How Do I Tell if my Dryer Is Gas or Propane?
Some gas-heated clothes dryers use natural gas while others use liquid propane supplied from a tank. The pressures, heat output and design capabilities of the internal burners are different for the two types of gas.
For safety reasons, propane gas dryers are often equipped with a nozzle different in diameter from standard pipe connectors for natural gas. Appliances must also be printed with the burner rating information somewhere on the dryer so you'll know what type fuel to use. If the dryer is already hooked up, check your residential gas supply to find the type.
Tip
If you are buying a used gas dryer, ask the original owner if the appliance has been converted from natural gas for use with propane. Any original manufacturer's labels will be irrelevant if a conversion kit has been installed. Kits are available to convert from one fuel type to another, but you may not be aware of which type is installed when buying a used appliance. If in doubt, contact a gas technician to inspect the interior of the appliance.
-
Close the main gas valve in the house, turning the knob or lever clockwise. If it is connected to a tank at one end and the dryer on the other, your appliance uses liquid propane gas. If you are connected to a public utility, the dryer uses natural gas.
-
Open the front dryer door to locate the specifications printed inside the door well for the burner. The burner type will be listed as LP if the dryer is designed for propane use. Otherwise, it is a natural gas appliance.
-
Pull the dryer out from the wall to inspect the gas connection. Locate the 3/8-inch pipe that connects to the rear of the appliance. Above or below this connection may be a label noting whether the dryer uses natural or propane gas.
The Drip Cap
- Some gas-heated clothes dryers use natural gas while others use liquid propane supplied from a tank.
- Close the main gas valve in the house, turning the knob or lever clockwise.
- Above or below this connection may be a label noting whether the dryer uses natural or propane gas.
References
Writer Bio
James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
More Articles
