Can I put a ventless dryer in a closet?

Author: Elise Stracke  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Drying times are slightly increased compared to vented dryers. Need to have a little space around them to access room air – they can be installed in small areas like closets, but please note that closet doors need to be open while dryer operates.

Does a ventless dryer need to be vented?

While a ventless dryer does not need an outside vent, it does require adequate airflow to operate properly or the humidity level can rise in your home. If the dryer is housed in a closet, keep the door open while it runs.

How much space is needed behind a ventless dryer?

Leave at least six inches of space between the back of the unit and the wall for wiring, hoses, and valves. If you're opting for a ventless dryer, you may not require the space behind the dryer, but you should still allow for rear space on the washing machine. Learn more about vented vs. ventless dryers.

What is the downside to a ventless dryer?

Ventless dryers come with a few common disadvantages. These include a smaller load capacity, a higher initial cost, and potential humidity issues.

Can I put a dryer in a closet?

The dryer will be fine in the area you have and will work properly with the door(s) closed as long as there is at least a 1 inch gap under the door(s) for air movement.

Ventless Dryer Pros & Cons

Can you have a gas dryer in a closet?

Note: Any dryer enclosure or room that does not have an inlet and outlet (when door is closed) for an operating forced air HVAC system is considered a closet, and requires room venting. For Gas Dryers Only: No other fuel burning appliance shall be installed in the same closet as a gas dryer.

Is venting dryer into house safe?

Could Negatively Affect Indoor Air Quality. Venting a dryer vent indoors can introduce dust, lint, and other pollutants into your home's air. Laundry detergents and dryer sheets often include chemicals that are dangerous to breathe in on a consistent basis.

Where does moisture go in a ventless dryer?

Where does the moisture go in a ventless dryer? Since ventless dryers are designed without the ducts that expel hot, moist air from the machine, the appliance condenses moisture from the air in the drum and either collects it in a removable drawer or expels it out of the dryer drum via a drain hose.

How to vent a dryer without a vent to outside?

Ensure the window is open enough for hot air to escape, but remember, this isn't a safe long-term solution and can still pose fire and moisture risks. Indoor Venting Option: If you can't vent outside, you can use an indoor vent kit.

How to make a ventless dryer work better?

Maintaining a Ventless Condenser Dryer for Best Performance
  1. Keep the lint trap clean. Be sure to empty the lint trap before or after every use.
  2. The sensor bars and condenser should be cleaned once a month. Sensor bars: Located on the inside of the Dryer opening. Simply wipe with a damp cloth. Condenser:

How much longer does it take to dry clothes in a ventless dryer?

Ventless dryers are typically smaller than vented models, so loads are smaller. Longer drying cycles. Drying takes longer—up to an hour and a half for a normal cycle—due to the process of cooling and reheating. Cost.

What is the best ventless dryer?

In our tests, the Beko HPD24414W scored the highest of any ventless dryer we've tested yet. It's both effective and extremely efficient—vastly more so than a regular dryer, even winning Energy Star's Most Efficient award for 2023.

How do you vent a dryer in a small space?

Where space is limited, an adjustable offset dryer vent is used. It's also called a periscope dryer vent. Offset vents allow the dryer to be installed closer to the wall than a typical basement installation, using a 90-degree, 4-inch duct elbow on the dryer's discharge vent.

What happens to the lint in a ventless dryer?

Since this is ventless, there's no real lint trap. Lint catches in the rubber valve around the front door opening, and a minuscule amount may catch in the drain filter located at the bottom right of the machine.

Can you convert a ventless dryer to a vented dryer?

No, it's built from its core to function as a ventless and doesn't offer an option to vent any other way. Mine does a great job of drying though without vents, you just need to make sure to leave a little space behind and around the dryer for air circulation.

What happens if I run my dryer without a vent?

While it is possible to use a dryer without a vent pipe, it is not advised. Lint buildup in your dryer, a potential fire risk, will occur without a vent hose or duct. Additionally, all gas dryers release the dangerous gas carbon monoxide. Electric dryers can also release harmful gases if the lint catches fire.

Can I vent my dryer into a bucket of water?

It works just fine and never gives us any trouble. We just fill it with water and connect the dryer duct. The water in the bucket collects the lint, and we change the water from time to time.

What can I use instead of venting a dryer outside?

Designed to address the limitations of not having outdoor access for dryer venting, the vent box offers a practical indoor alternative by creating an enclosed environment. This innovative solution not only houses the dryer but also filters and manages the exhaust air, providing a controlled indoor venting system.

Are indoor dryer vents legal?

Some places or building codes may not allow indoor dryer vents due to safety concerns, so check your local rules.

Where does a ventless dryer drain?

Two Options for Draining Water Out of the Ventless Condenser Dryer:
  • Removable water tank in the dryer. Remove the condensed water in the tank after every drying cycle.
  • Drain directly out of unit into a standpipe or washstand through the included drain hose (wire ties also included).

Do ventless dryers get hot?

Aside from not needing a vent or much space, the most direct advantage of this system is its energy efficiency. Your furnace or air conditioner doesn't have to make up for any air that's vented outside. Since condenser tumble dryers don't get as hot as vented models, they are gentler on clothes.

Are there dryers that don't need to be vented?

Heat pump dryers and condenser dryers both operate without external vents, but they differ in how they dry clothes. A condenser dryer uses a heating element to warm air, which absorbs moisture from clothes.

Is it against code to vent a dryer inside?

M1502.

Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building or shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions. Exhaust ducts shall terminate not less than 3 feet in any direction from openings into buildings. Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper.

Can a dryer be vented through a window?

The most popular solution is to vent your dryer through a nearby window. This option can be a lifesaver for people who have no other reasonable option and still wish to enjoy the benefits of having a clothes dryer right in their home.

Can a dryer vent cause carbon monoxide?

Many homeowners do not know that carbon monoxide is vented through your dryer's vent. The fumes that a gas dryer emits are dangerous. If these fumes are not able to escape through the vent, carbon monoxide will enter your house. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.

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