Proper Dryer Vent Duct

Great site dealing in all aspects of vent maintenance cleaning and solutions.

Proper dryer vent duct.

After locating the shortest route for the ductwork determine the location of the dryer vent exit. Duct and subtract 5 ft. More dryer vent cleaning information can be found here. Use dryer vent kit to join the box vent to duct.

Dryer vent pipes properly called vent ducts come in a variety of materials. Because all types are sold for use with dryers you would naturally assume that all are suitable for this application. Secure the elbow with a band clamp. Most home inspectors in the united states when citing regulations pertaining to dryer venting refer to the international residential code.

Federal building codes for dryer vents and ducts. For example a dryer with a 90 degree elbow at the exhaust port and another at the top of the basement wall can run a maximum of 15 ft. Exhaust systems longer than the manufacturer s recommendations can extend drying times affect appliance operation and may encourage lint build up on pipe lining. Dryer manufacturers recommendations supersede this so.

Now go inside and connect the dryer duct to the vent cap pipe a 90 degree elbow may be needed securing the connection with a hose clamp. Attach a 90 degree elbow. Keep exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Use no more than 25 ft.

If it has no sticker then it should be assumed that it is not ul listed and should be replaced with a proper dryer vent material. To make the dyer more efficient you can buy an inexpensive heat diverter and install it in the exhaust duct of electric dryers only not gas dryers you ll save about 50 worth of heat per load in the winter. It the mylar transition duct is ul approved it will have a ul sticker on it. All that s left to do now is to join the box vent to the overhead duct with the vent kit.

The transition duct should be as short as possible to connect the dryer to the metal dryer vent and it should be no longer than 8 feet. Cut and join duct sections to connect the vent. For every 90 degree turn and 2 1 2 feet for every 45 degree turn for dryer vent installation. When installing a dryer vent for laundry centers in basement locations keep in mind that the vent hood on the exterior of your home must be at least 12 inches from the ground.

Use a section of vent pipe to mark a circle where the opening will be from inside of your home. Most dryer ducts are round and 4 inches in diameter.