Choosing a Clothes Dryer for Long Exhaust
MDhomeguy
| Posted in General Discussion on
The condo where I live requires that replacement dryers be capable of venting a minimum of 33 feet. I’m pretty sure the CFM rating of the dryer relates to this, but I don’t know how to equate the rated CFM to exhaust length. How many CFM would I need for a vent length of 33 feet and 2 bends? Is there a published list of dryers by CFM or vent length capabilities? Thanks, Randy
Replies
MDhomeguy wrote:
The condo where I live requires that replacement dryers be capable of venting a minimum of 33 feet. I'm pretty sure the CFM rating of the dryer relates to this, but I don't know how to equate the rated CFM to exhaust length. How many CFM would I need for a vent length of 33 feet and 2 bends? Is there a published list of dryers by CFM or vent length capabilities? Thanks, Randy
thats quite a long run. Each dryer has there own max lengths listed in the install manual. Check that and find the subtraction for the two 90's or 45's.
worst case, there are booster inline fans for exhaust.
Understand. Thanks.
You need a Boost Fan
Get an inline dryer boost fan. You'll need an access panel for cleaning it and a 110v(?) power supply to drive it.
Condensing dryers.
Ventless dryers are common in Europe. You might consider this alternative.
https://www.reviewed.com/laundry/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ventless-dryers
https://www.reviewed.com/laundry/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ventless-dryers
Mike Mahan
Cool. I just discovered that if I use the paste feature from the edit menu, it bypasses the forum paste popup.
Bosch stopped making vented dryers due to vent fires, so to match my washer, a Bosch front loader that spins at 1200, and which plus into the dryer rather than a receptacle, I got their condensing dryer despite bad reviews. When the clothes come out of the front loader, they are nearly dry and the dryer does a great job of drying them the rest of the way. Depending on your washer, consider a condensing dryer.
Ask neighbors what they are using.
I’ve built a few multi family buildings in my time. You will need to refer to the manufacturers specs for venting requirements which is included w/in the installation/owners manual. In the field no CFM calculations are made as building inspectors require to see the specs on dryer which indicate the max length of pipe, number of elbows etc. allowed by the manufacturer, CFM rating is a mute point to them. You will be able to find a dryer quite easily at 33’ length of pipe. I‘ve installed multiple budget friendly Amana units that allowed for 38’ with 2 elbows. I’d suggest you select your top 3 dryers and lookup their associated documents online. Most if not all manufacturers have all this info online. There’s a good chance one if not all your selections will meet your requirements. Also, you will need to keep the documentation (the manual and installation) in case any code enforcement ever requests to see it.
For condensing dryers. They do not work nearly as well as vented. I live and run construction companies in the US and Europe. I can say first hand condensing dryers are not very good (all that I’ve seen and used anyways). Most European countries do not use dryers and when they do they often have to use condensing dryers b/c of the lack of space etc for vents etc. Also, the dryers are probably half the size of US dryers, loading of clothing is quite small in comparison to US way of laundering.