Dryer vents are essential for safely and efficiently running a clothes dryer. Proper venting helps remove lint, moisture and exhaust from the dryer to prevent fires and allow clothes to dry completely. Some key tips for ensuring proper dryer venting include:
• Vent to the outside. Dryer vents should always terminate to the outside, never in attics, under decks, crawl spaces or other enclosed areas. Venting indoors can lead to excess lint buildup, moisture problems and risks of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Venting outdoors allows exhaust and lint to dissipate freely.
• Short and straight vents. The best vents for dryers are short, rigid metal vents run in a straight line up through walls or roofs. Long, coiled or bent flexible vents restrict airflow, reduce efficiency and allow more lint to fall off, increasing fire hazard. For every 90 degree turn, you lose about 10% of airflow.
• Same diameter vent. Use vents that stay close to the same diameter throughout the run. Vents that increase or decrease significantly prevent proper airflow and reduce performance. Vents should never expand larger than 125% of the dryer’s exhaust outlet.
• Secure connections. Each vent section, elbow and transition should be securely fastened together so they cannot come apart during use. Metal duct tape, clamps or crimp rings can help create a tight, securely fastened dryer vent run. Seams and joints are prone to air leaks, so double check all connections.
• Vent flashing required. For roofs, a vent flashing or cap is required to prevent leaks around the dryer vent opening. Properly installed vinyl or rubber vent flashings seal and weatherproof roofs to allow for dryer vent passage while maintaining roof integrity.
• Consider gravity-assisted vents. On multi-story homes or where standard vents cannot run straight-up, gravity-assisted curved vents can help. These limited transition vents curving downwards at an angle can make complex installations easier. But short, straight vents are still more efficient when possible.
• Dryer vent filters (optional). Dryer vent filters or screens prevent large debris from entering the vent but can also accumulate more lint, further reducing airflow over time. They may provide some benefit but should only be considered if straight, short vents cannot be used.
In summary, the key to proper dryer venting is venting exhaust outdoors through a short, straight and securely fastened vent system using a vent flashing if going through a roof. By following best practices for dryer vent installation and configuration, you can allow for safe, efficient and effective drying of clothes while reducing risks of fire or poor performance