Natural Gas Clothes Dryers | CenterPoint Energy

High efficiency dryers may cost more initially but the more efficient your gas dryer is, the less energy it takes to dry your clothes (and the more money you save). Over time, the efficiency will likely pay for itself and begin saving you money.

For more savings, look for dryers that have an Energy Star certification and that have moisture sensors, which should cut down on excess drying time by shutting off the machine automatically when closes are dry.

Dryers come in a variety of drum sizes to handle loads from 5 to over 20 pounds. Find a natural gas clothes dryer that fits your home and lifestyle.

• Measure your space to find out which models will fit.
• Factor in family size. It’s more efficient to launder big loads than frequent, smaller loads.
• Compact clothes dryers are ideal for apartments & mobile homes. They may be set on a rack above a compact washer, or be a part of a stackable washer/dryer unit.

There are three common types of time controls.

1) Timed drying involves setting the dryer's operation time (before it starts). You must guess the appropriate drying time, leaving your clothes at risk of over- and under-drying.

2) Automatic drying is more accurate than timed drying, but still vulnerable to inefficiency and inconvenience. Clothes dryers typically offer two or three automatic drying cycles such as regular, permanent press, and knit/delicate.

• Most gas dryers allow you to also choose your desired degree of dryness.
• Over-drying is a lower risk, assuming you choose the correct fabric type.
• Under-drying is less likely, but may still occur with automatic drying.

3) Electronic sensor drying is the most energy efficient of the three types of clothes dryer controls. It uses electronic sensors to measure the moisture of clothes before and during a drying cycle.

• No risk of under- or over-drying clothes.
• Energy efficient
• Convenient and easy

The appropriate water temperature may differ among laundry loads, depending on the type of fabric and amount of moisture.

Tips for setting the dryer's temperature control:

• High or regular for non-permanent press loads such as towels & heavy-duty fabrics
• Medium or permanent press for permanent press loads or no-iron fabrics such as nylon, acrylic, polyester or blends
• Low for knits
• Extra low for delicate fabrics and those labeled "Tumble Dry"
• Air for items that must be dried without heat, such as shower curtains, rain gear and items with elastic. Also use this for fluffing pillows & down garments, or removing dust from drapes

Modern gas dryers help you lower energy bills and reduce your time spent doing laundry.

• Automatic cool-down: A timed interval at the end of the drying cycle when tumbling continues with the heat off to reduce wrinkling of heat-sensitive synthetic fabrics and no-iron finishes.
• After-cycle tumble period: 15 minutes to 2 hours of periodic tumbling; helps prevent wrinkles.
• Damp-dry: For cotton items to be ironed while damp, or for speed drying of natural fiber washable sweaters.
• Tumble press: Releases wrinkles from garments that are clean and dry but slightly wrinkled.
• End-of-cycle signal: Reminds you to remove items from dryer to prevent wrinkles.
• Lint filter alarm: Tells you the lint filter urgently needs cleaning.
• Stationary dry: For items to be dried on a removable rack without tumbling. Ideal for wool socks, stuffed toys, mittens, and tennis shoes.

Smart-dryers give you additional features.

• Usage tracking delivered to your computer or mobile device
• Remote control of your dryer via smartphone
• Self-diagnosis capability if a repair may be needed
• Low-supply detection and automatic reordering of dryer sheets
• Voice-assistant capable with Amazon Alexa or Google Home

These easy steps will help ensure safe, problem-free, efficient operation. Consult your owner's manual for details.

• Clean lint screen after each load; lint buildup reduces efficiency and could cause a fire.
• Clean exhaust duct work, vent, and hinged hood cover (outside the house) periodically:
• Turn off or disconnect electrical power to dryer first.
• Disconnect duct from dryer.
• Using appropriate tool,* clean the duct one section at a time.
• Check turns in the duct and remove collected lint.
• Be sure flapper at outside end of duct works freely (see illustration).


• Do not dry materials stained with cleaning solvents, wax or paint; foam rubber or rubber-coated items; or glass fiber materials.
• Do not use top of dryer as a work surface. Most dryers have an enamel finish that's not as scratch-resistant as porcelain.

* A vacuum hose attachment, a pole with feather duster or rag attached, or a drain-cleaning wire with a dust rag tightly attached.

Help save money and energy with these natural-gas-dryer efficiency tips:

• Dry several loads one after another. It takes less energy to bring the dryer to the required temperature each time.
• Install your dryer properly using rigid metal ductwork in the size recommended by the manufacturer. In general, a short, straight duct is best.
• Vent the dryer to the outside to carry moisture-laden air out of your home. Flexible venting is not recommended; it tends to obstruct air flow and collects lint in its grooves.
• Remove as much water as possible from laundry before putting in dryer by using the fast spin cycle on your washer.
• Don't open dryer door unnecessarily.
• Sort clothes into loads of similar fabric, finish, weight and color. Separate "lint givers" from "lint receivers." Dry dark colored items separately from lighter colored items. Read garment and fabric care labels for proper settings.
• Avoid overloading. Items should tumble freely. Include only a few large pieces; fill load with smaller pieces.
• Avoid over drying; it wastes energy and causes shrinkage, static-cling and wrinkling. Seams and waistbands should have a hint of moisture when taken from the dryer.
• Remove clothes as soon as dryer stops to avoid wrinkling.
• Use the no-heat setting to fluff pillows, renew pile of napped fabrics, freshen stored items, and remove lint or dust from household items such as drapes and spreads.
• Use electronic sensor or automatic drying controls, instead of timed drying, to help prevent overdrying.

For more ways to save energy at home, see our list of energy-saving programs and tips.