Washing and drying clothes may never be considered fun, but modern appliances have made the job easier. And natural gas provides a clean, efficient fuel to accomplish the job economically.

New gas dryers are designed to maximize efficiency, with features such as pilotless ignition and automatic shutoff. Industry studies show that new gas dryers use up to 30 percent less energy than older models.

How A Dryer Works

Clothes are dried by evaporating water from fabrics. This is accomplished by heat, air flow and tumbling action.

A fan draws in fresh air and directs it over the gas burner where it is heated. The burner is thermostatically controlled and automatically ignited. The heated air is channeled through the drum where the clothes are tumbled. The warm air absorbs moisture and is exhausted from the dryer through a lint filter. This process continues until the desired amount of moisture is removed.

Selecting Your Gas Dryer

Many factors enter into your buying decision -- appropriate size, desired controls and features, energy efficiency and price.

Size

• Select a dryer that will accommodate the largest load size from the automatic washer.
  
• Standard dryer width is 26 to 31 inches. Height, including control panel, ranges from 42 to 45 inches.
  
• Compact dryers are ideal for apartments and mobile homes. Some are only 21 inches wide and 36 inches high, and maybe set on a rack above a compact washing machine.

Dryer Controls

Controls regulate time and temperature. A dryer may have a single-dial time-temperature control with two basic cycles, regular and air; or solid state touch controls with electronic moisture sensors. Other control systems available include models with automatic cycles designed for custom drying a variety of fabrics and laundry loads. The controls may be dials, push buttons or electronic touch selectors.

Time Control

Although dryer designs may differ, there are three types of dryer controls available:

• Timed Drying:
  

  You choose the number of minutes the dryer will operate. At the end of the selected time, the dryer stops after a brief cool-down period.

• Automatic Drying (Temperature Sensing):
  

  You select the fabric setting and the degree of dryness. A thermostat in the exhaust measures the air temperature leaving the dryer drum. The control uses this temperature, along with a preset amount of time, to stop the dryer when the load is dry. A cool-down period may be included before the dryer stops.

• Electronic Sensor Drying (Moisture Sensing):
  

  You select the type of fabric and desired dryness setting. As clothes tumble, they contact electronic sensors in the drum which measures or "feels" the degree of moisture in the clothes. The dryer stops automatically when the clothes reach the selected dryness. A cool-down period is generally included.

Temperature Control

Each laundry load requires a different temperature depending on type of fabric and amount of moisture it holds. Temperature selections are: high (heavy), medium (permanent press), low (knits), extra low (gentle) and air fluff (no heat).

Tips for Dryer Use

• Read garment and fabric care labels for recommended settings. Best drying results are obtained if clothes are sorted into loads of similar fabric, finish, weight and color. Separate "lint givers" from "lint receivers." Turn dark colored items inside out (reduces fading) and dry separately from light colored items.
• Avoid overloading. In general, a properly sized dryer load; items should tumble freely. Include only a few large pieces; fill remainder of load with smaller pieces. To aid tumbling of small loads, add two clean lint-free towels.
• Avoid over-drying. Over-drying wastes energy and can cause shrinkage, static-cling and wrinkling. Most fabrics have some natural moisture and should not be "bone dry." Seams and waistbands should have a hint of moisture when taken from dryer.
• Use the no-heat settings to plump pillows, renew pile of napped fabrics, freshen stored items, and remove lint or dust from household items such as drapes and spreads.
• Consult owner's manual for details on how to use your particular dryer.

Care of Dryer

Despite its frequent use, a gas dryer is almost maintenance-free.

• Keep lint screen clean. Check it before each load. Don't operate the dryer with screen removed.
• Check exhaust duct work or vent periodically to be sure nothing obstructs air flow. Check flapper on outside hood; it should move freely to prevent loss of room heat and entrance of cool air when dryer is not in use.
• Do not dry:
  • Materials stained with cleaning solvents, wax or paint products.
  • Foam Rubber or rubber-coated items.
  • Glass fiber materials
• Check manufacturer's recommendations regarding use of dryer-added fabric softeners.
• Don't use top of dryer as a work surface. Bleach, detergent, solvents and other laundry additives can remove the finish.
  • To prevent stains, avoid placing wet non-colorfast items on top of the dryer.

Energy Use Tips

• Install dryer properly. For most efficient operation use the duct work size recommended by the manufacturer. In general, a short, straight duct is best.
• Dryers should be vented outside to carry moisture-laden air out of your home. Otherwise moist air recirculates through the dryer, increasing drying time and energy use.
• Remove as much water as possible from laundry before putting items in dryer. Use fast spin rather than a gentle spin.
• Don't open dryer door unnecessarily.
• Remove clothes as soon as dryer stops to avoid wrinkling and subsequent ironing. Don't overdry items that need touch-up ironing; remove slightly damp.