If we could show you ways to contribute to cleaner air, would you be interested?

Surveys show that concern for the environment ranks higher with consumers than any other issue... including food and utility costs, the performance of the government, being able to save for the future and job security. That's why you probably have real interest in how you can contribute to cleaner air.

The natural gas industry also has a keen interest in environmental matters. We are proud that natural gas can make important contributions in three areas of concern - ozone and urban smog, acid rain and global warming. Government, business, academia and the media recognize that the increased use of natural gas is an attractive option for solving these problems.

As a concerned citizen, you may want to add .contributing to cleaner air" as another benefit of buying a gas appliance. Gas is America's cleanest fuel, and the natural gas industry looks forward to working with you to solve pollution problems and to protect our precious environment.

We hope this Buyer's Guide for gas dryers helps you with your selection. Enjoy your purchase.

From your friends in the gas industry...

Use natural gas. We'll all breathe easier.

 

Before you Buy, Please Consider the Following!

   Energy Source and Cost
   Efficiency
   Drying Control Systems
   Personal Needs
   Airflow Pattern
   Temperature Controls
   Size
   Convenience Features
   Quality
   Warranty and Service
   Manufacturer's Assistance Programs
   Energy and Money-Saving Tips
   A.G.A. Blue Star Certification
   Shopping Checklist

Are you looking at a new home and deciding on your gas appliances? Or perhaps you need a replacement dryer for one you have had for years. You may decide to change your energy source, from electric to gas. Keep in mind which fuel is presently being used in the home for the range, furnace and water heater. You are making an investment decision in your future. Today, there is a whole new generation of high performance gas dryers. New technological advances help make housekeeping and doing the laundry easier and faster to fit in with busy schedules and lifestyles of the ?s.

You're shopping for the best buy...a quality appliance that will perform for many years. You've realized that it makes good sense to buy today's more energy efficient and economical gas dryer. But which of the many available brands and models is the right one for your family ... which best fits your needs?

That's the key to selecting the right appliance...

Meeting Your Needs

Before making a choice, use the handy checklist to itemize your needs in a dryer. Refer to it as you comparison shop.

Before You Buy, Consider:

Cost- Natural gas is less expensive than electricity. Depending on where you live, gas dryers cost from two-thirds to half as much to operate as electric models. In fact, a gas dryer can save you more than $500 over a 13-year lifetime. The higher purchase price and installation costs for gas dryers can often be recovered quickly through these lower operating costs.

A dryer has three major cost components:

1. Initial Purchase Cost: the price paid to buy and install the dryer.
2. Energy Cost: the price paid for energy to operate the dryer.
3. Service Cost: the price paid for maintenance and repair of the product throughout its life.

Initial purchase price is an important consideration. However, don't discount energy and service costs because the purchase price may be lower. A gas dryer lasts a long time ... about 13 years. Operating costs, warranty coverage and availability of parts and service at competitive prices are as important to consider as the purchase price.

Energy Consumption/Efficiency- Today's gas dryers use less energy than older models. No pilot lights are required because they light automatically. Because of this feature, consumers can save over half of their operating costs by replacing their old gas dryer with a new one and help conserve America's energy.

Control Systems- Dryers offer a variety of control systems designed to handle typical laundry loads and most modern fabrics. Control designs vary from a single timer dial divided into minute segments, to solid-state touch controls. Some models also feature an electronic moisture sensor with multiple cycles designed for a variety of fabrics and special-purpose drying.

1. Timed-Drying System- With this system, you estimate the time needed to dry each load. Then you set the timer control for the selected minutes. At the end of the selected time, after a brief cool-down period, the dryer stops.

The timed-drying system requires some user skill to avoid either over- or under-drying.

2. Automatic-Dry (Temperature Sensing) System- With this system, you select a desired dryness setting for each load (on a dial, with push buttons or solid-state touch controls). As the load dries, a thermostat in the exhaust measures the air temperature leaving the dryer drum. The control uses the sensed temperature, along with a pre-set amount of time, to stop the dryer when the load reaches the selected dryness level.

This system works well with loads of similar weight fabric. However, it provides less even drying for mixed loads that combine both light and heavyweight fabrics. Automatic-dry systems require less guess work than a timed-dry control and reduce the possibility of over-drying and energy waste.

3. Automatic-Control (Moisture-Sensing) System- With this system, you select a desired dryness setting for each load (on a dial, with push buttons, or with solid-state touch controls). As load items tumble, they contact electronic sensors in the drum that "feel" the moisture level. As the load dries, the sensors continuously report to the control. The dryer stops automatically when the load reaches the selected dryness level.

This moisture-sensing control system gives the most accurate drying results. The control system works best when fabrics in a load are of a similar weight. Mixed-weight fabric loads can sometimes "fool" the sensor. For example, if nylon items are dried with towels, sensors may "feel" the moisture level of the nylon which dries rapidly ... leaving wet towels when the cycle ends. If towels touch the sensor, nylons may be over-dried and wrinkled by the time the towels are dry.

