What is dryer transition duct?
Does GE sell dryerflex?
Can a dryer be connected to a home exhaust vent?
Can dryer transition ducts be made from foil?
Can you use a foil dryer transition duct?
Is a foil dryer duct code approved?
Can you exhaust a dryer with plastic ducting?
See 2 more
Is a flexible foil dryer vent safe?
You can use a 4-inch flexible aluminum foil duct that is UL 2158A listed and marked for safe dryer venting. Look for a product that is constructed from heavy duty, fire resistant aluminum foil with a high density, corrosion resistant wire helix. Remember that only ducts 8 feet or less can be UL listed and marked.
What is the safest dryer vent?
Only rigid metal ducts, either aluminum or galvanized steel, are suitable for concealed dryer vent ducts that run inside floors, walls, and other areas before venting outside the home. Their smooth surfaces allow maximum air flow and resist lint accumulation, which contribute to fire safety.
Can aluminum foil be used on a dryer vent?
Dryer Warning Labels This dryer warning label which is located on the back of all dryers clearly states you should use a heavy metal vent and “DO NOT USE PLASTIC OR THIN FOIL DUCT”. The reason they say this is because these type of dryer hoses will feed the fire, the vinyl will melt and spread a fire should one occur.
What type of dryer vent is best?
If using a gas-powered clothes dryer, a metal exterior vent is highly recommended for safety reasons.
Should dryer vent be aluminum?
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.
How many houses burn down a year due to dryer vent?
Every year, there are more than 3,000 house fires in the United States caused by dryers. A couple seconds is all it takes to clean out your dryer's lint trap. Lint is very combustible. As heat builds in the dryer, with air blowing through the ductwork, it can cause the lint to reach its ignition temperature.
Why do you put a ball of aluminum foil in your dryer?
This is the dreaded static cling. And it only gets worse with cooler, drier air (e.g., winter). Throwing a few balls of aluminum in the dryer will fight this. The foil balls both discharge any static buildup that the clothes may experience and help keep the clothes separated, which should speed up the drying process.
Can you cover a vent with aluminum foil?
Reflect Heat With Foil If your house uses radiators, place foil behind them to keep the heat from disappearing through the wall. You can also use the foil behind space heaters and heating vents as a way to reflect the heat back toward the house.
What material can I use for a dryer vent?
That being said, we recommend using a smooth rigid metal duct to vent your dryer. Metal can withstand the heat generated by the dryer, and is will not accumulate dust and lint like plastic pipe. Aluminum duct is usually a safe bet, and it's fairly inexpensive.
Does dryer vent need to be airtight?
Dear Pat: It is very important to install a tight-sealing dryer vent cover for several reasons. The dryer vent duct is a direct open path from indoors to outdoors. If the vent cover does not seal well, it is just like leaving a window partially open.
Is it better to vent a dryer up or down?
It's fine for the dryer vent to rise vertically to enter the building ceiling, but within the ceiling the vent should slope downwards towards its exit point at the building exterior wall.
What is code for a dryer vent?
M1502. The maximum developed length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 35 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend.
Is rigid or flexible duct better for dryer?
Even the best flexible vent material reduces airflow and catches lint. So use rigid metal wherever you can and keep flex lengths to a minimum. Some inspectors and dryer manufacturers allow up to 8 ft. of flex—some less.
What can I use instead of a dryer vent?
Install An Indoor Dryer Lint Trap Probably the most common way to vent a dryer without a vent to the outside is to use an indoor dryer lint trap. These lint traps are basically detachable filters that are installed at the end of the flex vent behind the dryer.
Are ventless dryer vents safe?
Many people are concerned that a lack of venting will lead to a buildup of heat that could pose a risk of fire. This is unfounded; a ventless dryer is perfectly safe to use; they are designed to operate safely for years. When you use a ventless dryer, there is no need to remove collected lint from the trap or a vent.
Are dryer vents toxic?
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.
Top 3 Most Common Dryer Vent Code Violations & How to Fix
Dryer Vent Code Violations . We’ve seen all kinds of different set ups and scenarios during the time we’ve been in the dryer vent cleaning and maintenance business. You’d be surprised at exactly how many times we encounter code violations that pose a potential fire hazard.
