Commercial Gas Dryers

WHAT IS A GAS DRYER VS. ELECTRIC DRYER

Gas dryers produce a warmer heat cycle compared with electric dryers, reducing the drying time for clothes and saving on monthly energy bills.

COMMERCIAL PROPANE APPLICATIONS: CLOTHES DRYERS

Commercial applications for propane clothes dryers provide laundry functions for numerous building types, with a range of capacities and performance options to meet specific needs.

APPLICATIONS FOR USE

• Multifamily Buildings

• Hotels

• Laundromats

• Schools

• Restaurants

• Hospitals

• Health Clubs

AT A GLANCE

• Capacity from 18,000 Btu/h to more than 550,000 Btu/h.

• Faster drying times compared with electric units.

• Features such as moisture sensors, air temperature monitors, and steam cycles.

CAN A GAS DRYER RUN ON PROPANE?

It’s important to know that gas dryers can be set to run on propane or natural gas — just let the installer know which gas source you’re using. New installations and existing replacements can both use flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas lines. CSST lines are easily routed to the dryer location to expedite the installation.

Are Gas Dryers Safe?

Propane clothes dryers produce hot air with more moisture than electric dryers, which can help relax wrinkles in the clothes. Propane clothes dryers are equipped with moisture sensors, pilotless ignition, and timed drying cycles to ensure that the unit operates efficiently and safely.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A GAS CLOTHES DRYER

PERFORMANCE

Propane commercial gas clothes dryer are available in a wide range of burner capacities, generally ranging from 18,000 Btu/h to well over 550,000 Btu/h for inputs. For comparison, TABLE 1 depicts three different dryer models available as propane or electric and illustrates how propane models outpace electric units for higher volume models. This translates to faster drying times and greater throughput for commercial operations. Many dryers come equipped with perforated drums that allow for more balanced airflow, and recirculating air design helps reduce gas usage while promoting faster drying times. Pilotless ignition also helps save energy.

Other features available on propane clothes dryers include:

• Moisture sensors to optimize dry cycle time and reduce energy use.
• Air temperature monitors along with multiple heating settings to provide the proper drying temperatures for clothes, bedding, towels, table clothes, or other fabrics.
• LED control displays with one-touch preprogrammed features.
• Steam cycles to help de-wrinkle fabrics.

TABLE 1: COMPARISON OF PROPANE AND ELECTRIC

ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND COSTS

Operators of commercial laundry equipment are highly exposed to energy costs given the capacity and frequency of equipment use. With increasing use, the cost savings of propane clothes dryers compared with electric units becomes considerable. TABLE 2 illustrates that small differences in the cost per load can translate into larger annual differences due to the frequency of use in commercial settings. The 2.2 loads/day example is a modest estimate that would be much higher in most commercial settings.

TABLE 2: CLOTHES DRYER OPERATING COST ESTIMATES IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS WITH CENTRAL LAUNDRY FACILITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL

Annual CO² output emission rates vary depending on fuel sources. Propane has the clear advantage to lower emission rates when compared with electricity. This is driven in large part by a significant portion of the nation’s electricity being generated in coal-fired power plants that have a heavy carbon footprint.

Continuing with the multifamily laundry facility example, TABLE 3 illustrates that an electric dryer configuration would result in over 1,000 pounds of additional CO² emissions annually compared with propane units. And again, greater usage of laundry equipment will amplify these emissions differences. This type of performance benefit can factor significantly into a company’s sustainability goals.

TABLE 3: CLOTHES DRYER CO² EMISSIONS ESTIMATES IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS WITH CENTRAL LAUNDRY FACILITIES

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