If the clothes dryer and exterior vent are in close proximity, a single piece of flexible rigid metal duct (as seen below) can often be safely used as the sole duct, assuming it does not pass behind a wall, floor, or ceiling covering. (story continues below) (story continues) I also sometimes find dryer vents that far exceed 40 feet.
Is it safe to vent a dryer through the wall?
If the clothes dryer and exterior vent are in close proximity, a single piece of flexible rigid metal duct (as seen below) can often be safely used as the sole duct, assuming it does not pass behind a wall, floor, or ceiling covering. (story continues below) I also sometimes find dryer vents that far exceed 40 feet.
What is the best venting for a dryer?
Dryer venting tips and practices 1 All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. ... 2 Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). ... 3 Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct. More items...
Are metal foil vents in dryers dangerous?
* The lawsuits state the retailers’ installers attached metal foil or plastic vents to dryers sold to consumers instead of heavy metal ones recommended by manufacturers, creating conditions that could cause fires or death.
Do dryer vent hoses have to be bendable?
Some dryer vent hoses are designed for tight spaces, and their hoses are meant to bend and shape to fit just the space you have. It can be easy to be overwhelmed when trying to select the right dryer vent hose for your space.
Why are dryer vents not cleaned?
How do I clean a dryer vent?
What is the temperature of a dryer transition duct?
Can you use flexible ductwork as dryer vents?
Can you use plastic ducts in a dryer?
Is flexible plastic ducting flammable?
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Is rigid or flexible duct better for dryer?
Semi Rigid Metal Dryer Duct If you need flexible duct, this is the best choice. It has smaller ridges inside for better airflow and less lint buildup. It also withstands fire better than other flexible duct.
What type of dryer vent is best?
The Best Dryer Vents of 2022Deflecto Supurr-Vent Louvered Outdoor Dryer (HS4W/18)Best Overall. calimaero Air Vent Gravity Flap Grille.Best Periscope Vent. Whirlpool 4396037RP Vent Periscope.Best Recessed Vent Box. Dryerbox Model DB-425.Best Vent Hose. ... Best Vent Closure. ... Best Indoor Vent. ... Best Outdoor Wall Vent.More items...•
How long can you run flexible dryer vent?
35 feetHow 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.
Does dryer vent have to be rigid?
You can purchase dryer vent tubing (also known as dryer ducts) in a variety of materials, some flexible, others rigid. Most dryer vent tubing is round and 4 inches in diameter.
Can you use flex duct for dryers?
The use of the white vinyl flex pipe is all but completely prohibited, both by building departments and appliance manufacturers.
Can I use flex hose for dryer vent?
0:023:57Flex Hose Tips - for Venting the Dryer - in HD - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically there are two types of transition hoses available to purchase and install. Between theMoreBasically there are two types of transition hoses available to purchase and install. Between the dryer and the in the wall exhaust. System namely the wire bound foil flex. And they semi rigid aluminum
Are indoor dryer vents safe?
If you are venting your dryer into your home, you need to stop doing so. Indoor dryer vents are not safe. They can cause health problems due to a build-up of mold and structural damage due to the increased humidity. They can also be a fire hazard as the lint they spew into the air is highly flammable.
Are flat dryer vents safe?
Unfortunately, since these flat vents have a rectangular shape, they are even more prone to a buildup of lint. You may need to even it every 3-6 months so it doesn't restrict airflow. If your dryer takes a long time to dry, or if it gets extremely hot, you may need to clean the periscope vent.
Is periscope dryer vent safe?
The very smooth interior of the periscope duct offers very little air resistance, which increases dryer efficiency and discourages lint buildup. The metal material also resists crushing and is a safer choice to prevent and contain fires.
Is dryer vent code flexible?
Flexible duct shall not be concealed within the construction. 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.
Can you put foil tape dryer vent?
While readily available, duct tape is not safe for dryer vents; use aluminum foil tape instead. When venting a dryer outside, it's important to use the right kind of long-lasting, heat-resistant tape to seal the ducting and prevent lint and dust from spraying into the laundry room, walls, basement or attic.
How do you install a flexible metal dryer vent?
0:131:21Dryer Transition Duct Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSlide the vent hose over the exterior vent pipe and secure it in place. Be sure to overlap theMoreSlide the vent hose over the exterior vent pipe and secure it in place. Be sure to overlap the exterior vent pipe by at least two inches.
