Venting a Dryer
I just realized that the dryer in my brownstone is not venting to the outside (there is no hose attached to the vent on the back of the dryer). Recognizing this is a fire hazard, I need to do something asap; either have a professional come look at if/how venting to the outside can be…
I just realized that the dryer in my brownstone is not venting to the outside (there is no hose attached to the vent on the back of the dryer). Recognizing this is a fire hazard, I need to do something asap; either have a professional come look at if/how venting to the outside can be done or get a self-venting machine. Venting to the outside might be difficult given the location of the machines (it would be easiest to vent upwards, which is a no-no, versus sideways or down). I would also imagine an all-in-one self-venting machine isn’t as effective as having a separate washer/dryer. Of course the third, most environmentally option, would be to hang everything to dry.
Any suggestions? Can anyone recommend a professional individual/company to have a look?
cmu, you make a good point. I prefer to err on the side of caution and not take the chance that it is indeed a threat. However, I’ll look into it further. I suppose I could install a CO2 detector right next to the unit just in case. (I do presently have a window as well that I open every time the dryer is on). Thanks for your input.
I’ve mentioned this before: why is dryer exhaust a CO risk when a range, with all its burners going, is rated at 2-3 times the btu level and does not need to be vented? Shouldn’t we have a “Warning: cooking dinner for more than 4 may be terminally hazardous to your health?”
My personal feeling is that the CO danger is simply not true, but it sounds so dangerous that it encourages everyone to vent their dryers correctly, thereby eliminating the real moisture problem.
I looked up the indoor dryer vent and it looks like a great, inexpensive solution. However, in the event the dryer is a gas unit, I’m don’t believe it can be used due to the carbon monoxide issue.
DIBS, by the way, the unit in the picture isn’t mine…I just thought I would attach the first pic I found doing a Google image search.
As for the next party…did 22 Remsen sell yet? Kidding, how about early March?
When are we doing the next party???
DIBS, yes, there IS an opening to attach a vent hose in the back. It just wasn’t attached (don’t ask!). It is a typical full-size, washer and dryer that is behind closet doors that can be shut to conceal them. I didn’t realize filters could be purchased to attach to the back. That would certainly help with the lint/dust issue. But you’re exactly right, the issue is the dryer is located right against the wall and when I pulled it out over the weekend and realized it’s not being vented, I saw that there was lots of peeled paint and even some mold. I do have the option of moving the units to another floor, but that isn’t my first choice. My limited research thus far suggested not to vent upwards, but if I can, your suggestion of using semi-rigid aluminum duct might solve the problem. Thanks for the info.
SenatorStreet, I’ll definitely look into your suggestion as well.
Master Plvmber, it is electric (I was aware of the carbon monoxide risk for gas units, which indeed is another big issue).
heck of a job brownie, it’s electric. Per the instructions that came with the unit, I still need to vent it as it’s a fire risk (due to the escaping lint/dust) and, as mentioned above, I’ve already noticed the peeling/mold behind and above the unit.
Is the dryer electrical? Not sure if you even need to vent it if that’s the case.
Yes, Senator…that’s exactly what I had seen somewhere.
More than a fire hazard, it can be a carbon monoxide risk.
Is it a gas unit? Not an issue if it is electric.