| Brand | Vent Material | Hood Type | Maximum Vent Length with 90° elbows | Maximum Vent Length with 90° elbows |
| Brand | Vent Material | Hood Type | 0 elbows | 3 elbows |
| Amana Speed Queen (domestic) | Rigid Metal | A | 44 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Amana Speed Queen (domestic) | Rigid Metal | B | 34 ft. | 14 ft. |
| Amana Speed Queen (domestic) | Semirigid Metal | A | 24 ft. | 12 ft. |
How far can you run a dryer vent from the outside?
Sections should be fitted together without using screws that protrude into the air's path, which could act as obstructions for lint to begin gathering on. If you use a smooth, rigid metal vent you may run it as much as 43 feet from the dryer exhaust to the outside.
How do you use an elbow joint on a dryer vent?
Slide one elbow joint on the top dryer output and one on the outside vent; use the solid end of the joint instead of the crimped end. Measure the distance in between. Deduct the size of an elbow joint if you need to add another corner in duct design to reach the outside vent.
What are the code requirements for a dryer vent?
The International Residential Code (IRC) section M1501 requires that clothes dryer vents be constructed of at least 0.016″ thick rigid metal, have smooth interior surfaces, and shall not have sheet metal screws extending into the duct. The clothes dryer vent should meet the UL 2158A standard.
What is elbow eliminator for dryer vent?
Elbow Eliminator - gain 5 foot of duct run Standard dryer exhaust duct-length criteria states that each 90° elbow you install reduces the allowable total length of dryer duct by five feet. Click to see full answer. Beside this, how many bends can a dryer vent have? M1502.
How many bends can a dryer vent have?
The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct. This means that vents should also be as straight as possible and cannot be longer than 35 feet.
Can dryer vents have elbows?
The tight bend in this elbow will allow you to push your dryer closer to the wall without kinking the exhaust hose. This elbow is designed to be attached to the back of your dryer, not to the wall vent.
Can dryer vents be 3?
Can a Dryer Vent be 3 inches in Diameter? You should never use a 3-inch vent pipe when installing your dryer vent. Anything smaller than 4 inches round is a clogging hazard, and you could end up damaging the dryer itself or starting a fire.
What is the code for dryer vents?
The maximum length of a 4-inch (102 mm) diameter exhaust vent shall not exceed 35 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to wall or roof termination, and shall terminate with a full opening exhaust hood. A reduction in maximum length of 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend shall apply.
How do I bend my dryer vent for my elbow?
0:141:51How-To Adjust a 90 Degree Adjustable Duct Elbow - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo sometimes they come a little bit stuck what you want to do is put them between your legs and justMoreSo sometimes they come a little bit stuck what you want to do is put them between your legs and just brace. Each section next to the one you want to spin. So between your legs. And you spin this one.
How do you put an elbow in a dryer vent?
0:522:43Elbow Install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo do so remove and discard the rubber o-ring found in the inner rim of the BN to the elbow. AndMoreTo do so remove and discard the rubber o-ring found in the inner rim of the BN to the elbow. And thread the elbow counterclockwise onto the duct afterwards slide the a end into the wall exhaust.
Are all dryer vents 4?
Dryer venting tips and practices All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow efficiency, quickens drying times, adds longevity to clothing's life and reduces utility bills.
How far can a dryer vent run horizontally?
Let's start with what the IRC (International Residential Code) says: the maximum length of a straight run of dryer duct is 35 feet, with a 5 foot deduction in length for each 90º bend and half that for 45º bends, based on using a 4-inch smooth metal vent, with no screws protruding into the air flow (IRC M1502.
What happens if your dryer vent is too long?
SUPPLIES. Your clothes dryer may be working too hard. A vent hose that's longer than needed requires extra effort to dry your clothing and expel the humid exhaust. In some cases, an extra-long dryer hose can pose a safety risk.
What is the maximum dryer vent length?
35 feetA dryer vent should not exceed 35 feet in length. Furthermore, for every 45 degree turn of a dryer vent you should remove 2.5 feet in total allotted length. For every 90 degree turn, you should remove 5 feet in total allotted length.
Can you run PVC pipe for a dryer vent?
While using PVC for some venting applications is acceptable, you should not use PVC to vent a dryer. PVC has a maximum temperature rating of 140 degrees. Dryer exhaust output can range from 130 to 165 degrees. PVC can buildup a static charge that can ignite lint buildup and cause a fire.