Foil dryer vent hose OK to use? Whirlpool warns against it.
I have a new Whirlpool Cabrio W&D scheduled for delivery next week. I read the on-line manual for the gas dryer and it says to use a solid metal or flexible metal vent hose. It warns against using a plastic or foil vent hose. I was planning to use a foil hose. What is the problem with foil vent...
What is code for dryer vents?
McGarry and Madsen Inspection. 16822 SE 92nd Danna Avenue, The Villages, FL 32162. www.thevillagesbestinspector.com • Comments or questions to [email protected]. While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector.
How big should a dryer vent be?
The dryer vent should be of 4 inch diameter, however when the thin foil or vinyl is used and compressed it as well as reducing the diameter to 3 inches it has lots of ridges to trap and accumulate lint and reduce air flow.
What Sort of Hose is best for Your Dryer?
The best dryer hose is semi-rigid or rigid metal duct these are fire proof and are what your dryer manufacturer recommends.
What is a class action case against a retailer for installing a foil hose?
In the states there have been several class action cases against retailers who were installing foil or plastic hoses, this follows insurance companies failing to pay out after a fire based on the wrong transition hose installed.
Where is the warning label on a dryer?
Dryer Warning Labels. This dryer warning label which is located on the back of all dryers clearly states you should use a heavy metal vent and “DO NOT USE PLASTIC OR THIN FOIL DUCT”. The reason they say this is because these type of dryer hoses will feed the fire, the vinyl will melt and spread a fire should one occur.
Can you use plastic dryer transition hose?
Do Not Use Plastic Dryer Transition Hose. All dryer manufacturers say that you should not use plastic dryer hoses, or thin foil, this means that in the event of a dryer fire if your insurance company were to pick up on this, they would not accept your claim as you failed to follow the recommendations stated by the .
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 to know if duct is safe?
The best way to ensure a duct is safe for your installation is to look for a product that is listed, or certified, by a national testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Building codes often specify "listed" or "L and L" (listed and labeled) duct for all new installations.
What is dryer transition duct?
Made of flexible aluminum foil, this is the most common type of dryer transition ducts—those that connect from the appliance to the main duct that runs to the outdoors. Foil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations.
What is the best material for ductwork?
The rigid metal duct is the only suitable duct material for concealed duct installations; that is, the portion of the duct run inside walls, floors, or other areas where the duct is not fully visible. Available in aluminum and galvanized steel, the rigid metal duct is very smooth on its interior, so air flows through with little friction, and it catches the least amount of lint of any duct material. Because rigid duct cannot be bent, it is assembled with elbow fittings that allow the duct to turn 45 or 90 degrees, depending on the type of elbow.
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.
Can you use plastic duct tape on screws?
Always use metal duct tape to secure the joints; don't use screws, because they catch lint. Do not use regular plastic duct tape because it dries out and deteriorates.
What is a dryer vent?
A dryer vent or duct is key to the operation of your clothes dryer. Without it, the dryer cannot dry your clothing and there is even a significant risk of fire.
How many fires are caused by dryer vents?
Dryer vents filled with lint and other debris are responsible for close to 3,000 home fires and five deaths per year. Cleaning dryer vents regularly keeps you and your family safe and your home out of danger.
What is the difference between a slim duct and a periscope dryer vent?
Slim Duct or Periscope: Constructed of rigid metal, a slim or periscope dryer vent allows you to push the dryer back close to the wall.
What is a semi rigid dryer duct?
Semi-Rigid Metal Duct: This type of dryer duct looks similar to an aluminum foil duct in that it is an accordion-style flexible metal tube. It also is a transition duct that must be used outside of wall assemblies. The difference is that the metal is semi-rigid and less prone to crushing. Since the inside of the duct is smooth, lint and other debris move more freely through the duct.
What are the different types of dryer vents?