Personal Needs- Select the best control system f your laundry loads. If the family's clothing and household items are mainly permanent press, knits and synthetics (with only a few loads of 100 percent cotton), consider an automatic-dry or automatic control system. They have more flexibility for drying modern fabrics. Tests show that they can reduce drying energy consumption by 10 to 15 percent by providing accurate, timed-drying cycles.

Airflow Pattern- Different manufacturers of dryers offer a variety of airflow patterns. However, you can add to your operating cost savings by choosing one where clothes tumble into a diagonal airflow. It provides fast, thorough drying at low temperatures.

Temperature Controls- Today's dryers offer a variety of temperature controls. Some models have only one heat setting, plus a no-heat selection (air). Other models have three or four heat settings (plus air), designed for specific fabrics. Your fabric loads will determine the drying temperature needed.

For example, if you dry only towels and jeans, a single temperature dryer will meet your needs. But, if you also have loads of 100- percent cotton, permanent press, polyester knits, nylons and other modern fabrics, consider buying a dryer with at least two heat settings, and possibly more.

Temperature settings generally available on modern dryers include:

• High (heavy, regular, normal, cottons)- Recommended for towels, jeans and other heavy cotton fabrics.
• Medium (permanent press)- Recommended for durable or permanent press and woven synthetic fabrics.
• Low (knits, gentle, delicate)- Recommended for knitted synthetic sheer fabrics.
• Extra Low (delicate)- Recommended for sheer synthetics and heat-sensitive fabrics.
• Air Fluff- Recommended for heat sensitive fabrics, pillows, draperies, rugs or bedspreads that have not been laundered.

Size

Gas dryers can range in size from 24" to 29" wide. They generally offer three drum capacities:

1. COMPACT - These units are styled to fit in small areas and can be purchased with companion washers. They generally dry less than normal sized loads. These units are stackable and ideal for multi-family-size units. The stacked unit requires only about five square feet of floor space.
2. REGULAR/LARGE - Drum volumes are generally under six cubic feet, a capacity that matches standard or large size washers. These dryers are designed to handle average loads, but are generally less efficient than larger volume dryers in handling extra large loads and bulky household items. Average energy input ranges from about 18,000 to 25,000 Btu per hour. Fullsized washer and dryer stock units are also available.
3. EXTRA LARGE - Drum volumes are generally over six cubic feet, which matches the capacity of extra large-size washers. These dryers are designed to handle average to large size loads and bulky household items. Average energy input ranges from about 18,000 to 30,000 Btus per hour.

Select the dryer size that best meets your family's needs. A dryer that is too small will be slow and inefficient. One that is greatly over-sized may not tumble small loads properly. The wrong choice can result in excessive wrinkling, poor operation of moisture sensors and wasted energy.

Venting- Be sure your dryer is vented properly. Use the straightest, shortest duct for venting. Rigid, metal ducts trap the least amount of lint. Check the outside vent hood monthly to make sure the vent lid opens and doses freely. A vent lid that remains open allows heated air to escape and cold drafts to enter the house.

Convenience Features

There are many dryer features that can help make the laundry process less time-consuming and more convenient. Some features are standard and are included on most dryers. Others may be available only on specific models (or brands) of dryers. To help you evaluate features in terms of your needs, a brief description of each is outlined here. These features are available on most gas dryers.

Standard and Special Features

• Automatic Cool Down- This is a five- to ten minute period at the end of each cycle. It tumbles the load at room -temperature air. It's used for cooling fabrics and reducing wrinkling of no-iron fabrics.
• Special Controls- Some brands now feature control graphics and back panel labels with technical service information in Spanish. There are also custom designs for visually impaired customers that feature large-size graphics and enlarged controls, knobs and push buttons for easy use. Braille or audio instruction kits are also available. Be sure to ask your dealer.
• Door Opening - Dryer doors open to the left, to the right or down. It is easier to transfer the clothes from the washer to the dryer if the washer is installed to the right of the dryer, the dryer door opens to the left, and vice versa. Some dryer doors open a full 1801, so the washer can be installed on either side of the dryer. This type of door is accessible for the disabled. To save extra back bending, consider installing the dryer on a 12-inch-high elevated platform. You can use the space beneath as a storage area.
• Drying Rack - This fits into the drum to provide flat drying (no tumbling) for special items. Among its uses are for drying tennis shoes or for flat drying of woolens, stuffed toys or small items that should not be tumbled.
• End-of-Cycle Signal - This is a bell, buzzer or electronic beep that signals the end of a drying cycle. It alerts user to remove load as soon as dryer stops. Doing so helps avoid wrinkles caused by leaving the load in a warm dryer.
• Freshening or De-Wrinkling - This is a short cycle with heat plus cool down. You can use it to freshen and restore items that are clean, but wrinkled or musty from storage.
• Lights - Some models have lights on the console and in the dryer drum when door is opened. A top light allows you to see the controls more easily. A drum light provides better visibility when loading and unloading.
• Lint Filter - This is a screen to catch lint during the drying cycle. It may be located on top of the dryer, in the door well or in the back wall, inside the dryer drum. Look for a design that is easy to remove, clean and replace.
• Option for Wrinkle Prevention - Some dryers offer an option that will keep the dryer tumbling without heat for a specified time after the permanent press cycle is over. This feature is designed to prevent wrinkling when you can't remove the clothes from the dryer immediately after the cycle is finished.
• User Instructions - These give you product information on labels, console or cabinet instructions and/or in booklets. Some models have holders for the literature package. These instructions give you information on installation, use, care, safety, service and how to contact the manufacturer.