Can a dryer vent go straight up?
Can You Vent a Dryer Vertically? You can vent a dryer vertically as long as you don't exceed a distance of 35 feet in length. The preferred way to vent a dryer is downward or laterally but vertically is indeed an option. There are also special considerations to keep in mind when running a dryer vent vertically.
What is the minimum clearance for a dryer vent?
The minimum clearance to the rear wall for this type of clothes dryer vent is 2 1/2".
What is flex duct?
Flex-duct: plastic & wire flexible dryer vent duct (photo at above-left), a coil of spring wire covered with a thin, usually white, plastic. Although we have observed this material widely used in homes as "dryer vent ducting" it should not be used for that purpose.
Can a dryer vent be vented in a mobile home?
Above: a clothes dryer exhaust vent installed in a mobile home can be vented down through the crawl space and outside through the skirting wall, but must never be vented to terminate right in the crawl space.
Can a dryer vent leak?
Even if the dryer exhaust vent does extend to the outdoors, an improperly sloped, damaged, or disconnected dryer vent can leak moisture, lint, dust, and even dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) into the building. Leak stains in building ceilings may be traced to condensate leakage from an overhead clothes dryer vent.
Is PVC dryer vent code approved?
Watch out: plastic piping might show up as a dryer vent in some homes but it is not code-approved and should not be used for this purpose. Like other clog-prone vent materials this is an unsafe option. As Crnor elaborates: "PVC is not an option, its not code approved or allowed by any dryer manufacturer.
Can plastic dryer duct be used for bathroom venting?
Cranor elaborates: "Plastic" dryer duct" sold at various suppliers does not say on the packaging that it can be used for clothes dryer ducts....it specifically says bathroom venting. Plastic duct is not a UL approved dryer duct material, not code approved and its use will void any dryer manufacturer warranty.".
Can you use sheet metal screws on dryer ducts?
Watch out: some manufacturers recommend against using sheet metal screws to secure dryer duct sections because the screws collect lint. Also if you have ever tried reaching into a dryer exhaust duct to clean it by hand and had your arm ripped open by the SMS screw you may have another objection.
What size dryer duct should I use?
All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow efficiency, quickens drying times, adds longevity to clothing's life and reduces utility bills. The DryerFlex meets the 4" diameter specs. Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either ...
How often should I clean dryer vents?
Dryer vent cleaning improves the safety and efficiency and depending on the venting circumstances, should be cleaned or inspected every 6-12 months. Make sure your flex transition hose is not kinked or crushed.
Can you run a dryer too long?
Running your dryer too long not only wastes energy but can also damage your clothes. We recommend using an automatic setting, such as "less dry" rather than a timed setting. Clean lint filters regularly. Cleaning the lint filters on your washer and dryer will save energy, improve performance, and minimize fire hazards.
Can you use white vinyl flex pipe?
The use of the white vinyl flex pipe is all but completely prohibited, both by building departments and appliance manufacturers. Some municipalities allow or do not discourage the foil covered vinyl flex but almost all appliance manufacturers insist on the use of the aluminum flexible pipe.
Is dryer vent cleaning a commercial trade?
The space behind your dryer should be sufficient as to provide adequate room for the flex transition hose to make its bends with minimal deflection and restrictions. Dryer vent cleaning is a very real commercial trade and the contracted work is sometimes described as Routine and Problem Cleaning.
What is a dryer vent made of?
Dryer vents are often made from flexible plastic or metal duct , which may be easily kinked or crushed where they exit the dryer and enter the wall or floor. This is often a problem since dryers tend to be tucked away into small areas with little room to work.
Where do dryer vents terminate?
Inspectors will see many dryer vents terminate in crawlspaces or attics where they deposit moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold, wood decay, or other material problems. Sometimes they will terminate just beneath attic ventilators. This is a defective installation.
How long should exhaust ducts be supported?
Exhaust ducts shall be supported at intervals not to exceed 12 feet and shall be secured in place. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the adjoining duct or fitting in the direction of airflow. Exhaust duct joints shall be sealed in accordance with Section M1601.4.1 and shall be mechanically fastened.
How long should an exhaust vent be?
This means that vents should also be as straight as possible and cannot be longer than 35 feet. Any 90-degree turns in the vent reduce this 35-foot number by 5 feet, since these turns restrict airflow. A couple of exceptions exist:
How thick is exhaust duct?
Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0.016-inch-thick (0.4 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces, with joints running in the direction of air flow. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct.
