Are vented dryers bad?

Author: Andy Zemlak PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, May 22, 2025

They require a way to output air into the outdoors (thus being “vented”). These vented dryers take in air from the room, heat it and dry the clothes in the drum, then expel the hot air outside. This way of drying clothes is fast and effective but is energy-inefficient and harmful to the environment.

What are the disadvantages of a vented dryer?

They're also more economical to run than a condenser dryer. A few disadvantages include the susceptibility to breaking down. Delicate vent hoses and fixtures can easily become loose or damaged, and the location is limited due to the wall and window requirements. And useful features and functions are often unavailable.

Why are vented dryers being phased out?

Air-vented dryers draw air from the room in which they are installed, heat it and lead it through the humid clothing in the drum to evaporate the moisture. The humid air is then expelled to the external environment. Air-vented dryers thus require an exhaust to the outside, making them less practical.

Which is better, a vented or condenser dryer?

Energy Efficiency: Generally, vented dryers are more energy-efficient than condenser dryers. They tend to have lower running costs because they can dry clothes faster and use less energy. Installation: Requires an external vent, which can limit placement options.

Is a vented or ventless dryer better?

Vented dryers dry more clothes more quickly, but they require a tube to pump out the hot air generated during a drying cycle. Because of this, they are generally larger and louder, but they do a much better job of drying clothes than ventless dryers.

Tumble Dryers the Shocking Truth About Heat Pump vs Vented & Condenser, NEW LEGISLATION!

What is the disadvantage of a ventless dryer?

Ventless Dryer Cons:

They have small drums and cannot do larger loads. They will take two to three times longer to dry clothes. You will need to have a way to drain the water. The unit can place moisture in the air in the home when running.

Where does lint go in a ventless dryer?

Lint from a ventless dryer is collected in a lint filter. This filter is normally found within the dryer, near the door or drum area.

What are the disadvantages of a condenser dryer?

Cons:
  • Very little choice, with only a few models now available.
  • Less efficient than a heat pump dryer.
  • More expensive to buy than a vented dryer.
  • Weight means wall mounting is not an option, although you can stack them on top of your front load washing machine (depending on the model).

Which type of dryer is best?

On the other hand, condenser dryers are more likely to shrink or wear out your clothes due to their higher drying temperatures. Heat pump dryers are much better at preserving your clothes, since they avoid putting your laundry in close contact with high temperatures.

Does a vented dryer need to be vented outside?

With a gas dryer, you need to have effective external ventilation installed, and for a vented dryer, you need either proper ventilation, or to have doors and windows open to avoid turning your laundry into a steamy wet room.

What is the dryer vent rule?

Per the requirements of the International Residential Code, Section M1502 (2009-2021 IRC), the clothes dryer exhaust duct should be a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct made of galvanized steel or galvanized aluminum with a smooth interior finish and a duct diameter of 4 inches.

Is it bad to not vent your dryer?

Wrapping Up. To sum it up, while it's technically possible to run a dryer without the vent hose, it's strongly advised against due to safety hazards like gas buildup, increased fire risk, and potential health issues.

How long do vented dryers last?

Cheaper to replace: 8.5–9 years (heat pump dryer) 6–7 years (vented dryer)

Is dryer vent exhaust bad for you?

Benzyl alcohol has been found in dryer exhaust and exposure to it will cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure which could lead to fainting. Several chemicals that have been classified on the EPA's hazardous waste list have also been found in dryer exhaust."

Where should you not put a condenser tumble dryer?

Here are three places that aren't suitable for housing a tumble dryer:
  1. Garage. The garage is a no-go area for installing your tumble dryer. ...
  2. Under the stairs. The space under your stairs is fantastic for storage. ...
  3. Inside a cupboard.

Do all electric dryers need to be vented?

You cannot safely run a dryer without a vent. It's not safe. There are some instances that may leave you wondering; we'll explore those in this article. To operate correctly, dryers need vents that allow heat, lint, and moisture to be expelled outdoors.

Which dryer has least problems?

If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs.

Can you still buy vented tumble dryers?

Vented dryers are available in a range of drum sizes and styles, with a model to suit every budget, so are an ideal choice option for making laundry day easier. We stock appliances from every major brand, including Bosch, AEG and Whirlpool, all at competitive prices.

Why are condenser dryers better?

As mentioned, one of the main benefits of buying a condenser tumble dryer is the fact you can place it anywhere in your home or garage, since they don't require a hose to remove the moisture. This is hugely beneficial if you need a tumble dryer but have little choice in where you place the machine.

Do modern tumble dryers need to be vented?

As with heat pump tumble dryers, condenser dryers do not need an externally vented hose, meaning you will be able to install your appliance anywhere in your home. However, a condenser dryer does need a constant supply of cool air to function.

What dryers do not need venting?

There are two types of ventless dryers: condensing dryers and heat pump dryers. Though these appliances function differently, they both can be installed without ventilation.

Are ventless dryers a good idea?

It is true that ventless dryers are easier to install, lower maintenance, and more efficient than vented dryers. However, non-vented dryers also tend to have a significantly higher upfront cost, and though they are gentler on clothes, they tend to take longer than a vented dryer to get everything dry.

Where does the water go in a ventless dryer?

The water that is extracted goes to a tank or an external drain.

Do all dryers have a second lint trap?

Some dryer vent installations also have an external lint trap, which is also known as a secondary dryer lint trap or a 4″ In-Line Dryer Lint Trap.

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