QA

Quick Answer: How Long Can Dryer Vent Be

The maximum developed length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 35 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. 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.

Is it bad to have a long dryer vent?

Keep exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Exhaust systems longer than the manufacturer’s recommendations can extend drying times, affect appliance operation and may encourage lint build-up on pipe lining.

How long can a dryer vent be without a booster?

The Dryer Duct Booster can also reduce the potential fire hazard associated with lint buildup. 45° elbow equals 2.5 feet. Some dryers can exhaust beyond 25 equivalent feet without a booster fan.

How far can a dryer vent run horizontally?

The required length of horizontal dryer vent pipe, from the dryer to the wall opening, is a minimum length of 12 inches and maximum of 25 feet.

Can a dryer vent go up?

The maximum height that a dryer vent can go up is the same as the total length of any dryer vent, 35-40 feet. The type of material that you use to vent your dryer doesn’t affect how high up it can go. Aluminum, PVC, metal, and metal flex are all options for venting a dryer, but you can’t run one farther than the other.

How long can a flexible dryer vent be?

The maximum length of the duct is reduced by 2.5 feet for each 45 degree bend and by 5 feet for each 90 degree bend. The transition duct is not included in the exhaust duct maximum length. Vents can’t be longer than 35 feet and should be straight.

How do you run a dryer vent long distance?

Booster Fans. Sometimes, especially in multifamily buildings, the duct is so long that it’s just really hard to push that air all the way through, even with a perfect installation and a good wall cap. In that case, you might consider adding a booster fan. It’ll keep the air moving and cut your dryer’s run times.

What is code for a dryer vent?

Dryer venting systems are covered in the International Residential Code (IRC) at M1502 – Clothes Dryer Exhaust.

How can I boost my dryer vent?

They switch on automatically when the dryer kicks on, using an electric fan to speed up the airflow through the duct, which increases air flow through the dryer. Mount the booster to the wall or ceiling at least 10 ft. from the dryer and in the path of the existing vent. Connect the vent to the booster and plug it in.

Can you run a dryer vent up a wall?

Dryer vents should not be installed in ways that make them difficult to clean and inspect. Any vent in a wall cavity should be made of solid metal, with all joints sealed with metallic tape. There should not be any tight turns and they also need to be sized properly to the distance run.

Can a dryer be vented into a garage?

You shouldn’t vent your dryer into a garage because the exhaust from gas dryers contains carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if allowed to build up in your home. Other issues that could crop up include lint buildup, mold infestation, and structural damage.

Can you reduce dryer vent to 3?

The most aesthetically pleasing option is to have a 90deg turn out of the dryer, then into a 3″ pipe that goes for 9 feet. There is another option that would have a 90 degree turn, vertical for 4 feet, another 90 degree turn and then 9 feet out through a 4″ pipe.

Can I use PVC pipe for dryer vent?

Currently, PVC, Vinyl, or aluminum foil material is still common in plumbing applications. However, manufacturers do not permit their use for venting a dryer. PVC or Vinyl duct trap can easily melt because of the hot air coming from the dryer.

Is it better to vent a dryer up or down?

It’s fine for the dryer vent to rise vertically to enter the building ceiling, but within the ceiling the vent should slope downwards towards its exit point at the building exterior wall.

Should dryer vent be insulated in attic?

DRYER DUCTS DON’T NEED TO BE INSULATED. But if it’s running through a crawl space, unheated basement, attic or other unconditioned space where there’s the potential for freezing, then it is recommended to insulate the duct.

Is it OK to vent dryer into crawl space?

Vented air from the dryer is full of moisture since it contains water from the clothing being dried. Do not vent it into your crawlspace or basement since you will definitely have moisture problems.

Can a dryer vent be too short?

How short can a dryer vent hose be? While there is a maximum allowed length for dryer vent hoses (35 feet), there is no minimum length. A dryer vent hose needs to be long enough to properly vent a dryer to the outside.

Can a dryer vent touch wood?

Yes, that is considered safe. Direct wood contact is not a problem with the operating temperature of a dryer vent. You’ll have no fire if the vent is clear. lint does not escape from the pipe if all joints are foil taped.

How far should a dryer be from the wall?

It’s ideal to have around six inches of space behind your washer and dryer. A periscope dryer vent can save space behind the dryer.

Why are dryer vents so long?

A: When your clothes dryer is taking longer and longer to dry clothes, it’s often a sign of a clogged vent pipe, a clogged lint filter or a lint-clogged vent flapper. I had to modify the length of the dryer vent pipe and was stunned when I took it apart.