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Why do
we vent Clothes Dryers?
To
remove…
•
Exhaust from the dryer
•
Water vapour
•
Lint and fluff
•
Acids and caustic chemicals found in detergents
What
are the advantages?
It
eliminates…
•
The
potential of fire – lint and fluff are combustible if left to
accumulate. All it needs is a spark – static electricity and you
have fire. The USA has over 15,000 house fires a year caused by
Dryers that are not vented outside.
•
An
unhealthy environment in the home – build up of lint, fluff and
moisture can harbor bacteria. Caustic chemicals can harm home
occupants.
•
Damage
to structural materials – a dryer exhausts litres of water during
its drying cycles and this can effect plaster by swelling, wood by
rotting and metal by rusting.
•
Damage
to internal furnishings – condensation, fluff and chemicals can
dirty walls, ceilings, light fittings, curtains, carpets and
furniture as well as peel internal paint.
Gains…
•
Money
– save power consumption – Drying times are reduced - Venting
creates a dry, cool environment which dryers work more efficiently
in, but if the moisture exhausted by the dryer is circulated back
through the machine, drying times are increased, hence higher power
bills.
•
Money
- saves costs on cleaning solvents – minimises cleaning and
maintenance duties within the home. Rectifying internal paintwork
from mold and mildew as well as maintenance to structural materials
ie… plaster, wood and metals.
•
Health
to home occupants – lessens the effects of asthma and bronchial
allergies by keeping air within the home cleaner.
Why
should we vent all the way outside?
•
Safety – Lint and fluff is combustible and can become fuel for fire
when left to build up in roof and wall cavities.
•
Security - No need to leave doors or windows open for
intruders to enter from.
•
Cost savings – can save the expensefixing structural damage can be
caused by excessive water vapour – steam
etc.
What
should we vent with?
•
Fire
Rated ducting – it is important to use a flame retardant, fire
rated ducting to contain any threat of fire.
•
Not
-PVC storm-water pipe –
this form of piping is not recognized by Insurance companies as a
certified Fire Rated ducting option and is considered to be a
contributing factor to house fires.
Key
aspects of venting
Choose the
shortest, most direct route outside by…
•
Keep
ducting path to a minimal length – the shorter the venting
distance, the better the efficiency of the dryer.
•
Minimise bends - bends
restrict airflow and affects the appliance’s efficiency. Gradual
bends are the preferred option if required.
•
Never
decrease the diameter – ducting should be kept consistent with the
outlet diameter. Decreasing the air volume causes backpressures that
affect the appliance’s working efficiency. It is advantageous to
increase a diameter.
•
Maintain ducting – like
anything, look after it and it will look after you! Check
ducting to ensure there are no blockages or restrictions.
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