Electric and gas dryers produce the same lint and carry the same fire risk. Gas dryers add one more: the exhaust duct is also the flue for the burner.
What's in gas dryer exhaust
A gas burner produces water vapor, carbon dioxide and, with imperfect combustion, carbon monoxide. All of it leaves through the 4-inch dryer duct along with the lint. When airflow is good, it goes outside. When the duct is restricted, exhaust backs up through the dryer cabinet and into the laundry room.
Warning signs specific to gas dryers
- Headaches, dizziness or nausea during or after laundry
- A CO alarm near the laundry area
- Soot or discoloration around the dryer's exhaust connection
- Plus all the usual signs: long dry times, a hot cabinet, a burning smell
What to do
- Install a CO detector within 15 feet of the laundry room if you don't have one.
- Treat long dry times as urgent, not an inconvenience.
- Have the vent cleaned annually; every 6 months for roof vents.
- Never vent a gas dryer indoors or into a garage, attic or crawl space.
- Never use an indoor lint-trap kit with a gas dryer.
How we handle gas dryers
We slide the dryer out only as far as the flexible gas connector safely allows, which is enough to reach the vent. We never disconnect gas lines. The cleaning itself is identical to an electric dryer. Book online; select gas or electric in the home details step so we come prepared.