Installing an electric dryer in your laundry room doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right preparation and a clear set of instructions, you can get your dryer up and running in no time.
As long as you have the appropriate hookups, it's a task you can tackle on your own. However, before you begin, you'll need the written installation instructions that accompanied your product and a second person to help move this heavy machine into place.
Replacing a washer and dryer is an easy home improvement project. It should take an hour or two to install a washer and dryer if all necessary connections are ready.
As long as you have ample power points in your laundry, you don't need a licensed electrician, but if you're renovating the room you might need one to move the power point or install an additional one. If you need external ventilation ducting for a vented dryer, you'll need this to be professionally installed.
A washer and dryer installation is fairly easy to do. First level the two of them. Then, with the clothes dryer, you simply need to hook up a vent line to the back of the dryer and wire in an electrical cord, again to the back of it. Then plug it in and it's ready for use. The clothes washer is even easier.
An electric dryer will have a heavy cord that plugs right into a high-voltage outlet, without connecting to a gas line. A gas dryer, on the other hand, plugs into a regular outlet and connects to a gas valve, which is usually right behind the dryer.
The average cost of a new dryer and installation is $1,000. The appliance is $850, and $150 is for labor. If you already have the electricity, plumbing, and venting systems, you will pay around $50 and $100 per hour for the dryer installation, which takes an hour or two to complete.
How long does it take to install a dryer? Installing a dryer should take about an hour. Sometimes, a gas line needs to be connected to the dryer (unless it's electric), a vent hose needs to be connected, electrical wiring needs to be installed, and testing may be necessary.
Electric dryers run on a 240 volt current, which requires the installation of a special kind of outlet. If your home was built before the mid 90's, then it is likely that you have a 3 prong dryer outlet, but if it was built later, then you should have a 4 prong outlet.
For example, heat pump dryers are generally rated 7 to 10 stars for energy efficiency, while vented dryers are rarely rated higher than 3 stars (and are more likely to have a 2 star rating). The difference in star ratings can equate to hundreds of dollars in savings over the life of your machine.
We'll deliver, install and make sure your new electric dryer is working. We'll also connect a new, customer-supplied 220V power cord and vent kit. For a front-load dryer, we'll place it on a compatible pedestal. We'll also remove all packaging from your home.
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the dryer. Place dryer at least 18 inches above the floor for a garage installation. Failure to do so can result in death, explosion or fire.
It's a straightforward process that involves connecting a few wires from the cord to the dryer terminal block, matching the colors on the wires and then securing those wires to their terminals. Ultimately, rely on the information in your specific model's installation guide.
Lowe's Can Help With Your Washer and Dryer Installation
We'll connect you with a professional independent installer for your washer and dryer installation. We can help set up both gas dryers and electric dryers and so much more.
Home Depot Appliance Delivery & Installation - Overview. Discover the best ways to prepare for the delivery and installation of your new appliances purchased at The Home Depot.
Before Installing a New Dryer
If your laundry room needs a new electrical outlet, hire a licensed electrician. Gas dryers need a gas line in the laundry space. You must hire a licensed plumber to complete this installation. Steam dryers must have water added to them.
The cost of installing a 220 volt outlet can vary depending on factors like labor rates, materials, and the complexity of the installation. On average, it can range between $300 and $800, with most homeowners spending around $500.
Electric dryers require cords suitable for 240-volt, 30-amp circuits while gas dryers simply use a 120-volt circuit cord and standard outlet. Dryer cords come in 3 and 4 prong variants, so always check the voltage to avoid getting the wrong kind.
A 3-prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000. The National Electrical Code currently requires 4-prong dryer outlets in all new home construction. Existing homes may still use 3-prong outlets. The switch to a 4-prong outlet was due to a flaw in the 3-prong outlet design.
Washer and dryer installation cost $100 to $300 on average with existing hookups for labor only. The costs to install a washer and dryer with new hookups are $650 to $2,000. Gas dryer installation costs $150 to $350.
A dryer typically lasts about 12-13 years; however, some dryer manufacturers boast up to a 25-year lifespan. It's important to remember, though, that clothes dryer life expectancy goes hand in hand with how often the dryer is used and how well you maintain the appliance.
Technicians may charge a $50 to $80 service fee just to visit your house, plus a rate of $50 to $100 per hour. In some cases, there might be a diagnostic fee, too. You don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for something as simple as replacing a dryer belt.
The average cost to install a 240V outlet is $220, but prices can range from $175 to $300, depending on the type and labor costs.
Who Can Install Washer and Dryer Hookups? You may need several pros to install washer and dryer hookups, including a plumber and an electrician. A plumber can install the water lines and gas lines (if needed), and an electrician can set up the wiring required to run the washer and dryer.