Why You Need Dryer Vent Installation

Although it may seem like a simple job, installing a dryer vent requires precision and expertise. When done improperly, a clothes dryer will have ventilation problems that delay drying of clothes and could lead to a fire. It is best to have this type of work right to ensure your dryer drys your laundry as quickly as possible and as safely as possible–for as long as possible.

Why Correct Installation is Important

Dryers work by evaporating the water in damp clothes. This is done through tumbling action and heating provided by either a gas burner or an electrical element. The removed water travels out of the dryer by way of the dryer’s exhaust duct or, “dryer vent”, to the outside of the house. In addition to being installed correctly, the vent should be cleaned on a regular basis to keep the dryer running efficiently and to reduce fire risk.

The Installation Process

A dryer vent install is done in three steps:

• Rerouting. In many cases, the vent route can be improved, especially when there are older and non-compliant materials in place. Reducing the the dryer hose length will allow the machine to run optimally. A dryer hose that passes through a ceiling, attic or drywall should be galvanized metal and free of screws.
• Hose inspection. It is estimated that 90 percent of clothes dryers are connected to an improper transition hose. The rear of the appliance will have a warning to not use vinyl or a thin-foil hose as a connection point to the wall. The installation company will provide the right hose.
• Vent installation. After determining the best route for the vent based on the building code, it will be professionally installed using high-quality duct for the best results.

Why White Vinyl Hose Should Not be Used

If a dryer is connected to the wall with a white vinyl hose, this should be corrected immediately because this type of hose does not meet manufacturer recommendations. If a dryer fire occurs while using vinyl hose, it may not be covered by insurance. If lint buildup is present due to lack of cleaning, a vinyl hose will not contain a fire and prevent it from spreading into the walls. This is why semi-rigid or solid metal hoses should always be used in a dryer vent installation. This material greatly reduces the chances of a fire. In addition, duct tape should be avoided on the duct work because it will eventually become less sticky and fall apart. Aluminum tape is the best choice.

Vent Code for Dryers

All dryers must vent to the exterior of a building or home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when gas is being used to fuel the heat source. Other important specifications include the following:

• The vent should be installed on the shortest route from the dryer to the outside. All concealed ducting should be solid metal and not be longer than 35 feet. Five feet should be deducted for 90-degree turns, and 2.5 feet should be deducted for 45-degree bends.
• The male section of the duct work should always point in the direction the air is flowing, which is the exterior wall.
• The dryer vent should never share space with other vents, such as a bathroom fan vent or a fireplace chimney. This could cause a fire.
• The vent should be tightly secured with braces and straps to reduce strain and keep the exhaust system in the proper position.
• The transition hose should not be more than eight feet long. If the dryer only requires one foot of hose to connect to the wall, that is the amount that should be used.

Prevent Problems in the Future

Dryer vents in a business or a home should be cleaned every year for proper maintenance. This will save money and lower energy use. This also provides the following benefits:

• Faster drying times
• Fewer repairs for problems caused by a stressed or overheated unit
• No toxic fumes or mildew buildup
• Lower risk of fire

There is a great deal to consider with a dryer vent installation, and it can be difficult to know if all the codes and standards are being met. Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning of North Texas will clean, repair and reroute dryer vents. Call today or go online to schedule a professional inspection and dryer vent cleaning.