Dryers operate by circulating heated air to evaporate moisture from clothes and then exhausting that moist air. The specific method of generating heat differs between electric and gas dryers, but the basic principle remains the same.
Electric Dryers
Electric dryers use an electric heating element, similar to a large toaster coil, to generate heat.
- Heating Element: Electricity passes through the high-resistance metal coils within the heating element, causing them to heat up significantly.
- Air Circulation: A blower fan pulls air from the room (or sometimes an outside source) and forces it over the hot heating element. This heats the air.
- Tumbling and Drying: The heated air is then circulated through the dryer drum, where it tumbles the clothes. This hot air absorbs moisture from the clothing.
- Venting: The moisture-laden air is then exhausted out of the dryer through a vent to the outside. This prevents condensation and maintains drying efficiency.
Gas Dryers
Gas dryers use either natural gas or propane to generate heat.
- Gas Burner: A gas burner ignites the gas, producing a flame that heats a metal heat exchanger.
- Air Circulation: A blower fan pulls air from the room (or an outside source) and forces it over the hot heat exchanger. This heats the air.
- Tumbling and Drying: The heated air is then circulated through the dryer drum, where it tumbles the clothes. This hot air absorbs moisture from the clothing.
- Venting: The moisture-laden air, along with the exhaust from the gas burner, is then exhausted out of the dryer through a vent to the outside. It's critical to vent gas dryers properly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Key Components Common to Both Types
- Drum: A rotating drum tumbles the clothes, exposing them to the heated air.
- Motor: A motor powers the drum and the blower fan.
- Timer/Controls: A timer or electronic control panel allows you to set the drying time and temperature. Many modern dryers also have sensors to detect moisture levels and automatically adjust the drying time.
- Thermostat: A thermostat regulates the temperature inside the dryer to prevent overheating.
Summary
Dryers work by heating air and circulating it through a tumbling drum to evaporate moisture from clothes. Electric dryers use an electric heating element, while gas dryers use a gas burner. Both types require proper venting to exhaust the moist air and, in the case of gas dryers, combustion byproducts.
