I am buying a new house at the end of the week. We moved in already as I know the owner and we had that agreement... Anyway, I have a newish (5 yo) dryer that uses electricity to run. In the house we are in now there is a really old (but still working) gas dryer. The owner doesn't mind leaving the old dryer and my dad says it will be cheaper to dry with it then my electric.. What do you all think. The older Gas dryer looks to be from the 70's or 80 really. It works fine, but is just old. I also am planning on getting a drying rack/ laundry line to use outside so I can hang a lot of my clothes. (anyone have advice on where to get one of those cheap?) Please help, I don't know if the old machine will be ok even though it was obviously made way before the energy star type appliances... what would you do?

I found my clothes drying racks @ Walmart (here in Canada) for about $12- $15 before tax, I use about 2 or 3 wooden ones. I have yet to purchase the metal ones to try....that next on my list. Especially since I like to do big batches of laundry at a time not several small loads.

Wow, I think I would probably go with my newer one. It is bound to be more efficient and you know it works. If you are planning to mostly use the line and drying racks I think I would go with the known quantity for other stuff.

I dunno, we have natural gas heating here and it's very expensive. I personally think it would be cheaper to run the electric one but I could be wrong. You could always keep the old dryer and use it for a while, switch it out with the elec. one and use it and compare the costs.

I'd go with the electric.

Gas is usually cheaper to run.

http://www.yankeegas.com/TradeAllies/pdfs/clothesdryers.pdf
It gives information on what to look for in a gas dryer and it also states that they are cheaper to run.

Iw as always told that gas is cheaper to run. Why not try it for a few months and see what it runs you? You wont be using any gas for heat so you will have a great idea as to what it costs you. I have an electric dryer and really try to not use it. Electric dryers cost a lot to use. I typically hang my clothes any chance I get.

I've heard that gas dryers are cheaper, but don't know personally as I've always had electric.
As for the drying racks, I use a metal gullwing dryer. I got it at superstore in canada for $8. I love it. I have a front load washer and only wash FULL loads, 1 rack holds a full load.

I was always told gas is cheaper, but with gas prices being what they are I would try them both and see which is cheaper.

Thanks for all the advice. I still can't really decide what to do. I will be able to dry more outside right now anyway due to it being summer. I will probably ask the current owners to leave the gas dryer for now and I will decide later. I have a great deck with railings that have slots, so I might put off buying a drying rack right away. I like those ones that look like an umbrella that has the cloth part removed... Anyone have those? I will have to look up what those cost. I will also check out that website, thanks for linking it pkelly.