Where do exhaust ducts terminate?
Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building or 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.
How many fires were caused by dryers in 2005?
Fires caused by dryers in 2005 were responsible for approximately 13,775 house fires, 418 injuries, 15 deaths, and $196 million in property damage. Most of these incidents occur in residences and are the result of improper lint cleanup and maintenance. Fortunately, these fires are very easy to prevent.
How far away should a dryer vent be from the air conditioner?
(Photo credit: Cord Werner) But, another thing to keep in mind is that if your vent is out the sidewall, it needs to be a minimum of 6 feet away from the air conditioner.
What are some facts about dryer vents?
7 dryer vent facts every homeowner should know. Dryer vents are often overlooked, but improperly installed vents can cause dryers to malfunction, air conditioners to clog and even pose a fire risk. Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash. We’ve all been there — it’s the morning of an important interview and you go to the dryer to pull out your lucky pair ...
How long is a 45 degree vent?
Each 90-degree turn in the vent is equivalent to 5 feet, and each 45-degree turn is equivalent to 2.5 feet, so you have to account for those [turns] too.
Can lint clog an air conditioner?
If it’s not, the lint can clog your air conditioner. Also, your air conditioner is trying to get rid of heat, and you’re pushing heat right into it. If this exhaust vent gets damaged, you’ll need to replace it | Photo credit: Cord Werner. If your duct is metal, it will last for very long time.
How long should a dryer vent be?
Most standards call for clothes dryer vents to be no more than 25 feet in length, have few bends, and no kinks. Gas dryers, though, are often permitted to have ducts no longer than 35 feet in length. The more bends in the line that exist, the shorter the overall length should be. For every 90 degree bend, the vent should be shortened by 5 feet;
How far can a dryer vent be from the ceiling?
(story continues below) I also sometimes find dryer vents that far exceed 40 feet.
Why does my dryer use so much energy?
The more lint that fills a clothes dryer vent, the more energy the clothes dryer consumes to try to dry the clothes as air won’t freely flow through the clogged vent material. This, in turn, causes the drying cycle to be much longer than normal and raises utility bills.
What is the purpose of a dryer vent?
The purpose of the dryer vent system is to transport this water vapor, and the lint that accompanies it, to a safe location outside the home. The most commonly seen improper type of dryer vent is flexible vinyl tubing. Vinyl is a type of plastic and it can easily melt and lead to a house fire. This material, most often white ...
How many fires are caused by dryer vents?
Statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that over 24,000 house fires and nearly $100 million in property damage annually are related to faulty clothes dryer vent installations. House fires related to clothes dryer vents are much more common than most people believe but luckily are relatively easy to prevent.
How long should a transition duct be?
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. The transition duct must not run within a wall, floor, or ceiling covering since it will not be able to be visually inspected and can’t easily be cleaned. (story continues below)
Can a chimney sweep clean a dryer vent?
Some HVAC professionals and chimney sweeps also offer dryer vent cleaning as a service. During a home inspection, the inspector should try to determine the type of clothes dryer vent material (s) installed. In some homes, only parts of the clothes dryer vent system may be visible.
How far should I run a dryer vent?
If you use a smooth, rigid metal vent you may run it as much as 43 feet from the dryer exhaust to the outside. Again, this is the maximum, and attempts should be made to use as short of a distance as possible.
How long should dryer vent hose be?
When using a straight piece of flexible metal vent hose, the maximum length allowed for safe ventilation is approximately 30 feet, according to the Appliance Aid website.
Why does my dryer keep burning?
One of the causes of this overheating is excessive lint buildup in the dryer exhaust vents. As lint accumulates, it allows for less heat and moisture to be expelled, resulting in overheating.
How much should vent length be reduced?
As a general rule, you should reduce the maximum vent length by 2.5 feet for every 90-degree turn in the vent hose. Advertisement.
Why are my vents clogged?
The longer your vents are, the more likely they are to become clogged with lint and debris because of a loss of air pressure to push it out of the vent. The way your vent is installed can make the maximum safe length fluctuate considerably. Advertisement.
Can you use flexible vinyl hoses on a gas dryer?
They should never be used on a gas dryer. Advertisement.
Can you use fabric softener sheets in dryer?
With Fabric Softener. If you plan to use fabric softener sheets in your dryer, they will reduce the safe length of your dryer vents. This common method of keeping clothes soft and static free also adds to the buildup potential of each load.