How long should a dryer vent be?
Most standards call for clothes dryer vents to be no more than 25 feet in length, have few bends, and no kinks. Gas dryers, though, are often permitted to have ducts no longer than 35 feet in length. The more bends in the line that exist, the shorter the overall length should be. For every 90 degree bend, the vent should be shortened by 5 feet;
What is the purpose of a dryer vent?
The purpose of the dryer vent system is to transport this water vapor, and the lint that accompanies it, to a safe location outside the home. The most commonly seen improper type of dryer vent is flexible vinyl tubing. Vinyl is a type of plastic and it can easily melt and lead to a house fire. This material, most often white ...
How far can a dryer vent be from the ceiling?
(story continues below) I also sometimes find dryer vents that far exceed 40 feet.
Why does my dryer use so much energy?
The more lint that fills a clothes dryer vent, the more energy the clothes dryer consumes to try to dry the clothes as air won’t freely flow through the clogged vent material. This, in turn, causes the drying cycle to be much longer than normal and raises utility bills.
How many fires are caused by dryer vents?
Statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that over 24,000 house fires and nearly $100 million in property damage annually are related to faulty clothes dryer vent installations. House fires related to clothes dryer vents are much more common than most people believe but luckily are relatively easy to prevent.
How long should a transition duct be?
The transition duct should be as short as possible to connect the dryer to the metal dryer vent and it should be no longer than 8 feet. The transition duct must not run within a wall, floor, or ceiling covering since it will not be able to be visually inspected and can’t easily be cleaned. (story continues below)
Can a chimney sweep clean a dryer vent?
Some HVAC professionals and chimney sweeps also offer dryer vent cleaning as a service. During a home inspection, the inspector should try to determine the type of clothes dryer vent material (s) installed. In some homes, only parts of the clothes dryer vent system may be visible.
What is a dryer vent made of?
Dryer vents are often made from flexible plastic or metal duct , which may be easily kinked or crushed where they exit the dryer and enter the wall or floor. This is often a problem since dryers tend to be tucked away into small areas with little room to work.
Where do dryer vents terminate?
Inspectors will see many dryer vents terminate in crawlspaces or attics where they deposit moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold, wood decay, or other material problems. Sometimes they will terminate just beneath attic ventilators. This is a defective installation.
How long should exhaust ducts be supported?
Exhaust ducts shall be supported at intervals not to exceed 12 feet and shall be secured in place. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the adjoining duct or fitting in the direction of airflow. Exhaust duct joints shall be sealed in accordance with Section M1601.4.1 and shall be mechanically fastened.
How long should an exhaust vent be?
This means that vents should also be as straight as possible and cannot be longer than 35 feet. Any 90-degree turns in the vent reduce this 35-foot number by 5 feet, since these turns restrict airflow. A couple of exceptions exist:
Why are airflow restrictions a fire hazard?
One of the reasons that restrictions are a potential fire hazard is that, along with water vapor evaporated out of wet clothes, the exhaust stream carries lint – highly flammable particles of clothing made of cotton and polyester.
How thick is exhaust duct?
Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0.016-inch-thick (0.4 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces, with joints running in the direction of air flow. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct.
Where do exhaust ducts terminate?
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.
How often should I clean dryer vents?
Dryer vent cleaning improves the safety and efficiency and depending on the venting circumstances, should be cleaned or inspected every 6-12 months. Make sure your flex transition hose is not kinked or crushed.
What size dryer duct should I use?
All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow efficiency, quickens drying times, adds longevity to clothing's life and reduces utility bills. The DryerFlex meets the 4" diameter specs. Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either ...
Can you run a dryer too long?
Running your dryer too long not only wastes energy but can also damage your clothes. We recommend using an automatic setting, such as "less dry" rather than a timed setting. Clean lint filters regularly. Cleaning the lint filters on your washer and dryer will save energy, improve performance, and minimize fire hazards.
Can you use white vinyl flex pipe?
The use of the white vinyl flex pipe is all but completely prohibited, both by building departments and appliance manufacturers. Some municipalities allow or do not discourage the foil covered vinyl flex but almost all appliance manufacturers insist on the use of the aluminum flexible pipe.
Is dryer vent cleaning a commercial trade?
