flappers open and close properly outside. Replace if damaged.
- Inspect door gasket for tears. Order replacement seal if required.
- Test door safety switch operating properly. Adjust or replace faulty switch.
- Level dryer if rocking or vibrating. Tighten leveling feet or add shims as required.
- Every 2-5 years, have dryer serviced by professional to test components and clean internally.
Following this guide will help you choose the ideal gas clothes dryer for your home, prepare properly for installation, safely connect your new appliance, and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Let us know if you have any other gas dryer questions!