Clothes Dryer Manuals & Owner Guides

Dryer types explained

Vented electric

Heats air with an electric element and exhausts it outdoors; usually needs a 240 V circuit.

Gas

Heats with a gas burner and vents outdoors; needs a gas line and a 120 V outlet. Often cheaper to run where gas prices are low.

Heat pump

Recycles heat through a refrigeration circuit and needs no vent. The most efficient type, with longer, gentler cycles.

Ventless (condensing)

Condenses moisture into water that drains or collects in a container — no duct needed, common in compact 24 in. models.

All-in-one washer-dryer

Washes and dries in one drum; ideal where there is room for only one machine.

Lint and venting safety

Clean the lint filter every load and the vent duct at least once a year. Use 4 in. rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, keep the run as short as possible, and make sure the outdoor hood flap opens freely. Longer drying times are often the first sign of a restricted vent.

Understanding CEF

The combined energy factor (CEF) is pounds of clothes dried per kWh, including standby power — higher is better. The DOE annual estimate assumes 283 loads a year. For gas dryers the annual figure is expressed in kWh-equivalent and combines gas and electricity.

Clothes Dryer FAQ