I don't think it's a great idea but you can experiment in your own house if you want to, but as a licensed contractor I wouldn't really touch it. They do have inline dryer booster fans which Fantech sells which will come with a lint trap. You can direct the duct in the wintertime via a volume damper to allow the hot humid air into your return duct. Then I would assume you would have to change your filters way more often. Think about what chemicals you are venting out from your dryer, the soap, chlorine, plus any clothing dye. Would you want that back into your breathing air? I know in large facilities they will take their Boiler/Hot water flue gas and put it through a heat exchanger to warm or cool their system, which would greatly reduce the need of a compressor for a chiller or burner for a boiler. You can try something similar like that here, but that hot gas they are saving is a few hundred degrees, you wont have that with a dryer. Here's another thing some people are doing which is similar. In cold climates, in places like supermarkets, they will allow the outside air to enter their freezers and refrigerators to save on electricity of running the compressors when it's below 20 deg or so. You can try that in your home in the wintertime, run a duct into your freezer with a outdoor temp sensor and to allow the damper to open up when it's in the teens.

OK. My washer is coming tomorrow. No bells and whistles--just a standard ole Top Loader. SPEED QUEEN #AWS44NW--3.3 cu.ft. stainless steel tub--8 cycles--3 water temp. ect. washerman8--I wanted the model you have but it took too long for them to get it. If I need a 2nd rinse I'll just wash with no soap. Here is info on this model. Maybe by the time this machine dies the FLers will be more worry free. Appearance Color: White Rear Controls Flexvane Agitator Galvanized Metal Washer Cabinet 3.3 cu.ft. Stainless Steel Washtub Triple Coat Commercial-Grade Cabinet Finish Performance/Features 210° Agitation Stroke 3 Water Temperature Selections 8 Cycle Selections 2 Speed Automatic Balancing System Rear Self-Leveling Legs Porcelain Coated, Steel Outer Draintub Tuff Guard Protected Top Bleach Dispenser Fabric Softener Dispenser Commercial Strength Suspension Sys Hush Pak Appearance 3 Water Temperature Selections 8 Cycle Selections 2 Speed Automatic Balancing System Rear Self-Leveling Legs Porcelain Coated, Steel Outer Draintub Tuff Guard Protected Top Bleach Dispenser Fabric Softener Dispenser Commercial Strength Suspension System Hush Pak Cycles Regular: Heavy Normal Light Permanent Press: Normal Light HandWash/Delicate: Normal Light Soak/Prewash Technical Information Tub Volume: 3.3 cu. ft. Average Water Consumption 39.1 Overall Dimensions: 43"H x 25 5/8"W x 28"D Cabinet Height: 36" Motor Horsepower: 1/2 Spin Speeds (RPM): 474 710 Warranty Speed Queen brings to you the industry's best warranty on all of our washers and dryers. 3-year warranty on parts and labor 5 year limited warranty on the motor 5 year limited warranty on the cabinet 10 year limited warranty on transmission Lifetime warranty on all stainless steel washtubs and outer draintubs

Assuming your unit has a mechanical timer, could be a contact is welded shut causing the heating element to stay on continuously.

For every appliance I have ever owned, I have always bought Ext. Warranty. Sometimes I have needed it, and sometimes not. My Mom had 5 year Ext. warranties on her very expensive, top of the line GE washer & dryer. The dryer gave her a lot of problems about 4 years into ownership. After Sears/GE tried several repair attempts, they finally gave her all her money back and she bought a new dryer. Money WELL spent on an Ext. warranty! Years ago, I needed a substantial repair on a Miele oven. I believe they told me the repair was well oven $1000.00. My $249 Ext. warranty covered every cent of the service, labor and parts. ALWAYS think of Ext. warranties like car insurance. Most of the time you will never need it, but man when you do need it.....You are so darn happy you have it!! :) -Larsi