skip to main content

Can a dryer be vented through a window?

17 years ago

I've been doing forum searches, but have not seen this specific question come up:

Can a dryer be vented through a window?

I live in an apartment, and have space in my kitchen for a compact dryer. There is also a window in the kitchen to the outside - so I am wondering if the dryer could vent out in this manner. And if so, would water be dripping out or something?

Thanks, and I look forward to your helpful responses...

As an aside, this is a great forum, and packed with helpful information. I have pretty much decided against a washer/dryer combo based on what I've read here. I am now leaning toward the Danby DWM99W Top Loader.

Of course, I'm still left with the question of how to dry the clothes. Since there's a laundry room literally right outside my apartment, it wouldn't be a big deal to use the machines to dry the clothes (I won't use the building washers because they do a lousy job, and for sanitary reasons - god knows what people are washing in there!)

Still, I'd prefer to be able to wash and dry the clothes in my place without having to step foot in that laundry room, so I'm hoping I can vent through that window.

Featured Answer

aquarius2101

17 years ago

Here in the UK it's pretty common for people to dangle the vent hose for the dryer out of the window when it is in use, and take it back in again once the dryer has finished. No problems with condensation or water dripping at all - you should be fine with just dangling the hose through the window.

Jon

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

housekeeping
17 years ago
Or you could replace one pane of the window's glass with a fitting that held the vent in place. This means you can't open the window easily, though. I vented a dryer out through a basement window once, and it worked just fine.

Molly~
Related Discussions
Venting a basement dryer...through the window or concrete block??
Q
Comments (2)
If you can't gather enough information from the mfrs. installation instructions to feel comfortable doing it yourself, call a licensed HVAC contractor. Window exhaust can be an option in some cases, some locales prohibit this though. Do realize that you will need to inspect and clean the ductwork and if leaves were to collect in a window well it could pose a fire hazard. Also, various birds/critters may find a way to enter through the hood so get a good quality unit with a damper door and do a visual inspection of it a few times a year.
...See More
Can a dryer be vented through the roof?
Q
Comments (21)
From what I read you are allowed to go through the roof however keep in mind maximum length is 35 ft from the dryer and if you use a 45 degree elbow it is 2.5 ft less to bring it to 32.5 ft and a 90 degree elbow if 5 ft less which is then at 30 ft cause every off set is concidere a constriction now i wouldn’t personally exhaust out the roof cause you would need the proper vent hood to restrict rain and moisture from going back in the vent which if any moisture goes in can create lint gathered by the moisture then when the lint that you thought was getting out was collected by moisture then the dry lint that’s been trapped in the vent can cause a fire and also on another note if you exhaust out the roof regardless of the vent being waterproofed you can still get condensation mostly in the fall and winter
...See More
Draft Through Dryer vent....what to do?....
Q
Comments (4)
Hi, I'm sure others will have other ideas (and I cant wait to see them as I'm having same issue as you).. However, I do know they make one type of vent which makes use of a lightweight ball which sits on the opening of the vent.. when dryer is on, there is enough air pressure to move ball up and let exhaust flow... When dryer off, ball sits on the exaust hole thereby preventing back flow... Ball is surrounded by a "cage" so that it does not fly off.. Possible downfall? Is detracting visibly as it is not flush to surface of house.. I don't know where to get one, but I know I've seen them on-line.. If I find, I will repost w/ link
...See More
Venting dryer downward/through floor
Q
Comments (1)
How long would the vent length be? Don't exceed the dryer MFG length or the dryer may automatically shut off. Also, it's not a good idea to use ANY (even metal) flexible vents inside of walls because of the possibility of a fire. Lint is highly flammable, flexible metal vents are FAIRLY fire resistant. http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/dryer/edryer/check/vent.php Be sure the whole length can be inspected and cleaned out when necessary. Rigid metal vent pipe would be easier to clean out (chimney brush, ect.) Looks like you could use one of these and vent up, down, or sideways thru the walls / floor / ceiling. about $25 free shipping, also PayPal link to dryer box Also see BOTH pages of the Photo Gallery Here is a link that might be useful: Dryer Vent Box
...See More
gordonr
17 years ago
I don't know if it's in draft form, or final, but I've read section M1502.2 of the International Residential Code and it says,

"Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building. Exhaust ducts terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions. Exhaust ducts shall terminate not less than 3 feet in any direction from openings into buildings. Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination."

By code, I suppose you could do what housekeeping suggests as long as the window can't be opened. From a practical standpoint, it seems like some sort of ad hoc while in use only setup would be fine. I wouldn't expect to see any water dripping from the end of the exhaust unless a fair section of the exhaust is outside the window in winter temperatures (i.e. the exhaust temp is lowered below the dew point).
hrp3ks
17 years ago
It doesn't cost that much to have a dryer vent added, unless perhaps the exterior is brick. You could always check - maybe the building would split the cost? They could recoup it someday in charging a higher rent for that unit. You'll probably need a 220v outlet too for the dryer if you don't already have one.
mike_73
17 years ago
if the install is not perminate oryoy can't install a vent dangle the vent hose out the window on wash day. or you could take a pane out of the window and mount the vent in that, this is how mine currently vents out of the basement. I'm sure it was easier than puttting a hole in the brick.
alanbr
17 years ago
Very common in NYC apartments. You can even get a galvanized metal bracket that you can close the window on with a hole to mount the vent hose - similar to a portable ac type setup.
mitty24
17 years ago
This answer might be a little too late, but I vent my dryer in the house. I bought a kit at Home Depot. You put the hose into a lid that hooks onto a container with water in it. I just have to clean once in a while and keep water in the container.

Since I am in AZ, the extra humidity helps.

This probably isnÂt up to code, so I will have to do something different if I sell the house. But for now it works great.
weedly
17 years ago
In one word: yes.

You can vent the dryer through an open window.

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Chores You Can Whip Through During Commercials

By Becky Harris

Use ad time for getting tasks done, and it’s like fast-forwarding your house into cleanliness

LAUNDRY ROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Laundry Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make fluffing and folding more enjoyable by borrowing these ideas from beautifully designed laundry rooms

GREEN DECORATING 8 Questions to Help You See Through Green Hype

By Laura Gaskill

With the ecofriendly bandwagon picking up some dubious passengers, here's how to tell truly green products and services from the imposters

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Terrific Pass-Throughs Widen Your Kitchen Options

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Can't get behind a fully closed or open-concept kitchen? Pass-throughs offer a bit of both

HOUSEKEEPING Can-Do Cleaning Strategies for Busy People

By Laura Gaskill

While you dream of having a maid (to go with the cook and chauffer), this simplified cleaning routine can keep your real-world home tidy

LIFE We Can Work It Out: Living (and Cleaning) Together

By Alison Hodgson

Run a household without fussing and fighting with these ideas for how to work together on household chores

DECORATING GUIDES Sail Through Special Occasions With a Ready, Gracious Home

By Laura Gaskill

Smile serenely in the face of impromptu parties, unexpected guests and last-minute gift giving with these ideas for preparing now

DECORATING GUIDES Paper Chase: Wallpaper Through the Ages to Today

By Elements of Style

Get on a decorating roll with a wall covering that's been around for centuries but comes in more exciting designs than ever

PETS A Romp Through Pet-Friendly Materials

By Katya Popova

Deceptively durable, these stylish flooring materials and fabrics let you give Fluffy the run of the house

Sponsored

More Discussions

PreOrder new Bosch 500 series or something else

6

Washing Machine Draining Question & Laundry Room Design

7

Modern brass wall hooks?

11

New Miele Washing Machine- WXR860- Need Help

11

Change my house layout Help needed

11