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.
Almost all dryers are designed to vent out the back. Some, but not all, can be vented downward or out through the side, but most manufacturers recommend venting from the back, regardless of possible alternatives. Usually side venting dryers are designed to vent from only one side or the other, but not both.
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.
M1502.
According to the M1502. 5 code, the construction of a dryer duct has to be a minimum of 0.4 mm thick with a smooth interior. This means ribbed vents are no longer being used. Additionally, all duct joints must point in the direction of airflow.
DO NOT terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics. Dryer vents that terminate in crawl spaces or attics allow for moisture to deposit and encourage mold growth and health hazards. Dryer vents must terminate outside of the building.
It should be placed where it can expel air and lint outside without obstruction. Consider factors such as proximity to outside walls, aesthetics, resident convenience, and ease of access. Use Proper Materials: Use high-quality materials for the dryer vent duct.
Dryer cords are usually a maximum of six-feet-long as the code requires that an outlet be close to the connected appliance. Check to see if you need a 3-prong vs. 4-prong dryer cord and take that into consideration when shopping for new appliances.
Here's a quick rundown: If you can't vent your dryer outside, there's a risk of fires due to lint buildup, a chance for mold to grow, your laundry room might get too hot, and drying times could increase, possibly causing damage to your clothes and higher energy bills.
A summary of the typical codes relating the dryer venting is as follows: Dryer vent systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture to the outdoors. Terminations shall be a minimum of three feet from property line and 12" above the ground and not exhibit any type of screen.
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.
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.
Vent elbows are available which is designed to turn 90° in a limited space without restricting the flow of exhaust air. Restrictions should be noted in the inspector's report. Airflow restrictions are a potential fire hazard.
Ideally, your dryer should have exhaust vents that lead outside to keep your laundry area clean and less humid. The most common place to vent your dryer is horizontally through the exterior wall near the dryer, which is the ideal placement.
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.
According to the International Residential Building Code (M1502. 4.5. 11) “A maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be 35 feet from the connection to the transition duct from the dryer to the outlet terminal.” Keep in mind that every 90 degree elbow used in the run is equivalent to 5 feet.
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the dryer. Place dryer at least 18 inches above the floor for a garage installation. Failure to do so can result in death, explosion or fire.
12” to 48” inches is a typical height for a dryer outlet.
For clothes dryer venting, a 4-inch, rigid aluminum or galvanized steel duct pipe is a better option. They let air flow more freely and reduce lint buildup.
If the dryer is against an exterior wall that is not underground, run the duct straight out from the back of the dryer. Set the vent a minimum of 12 inches above the outside ground. Note: This is the simplest, most ideal solution. The shorter the distance and fewer the turns the better for dryer vent installation.
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.
Not a good idea. This is guaranteed to create problems. Your existing vent is sized for one dryer only. Dryers and vents do not have built in back flow devices.
It's important to avoid mistakenly using cables like 10/4, 8/4, or 6/4, which indicate an additional conductor that is not required for a 4-wire installation. The most common NM-B cable choice for dryers is 10/3 for 30-amp circuits.
First, you should know never to use an extension cord with an appliance or piece of equipment that produces heat. Additionally, it would be best if you never used an extension cord with a device or piece of equipment that draws a lot of power.
A bad connection between the cord plug and the outlet can also cause heat buildup. The cause could be worn out finger grips in the outlet or inadequate tension within the outlet. Depending on the cause, you may need the electric dryer outlet replaced or repaired.