I have washer/dryer hookups, but no vent. What are my options?

My understanding with washer/dryer combos is you will spend crazy amounts on electricity to dry your clothes, and with towels, forget about it. Ditto with 120v driers (google some and see what people say–hours to dry a small load). Gas dries incredibly fast at even low temperature. Consult with a GC about possibilities for going into the wall, or running a line up through the roof and putting a soffit around it. The money you’ll spend you’ll save over time and appreciate the convenience.

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in Appliances 9 years and 10 months ago

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maikalee | 9 years and 10 months ago

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I recently purchased a house in Bed-Stuy. In the hallway on the parlor floor there are washer/dryer hookups. – hot water line – cold water line – gas line – electrical outlet (I assume 120V based on the photo attached) But noticeably missing is a vent. Or a 240v outlet for a ventless dryer. I’m honestly a little confused and not sure what my options are. It’s worth noting that in between the hookups and the back of the house is a bathroom and a full-sized kitchen. So it’s a good 30-40 feet to the back wall of the house. So installing a vent doesn’t seem plausible. But maybe there’s another option?

cmu | 9 years and 10 months ago

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There are 120v condensing washer/dryers, but they are small and, of course slow. You have to keep in mind that if you get a separate 120v dryer, it cannot be used simultaneously with the washer unless you have Two 120v circuits, unlikely. So you have to use one-at-a-time, or install a circuit, in which case you might as well go 220v. See if you can live with a 220v condensing dryer. They are slower, and leave clothes ‘seemingly’ damp. Just perception, but a cause for plenty of hate. A combined unit (LG condensing w/d for ex) would save money, but now the capacity of the dryer is about 1/2 that of the washer. The advantage is set-and-forget, go away for 4-5 hours & you’ve washed & dried…I liked the one we had for several years, my spouse not.

chemosphere | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Run the vent to the roof?

maikalee | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Running the vent up through the roof is an interesting option. Though having to go up through another floor doesn’t seem ideal. Or all that cosmetically pleasing given the original details in the house. I think I’m gonna try the 120v condensing washer/dryer. It’s just me, so the extra time to dry things isn’t so bad. I can run it during the day when I’m at work and by the time I get home it should be all done.

eileengray | 9 years and 10 months ago

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A dryer vent can run to the exterior on the same floor. Dryers have specifications as to how long a vent can be – with deductions for elbows.(If, then that’s your only choice if you want a gas dryer). Gas dryers must be vented. You will not love a 120v condensing dryer unless you are ok with drying racks – consider a 220\. Or consider moving the laundry room.

maikalee | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Running a vent to the exterior on the same floor is incredibly tricky. In one direction is a bathroom and a kitchen. In the other direction is the stairs and the front entrance. And since this is a brownstone, the sides are next to another house. It’s possible I could go down and out, though. Hmmm… I could also get an electrician to come wire a new outlet. However, since this location is in the hallway behind the stairs, I’m not sure there’s room for anything more than a single appliance. I think I’m stuck with a 120v combo washer/dryer for now. At least until I can move this to a better spot in the house… Thanks all!