The space behind your dryer should be sufficient as to provide adequate room for the flex transition hose to make its bends with minimal deflection and restrictions. Dryer vent cleaning is a very real commercial trade and the contracted work is sometimes described as Routine and Problem Cleaning.
What is dryer vent pipe?
Dryer vent pipes, properly called vent ducts, come in a variety of materials. Most dryer ducts are round and 4 inches in diameter. Some are flexible, and others are rigid. Because all types are sold for use with dryers, you would naturally assume that all are suitable for this application. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
How far can a dryer duct accordion?
Foil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations.
How long can transition duct be?
Transition ducts must not be concealed inside walls or other building cavities and usually have a maximum allowed length of eight feet. Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or large hose clamps.
Is flexible ducting allowed in a building?
Despite its popular use for many years, the plastic duct is not allowed by most building codes. The ribbed interior of the flexible duct easily catches lint .
Can lint catch fire?
If the duct becomes blocked with lint , the duct can become very hot and potentially catch fire. This hazard has resulted in numerous house fires. Plastic duct is the least-safe option, and you will not find a listed product made of this material. The bottom line is, don't use it. 1:32.
Is semi rigid duct stronger than foil duct?
It is typically installed with clamps. Although semi-rigid metal duct is often stronger and has a smoother interior (catches less lint) than foil duct, it is more common to find listed foil duct than listed semi -rigid. 03 of 05.
What is a white vinyl dryer?
White vinyl and "slinky" foil ducts feature a plastic Mylar coating which goes up in flames and quickly spreads throughout the duct run. The owner's manual in most modern dryers require using "flexible metal vents" instead of foil vents.
Why do dryers burn?
Dryer fires are amongst the leading causes of home fires in North America, accounting for over 14,000 reported disasters each year. The leading cause of these dryer fires is failure to clean; in other words, the majority of dryer fires are avoidable with regular maintenance. In fact, dryer lint is so flammable that the Boy Scout's Manual suggests using dryer lint as tinder to quickly start a camp fire. Once a spark touches dryer lint, the flame ignites and carries through the transition duct and into the concealed parts of the home. Even with cleaning the lint screen after each cycle, particulate still gets through the dryer's exhaust duct and creates blockages which restrict airflow. Dryer venting efficiency can be improved by various ways other than cleaning the lint screen and having the exhaust duct serviced on a regular basis.
Is dryerflex a premium?
When looking for the best material to connect the dryer to the wall, DryerFlex is clearly your only premium option. Vent cleaning professionals, appliance installers, and home builders are exclusively installing Dryerflex every day, nationwide. Aside from replacing your transition duct with DryerFlex, here are some other helpful tips to ensure your dryer is operating as safe and efficient as possible.
Does a tumble dryer have a transition duct?
Practically every home with a tumble dryer uses some type of flexible transition duct to connect the appliance to the wall. Most homes, however, have grandfathered in older materials that are not only inefficient, but flammable too.
What is a semi rigid dryer vent?
Semi-rigid metal: Semi-rigid dryer vent hoses, as the name implies, have a more rigid structure than their aluminum counterparts. Thanks to their rigid design, elbow connectors are needed when a bend in the dryer vent is necessary to complete the path to the exit or another duct.
Why is it important to clean dryer vent hoses?
Finding the best dryer vent hose, installing it properly, and cleaning it regularly is important to ensure proper ventilation of your dryer and to reduce the risk of a fire. If your dryer is in a tight spot, it can be challenging to find the right dryer vent hose for the task. Use this guide to help you as you shop for the best dryer vent hose ...
What is dryer vent hood?
Vent hood: A dryer vent hood includes a rigid duct that goes through the exterior wall with a wide hood to allow hot air to escape. Many models also include removable grates to keep mice away.
How long is the AC Infinity dryer vent hose?
The AC Infinity aluminum dryer vent hose offers a long length of 25 feet that can be shortened as needed. It also has a 4-inch diameter to allow for a secure fit on most dryers. Two steel duct clamps are included with the hose.
What is rigid metal duct?
Rigid metal: Rigid metal ducts are the only type of dryer vent hose that’s allowed to be concealed within a wall. These ducts, which are made from either aluminum or galvanized steel, cannot be bent, unlike hoses made from other materials.
How long is a dryer vent hose?
Dryer vent hoses are available in several types, including: Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil dryer vent hoses have a flexible design and are between 1 and 8 feet long. Their flexible design is easy to route between the dryer and the exit—no elbow connector pieces needed.