There are other, less visible characteristics that you may want to check before you make your final purchase decision for a new gas dryer. Consider these factors:

Quality- How does the visible quality measure up? Do parts fit and match well? Does the door close securely? Are knobs, dials and push buttons easy to grip, turn or set? Are they arranged in a logical manner? Does the dryer have good instructions? What is the manufacturer's reputation for quality? Read the label attached to the dryer (or ask for specification sheets) to learn about construction, materials and finishes. These items can be important factors over the lifetime of a dryer. Set standards for the quality level you need and expect, and include it in your shopping list.

Be sure to check for:

• Cabinet protection against rust
• Durability of dryer top
• Drum finish (is it under warranty?)
• Belt design
• Leveling legs with rust protection
• Seals around the dryer drum

Warranty and Service- Read the warranty before you buy. How does it compare with other brands you've looked at. VVho will service the dryer? Are authorized factory service and parts available in your area? Ask questions and get answers ... before you need them.

In general, it is a good idea to buy from a local dealer who has a reputation for prompt and dependable service.

Manufacturer's Customer Assistance Program- As you shop, ask about each manufacturer's or retailer's customer assistance programs. Some manufacturers have factory-sponsored programs; others work only through local dealers. Some types of customer assistance include:

1. Local or regional factory representatives who can provide assistance if there is a problem with a product.
2. Name and address of a factory person in charge of consumer affairs-to whom you can write and get an answer.
3. Toll-free telephone assistance from trained consultants who answer questions about use and care; provide names of authorized local service companies; and provide parts and service assistance for do-it-yourselfers.

These types of consumer services can be important if you move and need to find a qualified dealer, installer or service company in your new location.

Gas Dryer Buying Guide:

Energy and Money Saving Tips:

1. Separate lightweight from heavyweight fabrics for faster, more even drying.
2. Don't overload the dryer. The load must tumble freely for fastest, most wrinkle-free drying. Generally, a washer load is a dryer load.
3. When possible, dry full loads. Drying many small loads wastes energy.
4. If drying only one or two items, add several compatible items to ensure proper tumbling and faster drying.
5. Wash and dry several loads consecutively. A warm dryer shortens drying time.
6. Don't over-dry. This causes increased wear on the clothes. Use the automatic cycle (if your dryer has one). Remove the load when the dryer stops.
7. Don't add wet items to a partially dried load.
8. Don't open the dryer door unnecessarily. Warm air escapes from dryer into the room.
9. Clean the lint screen after each load. Even a light build-up of lint on the screen can lengthen drying time. Also, users should periodically check for lint accumulation around the gas burner (as instructed in the owner's manual).
10. Place the dryer in a warm area. Drying time is longer in unheated garages or utility rooms.
11. Make sure the dryer is exhausted properly to the outside according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Clean exhaust duct and check the vent lid monthly to make sure it opens and closes freely.
12. Make certain that the dryer is level. Otherwise, the drum rotation could cause the dryer to move and put stress on gas connections.

Finally ... you have all the information. You've shopped and completed your checklist. The gas dryer that best meets your needs has been selected.

Now, have it installed properly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and local codes.

Keep your sales slip, your warranty and complete model and serial numbers together in a safe place, for future reference and service needs.

Read your "Use and Care Guide." Start out right by using your new gas dryer in the most efficient way.

Enjoy your gas dryer for many years to come!

A.G.A Design Certification Seals

When shopping for your new gas dryer, always be sure the models you are considering are Design Certified by the American Gas Association (in the United States), Canadian Gas Association (in Canada) or another nationally recognized laboratory. In 1993, the American Gas Association and Canadian Gas Association formed a joint venture called International Approval Services" as a means of helping to ensure that the design of gas appliances sold in these two countries meet appropriate national standards.

Shopping Checklist

Gas Dryer Design, Quality, and Feature Characteristic	Brand 1	Brand 2	Brand 3
1. Model number
2. Cabinet size (HxWxD)
3. Is there rust protectionon cabinet?
4. Btu/hr input
5. Drum Size    Compact    Regular/Large    Extra Large
6. What is drum finish?
7. Does drum finish carry warranty against corrosion?
8. Temperature settings (number)
9. Dry control (timed auto temp., auto moisture)
10. Lint filter (top, door, & drum)
11. Cool down
12. End-of-cycle signal
13. User instructions
14. Drying rack
15. Winkle prevention
16. Air fluff cycle
17. Light: top drum
18. Can dryer be vented from side, back or bottom?
19. How long is the warranty? (full or limited years)
20. Does the warranty transfer with you if you move?
21. A.G.A. Blue Star seal
22. Visible quality
23. Price
24. Special customer services
25. Name of dealer