Gas versus electric dryer heating rating

[Thorning]

I work on all kinds of dryers both gas and electric and am asking serious repair people about how to compare the ratings of a gas unit versus an electric. many of the electrics I work on involve replacing the heating coil due to failed coil wires. Typically these are 5400 watt. What is a gas unit rated at that is comparable in size and performance to the elctric models ?

[jimd2]

In my area electric dryers cost $15 dollars more per month to run over natural gas
I like gas but I can see Benefits with electric as the gas dryer does not have a heat exchanger
and any crap in the gas supply will effect clothing

[Thorning]

Thanks for your input but I am looking for a typical BTU rating of a gas versus electric dryer.

[tcarmen]

Each watt produces exactly 3.412 BTUs of heat.

It takes a 18425 BTU gas burner to equal a 5400 watt heater.

Most Whirlpool gas dryers are around 20,000 BTUs, however burning gas creates moisture, so if I had to guess, I'd say that gas and electric are about equal in dry time.

[Thorning]

Thanks for the input. That seems about right. I have an older Maytag  gas unit which the data plate says 22,000 BTU. A recent Amana electric unit I repaired shows 5400 watts on the heater coil mounting plate.