Do you need a connector for a dryer vent hose?
Connectors may be required to properly attach a dryer vent hose to a dryer. Most dryer vent hoses will include a connector or clamps, while others may not. If these accessories are included with the hose you’d like to purchase, confirm their compatibility with your dryer before making your final decision.
Why is the Yuji dryer vent hose so durable?
Why it’s great: The Yuji 4-inch dryer vent hose is both flexible and durable. It’s design to have no rigid elbows, meaning it can flex around corners and angles. This allows air to flow more freely, with less resistance, meaning your dryer can run more efficiently.
How far can a Whirlpool dryer vent be mounted?
Why it’s great: This periscope-style dryer vent allows for the tightest application in a narrow space. It can be mounted only 2.5” from the wall, meaning it will take up almost no space in your laundry area. It can also be adjusted to fit whatever length you need – the vent is made of two pieces that slide over each other, making for very easy customization. Lastly, Whirlpool has been a trusted name in home appliances for many years.
What is Konduone dryer vent hose?
Why it’s great: The Konduone Ultra Durable dryer vent hose is true to its name – it provides ultra-durability while still being easy to install. The clamps on this vent hose are designed differently than most; they can simply be pinched to open wider, making it easy to slip over both the vent hose and the vent itself. Users also appreciated the size of the vent hose. While many hoses struggle to or just barely slip over a vent, the Konduone Ultra Durable is made to easily slide right over the vent with ease. This dryer vent hose also has a fire-resistant coating and a 3-month warranty to provide extra peace of mind.
How long does it take for clothes to dry?
One of the most telling signs is if your clothes are taking too long to dry. While it depends on the model of the dryer if it takes longer than 45 minutes to dry a regular load of clothing, check your vent for any blockages. Another sign it may need cleaning is a warm or hot smell while drying clothes.
How much clearance does a Whirlpool vent need?
Keep in mind: Be sure to measure your space, as this periscope-style vent requires at least 3 inches clearance from a perpendicular wall.
Can dryer vents cause fires?
Yes! Dryer vent hoses often fill up with lint and dust, even when properly vented to the outside. Unclean vents are the leading cause of dryer fires. Cleaning the vents is not hard, but needs to be done a few times per year.
Can you vent a dryer vent outside?
No, this is never a good idea. Because lint travels through your dryer vent hose, it can build up indoors if not vented directly outside. Lint is highly combustible, meaning it creates a dangerous fire hazard. Regular cleaning of the vented area is necessary to reduce risk, and this is not easy in attics and crawlspaces.
Why are dryer vents not cleaned?
Because clothes dryers are often improperly vented, and because those vents may not be properly cleaned on a regular basis. Although dry vent safety standards have been developed over the years, there is still considerable confusion about the types of dryer vent systems and how they should be maintained.
How do I clean a dryer vent?
Periodically Clean the Dryer Vent and Exhaust Duct 1 Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. You should feel a strong discharge of moist warm air. If you do not feel a strong discharge of air, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. 2 It may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer to remove a blockage in the exhaust path. 3 Disconnect the ducting and inspect for blockage. 4 If the duct has lint buildup, clean the duct. 5 Remember to properly reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.
What is the temperature of a dryer transition duct?
It was not until December 2006 that Underwriters Laboratories established UL 2158A “Clothes Dryer Transition Duct,” which is an approved standard for flexible high-temperature exhaust duct rated to 430 degrees F. , which can be used on both electric and gas dryers.
Can you use flexible ductwork as dryer vents?
These products are not approved for use as dryer vents. Only flexible ductwork meeting UL 2158A can be used as dryer venting. An even better solution than any type of flexible metal ductwork is rigid metal ductwork since it has no inner corrugations that can trap lint. Image by Marie LaFauci / Getty Images.
Can you use plastic ducts in a dryer?
Make sure to replace any plastic or metal foil, accordion-type ducting material, as plastic is not approved for dryer use and some metal foil ducts may not be approved, either.
Is flexible plastic ducting flammable?
Flexible plastic ducts are flammable, and they, along with foil-type accordion ducts, more easily trap lint and are more susceptible to kinks and crushing, which greatly reduces or obstructs the dryer air discharge. Do not use flammable plastic accordion ducting. © 2009 Home-Cost.com.
