Gas dryer or electric dryer: what changes on removal day
Look behind the dryer without moving it much. A large plug with three or four thick prongs means electric. A regular three-prong plug and a thin metal or flexible line running to a valve means gas. An electric dryer is a simple job. A gas dryer has one step that belongs to a qualified technician.
How to tell
| What you see | Electric | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Plug | Large, three or four prongs | Regular household plug |
| Wall outlet | Large outlet, on its own breaker | Standard outlet |
| Other lines | Vent duct only | Vent duct and a gas line with a shutoff |
Whirlpool's installation guide calls for a separate 30-amp circuit on electric models and covers both four-wire and three-wire receptacles (Whirlpool).
If it is electric
- Turn off the breaker. Some panels use two, so check both.
- Pull the plug from the wall.
- Slide the dryer forward and disconnect the vent duct.
- Empty the lint trap and clear the drum.
If it is gas
New Mexico Gas Company's customer notice covers flexible connectors, the corrugated tubes used most on ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces and water heaters. It says some connectors made between 1970 and 1980 can fail, and only a qualified technician should inspect them or replace them. It also tells customers not to move gas appliances themselves, because even slight movement can cause a failure. After a gas appliance is disconnected, the connector comes off and the fuel line gets plugged and capped (NMGC, May 2021).
That notice is from 2021, so call NMGC at 1-888-664-2726 if you want its current guidance. Until then, do not shove an older gas dryer around to get a better look.
A licensed plumber or HVAC technician can disconnect and cap the line. If a new dryer is coming, ask the installer whether that is included, and get the answer before delivery day.
If you smell gas
Stop, leave the house and call New Mexico Gas Company or 911 from outside. Do not flip switches or start a car in the garage.
The vent
Whichever you have, deal with the vent while the dryer is out. Pull the old foil duct, vacuum the wall opening and clean the floor.
If you would rather not deal with it
Dryer Removal covers this job, and quotes are free. Call (505) 657-3255, any day from 7 AM to 7 PM.
