Dryer venting tips and practices Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). Do not use the plastic or vinyl. Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct.
Flex lines on a dryer are not a good idea, especially on a gas one - they can and do restrict the air flow, collect lint, and pose a fire hazard. Use solid ductwork instead, and you'll shorten the drying time since the air will flow better, and help prevent lint buildup.
It is generally best to choose tubular rigid metal duct tubing for as much of the duct run as possible. This type provides the greatest air volume and offers few, if any, inner obstructions to catch flammable lint.
Flexible transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths not to exceed 8 feet, and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A.
Codes and Standards
In the United States, most home inspectors refer to the International Residential Code (IRC) M1502 for dryer venting. However, some states may have additional regulations. The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 504 also includes extensive clothes dryer requirements.
Rigid Metal Ducting: Rigid metal ducting, such as aluminum or galvanized steel, is widely considered the gold standard for dryer vent systems. These materials are non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures, reducing the risk of fires.
The exhaust duct should be rigid metal 4 inches in diameter and no more than 35 feet in length or as specified by the duct manufacturer. This length should be decreased by 2.5 feet for every 45-degree bend the duct makes and 5 feet for every 90-degree bend the duct makes.
How Long Should A Dryer Vent Be? A dryer vent should not exceed 35 feet in length. Furthermore, for every 45 degree turn of a dryer vent you should remove 2.5 feet in total allotted length. For every 90 degree turn, you should remove 5 feet in total allotted length.
Never install a dryer vent which has a bend greater than 90 degrees. Sharp bends restrict airflow and will lead to excessive lint buildup.
Vent Type and Length
Any Dryer ducting used must be UL-listed. UL now requires that all Dryers be installed with either rigid or flexible metal ducting. Rigid is preferred. A UL-listed semi-rigid Dryer duct can be used if the vent length is 8 feet or less.
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.
A vented tumble dryer will be more cost effective than a condenser in both the purchase and running stages, if you are able to find somewhere to run the hose externally. It will also dry your clothes more quickly than a condenser dryer, as it is not required to spend time converting the hot air into water.
Although dirty, this break allows heat and moisture to escape and limits your immediate risk of a dryer fire. PVC piping will not do this which leads to water pooling and severe clogs. These clogs will cause your dryer to overheat and become a potential hazard.
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.
The ridges and creases in flexible piping can trap lint and other debris, which can quickly accumulate and become a fire hazard. A hard pipe, on the other hand, is smooth and provides no places for debris to gather.
M1502.
The transition ducts are the common flexible hoses that connect the dryer to the outside vent or termination. Code M1502. 4 stipulates that these hoses be no longer than eight feet.
Dryer venting tips and practices
Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). Do not use the plastic or vinyl. Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct.
Route the dryer vent horizontally to the home's outside wall. Duct work should pitch 1/4-inch per foot to the outside. This keeps moisture out of the pipe. For basement laundry areas where your ductwork will run vertically to the outside wall, you may need to use 90-degree elbows.
The maximum length of a 4-inch (102 mm) diameter exhaust vent shall not exceed 35 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to wall or roof termination, and shall terminate with a full opening exhaust hood. A reduction in maximum length of 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend shall apply.
M1502.
Transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the exhaust duct system shall be a single length that is listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A. Transition ducts shall be not greater than 8 feet (2438 mm) in length. Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction.
In situations where outdoor venting is not an available option, the vent bucket serves as an efficient indoor solution. It collects lint and moisture, ensuring they do not disperse throughout your living area. It is particularly convenient for apartments or temporary setups.