Types of Dryer Vent Tubes. The dryer duct, or tube, is at the heart of dryer venting. Major types of dryer ducts include: Aluminum Foil Duct: Inexpensive and easy to find, foil accordion-style ducts are the most common type of dryer duct. Coiled metal wire gives these ducts their cylindrical shape.
How does a dryer move air?
The air is moved from the dryer to the exterior with a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid tube. One end of this tube attaches to the dryer, and the other end attaches to a hole cut in the side of the house.
Why does my dryer smell like laundry detergent?
You'll know the source of the problem as soon as you walk into the laundry room: the air will be hot, moist , and will smell like laundry detergent.
How long should a dryer vent be?
Many building codes limit the length of a dryer vent to 25 feet to ensure lint can be effectively cleared through the duct work. That likely means placing a dryer near an outer wall where duct runs to the outside can be kept relatively short, and multiple direction changes can be avoided.
How many fires are caused by dryer vents?
Clothes dryer exhaust vents are likely one of the riskiest construction elements contained in a home. In the United States, they are responsible for more than 12,000 fires every year. The combination of lint and high temperatures can spell disaster, often with few obvious warning signs.
What is the best duct for lint?
If a lint fire sparks under high heat, they will quickly allow flames to spread. Rigid, metal ducts are a much better choice.
Why should vents be cleaned?
Even the best exhaust vents should be cleaned at regular intervals to ensure a dryer is working efficiently, and not posing unnecessary threats.
Do exhaust vents need a cover?
Every exhaust vent requires some sort of outside cover. The outdoor wall cap can also be a source of problems. It provides another spot where lint can become trapped, and block the proper transfer of air. Some vent hoods are equipped with screens to keep animals out.
Can you fix a dryer vent?
Still, regular maintenance can’t fix fundamental design problems. Builders have the best opportunity to make dryer vents safe from the start. As a professional, creating a home with a carefully considered dryer exhaust vent should be a fundamental part of any project. December 31, 2018.
What is dryer transition duct?
First, let’s define what a dryer transition duct is. A dryer transition duct is a flexible section of duct that can be used to connect a clothes dryer to the duct. The duct itself must consist of rigid metal. The building code is actually silent on the type of material that may be used for a dryer transition duct.
Does GE sell dryerflex?
What’s even crazier about GE is that they re-sell DryerFlex under the GE name ( https://dryerflex.com/ ), but they don’t list it as an acceptable material in their installation manuals! Let me repeat: they put their name on this superior product, but they don’t allow it on their own dryers. I think my head is going to explode.
Can a dryer be connected to a home exhaust vent?
They say the following: In special installations, it may be necessary to connect the dryer to the home exhaust vent using flexible metal (foil-type) transition duct. UL–LISTED universal flexible dryer transition duct (GE parts – PM8X73 or WX8X73) may be used ONLY in installations where rigid metal or flexible metal transition ducting cannot be used AND where a 4” diameter can be maintained throughout the entire length of the transition duct.
Can dryer transition ducts be made from foil?
Clothes dryer manufacturers are surprisingly inconsistent with their requirements for dryer transition ducts. The following manufacturers do not allow dryer transition ducts that are made from foil, regardless of whether the duct is UL2158A or not:
Can you use a foil dryer transition duct?
Foil dryer transition ducts are allowed by code and by some clothes dryer manufacturers. This seems to be a frequent topic of discussion and confusion amongst home inspectors, so I’m going to shed some light on the topic. First, let’s define what a dryer transition duct is.
Is a foil dryer duct code approved?
Reuben Saltzman December 3, 2019. Foil dryer ducts: code-approved? Foil dryer transition ducts are allowed by code and by some clothes dryer manufacturers. This seems to be a frequent topic of discussion and confusion amongst home inspectors, so I’m going to shed some light on the topic.
Can you exhaust a dryer with plastic ducting?
LG says To reduce the risk of fire, DO NOT exhaust the dryer with plastic or thin foil ducting, but then goes on to say In the United States, only those foil-type flexible ducts, if any, specifically identified for use with the appliance by the manufacturer and that comply with the Outline for Clothes Dryer Transition Duct, Subject 2158A, shall be used. So maybe it’s cool. I’m not sure.