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Heating & Air Conditioning

dryer interior duct location

17 years ago

In the laundry room, where should the duct for the dryer to vent be located on the wall? Right now, it comes out to meet the dryer about one inch (very possibly less) above the concrete. Even if the flooring to be installed later isn't a problem (will be around 1/2" deep), how does the drywall guy do his thing in such a narrow space? And is this even where the dryer duct should be?

Should it be higher? If we leave it, will it cause installation or operation problems? If we change it, what height is optimal for installation/operation AND will allow us to push the dryer back as far as possible without crimping/binding anything? (Our laundry closet is pretty shallow so I'd like to not have them sitting out very far from the back wall if I can help it.)

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Comments (9)

bob_brown
17 years ago
When doing service on laundry equipment, I found the majority of vents to be about knee high. It is difficult to reach a hose that is on the ground. It needs to extend about 2 inches beyond the sheetrock. Without using a spacesaver vent adapter, the needed spacing is about 6 inches. Install the plug at least 36 inches high. The same for the washer. Gas is normally about 4 inches high.
stw954
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you. That is exactly the info we were needing.

What is a "spacesaver vent adapter?" I tried to do a search (to see what they look like and what they do) but came up empty. (Our apartment is tiny so even a couple inches we can save is always good.)
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mr_havac
17 years ago
Try this link stw954, it'll give you an idea of what you need. Maybe Home Depot might even carry them.

Here is a link that might be useful: dryer vent
stw954
Original Author
17 years ago
Does anyone know if spacesaver vent adapters hamper the efficacy of the air being exhausted?

(We have gone at least nine rounds with the first hvac guy - before we replaced him - regarding 90 versus two 45 degree corners, so after fighting that hard, we are loathe to screw up the venting, even if it buys us an extra 3 or 4 inches...and extra inches always sound fabulous to us....)

The dryer duct runs a total of about 32 feet with four turns.
stw954
Original Author
17 years ago
Does anyone know if spacesaver vent adapters hamper the efficacy of the air being exhausted (bump)?
bob_brown
17 years ago
Hello,
A spacesaver is not a smooth air flow. It works, but how well. Lint is easily trapped within the ss duct. I would imagine it is like adding about 10 ft to the vent pipe. Clean your lint screen every load.
stw954
Original Author
17 years ago
Has anyone ever used a thing called a DryerBox? (You can see this on the dotcom address of that name.)

Would this DryerBox (or some custom version like it) be a good idea?
airsome
17 years ago
We have installed many dryerboxes and many knockoffs. Skip the knockoffs, stay with the brand.
Above all, do not use plastic boxes. They are fire hazards. I am amazed they are still available.
Dryerbox is an excellent product. They also sell a nice long-radius elbow which reduces restrictions.
blacknumber1
17 years ago
I've successfully vented dryers with Sch 30 PVC. It has a smooth interior surface and won't sag when it gets warm. Some codes don't allow it and some say it can't take the heat. ow often does a dryer vent get too hot to touch?

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