In part one of this two-part series, we went over some basics on typical acceptable locations for a dryer vent in your home. Dryer vents can go in a few different places, including via attics and via windows depending on the nature of the space, but there is also a flip side here: Some locations where these dryer vents should not be placed.
At All Pro Appliance Service, we’re happy to provide comprehensive dryer repair services for any client in need, and dryer vent issues are some of the most common we’re experienced in dealing with. What are some of the areas where dryer vents should not go, whether for safety reasons or any others? Here are a few prominent examples.
Inside a Garage
Primarily for health and safety reasons, dryer vents should never be situated inside of a garage. This is because the extreme heat generated by these vents can lead to endangering of any materials that are combustible in nature and could result in a fire hazard if not addressed correctly.
In addition, dryer vents should also not be placed near any combustible materials, such as a pile of wood or hay.
In a Crawl Space
While it’s generally acceptable for a dryer vent to run partially through a crawl space on its way to another eventual location, such as an attic or a wall vent, it should never actually end there. Crawl spaces are generally damp and moist environments which can cause lint to build up if the dryer vent is situated in that area.
This will often lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which not only is bad for the health of your home but can also lead to a fire hazard if not properly addressed.
Next to Outdoor Appliances
If your home contains certain exterior appliances like a furnace vent intake, then you should be aware that these appliances should never be situated next to or near a dryer vent. This is because the force of the dryer’s exhaust could actually push back into the furnace vent and cause serious damage to your home’s heating system.
Another good example here is an outdoor air conditioning unit, which can similarly be damaged by the force of a dryer vent.
Dryer Vent Length Limitations
Finally, while this doesn’t speak to a specific location per se, you should know that most standard dryer ducts have a maximum length of about 25 feet from the vent to the dryer. If you’re pushing this limit too far, then it’s important to have a professional come in and assess the situation for your home. Longer distances can lead to lint buildup and other issues down the line.
At All Pro Appliance Service, we are happy to speak with any client who needs further help or advice with their dryer vents. We have experienced professionals on hand who can help assess any situation, provide repair services, and more! Please don’t hesitate to reach out for further information, or for help with any kind of appliance repair or HVAC tune-up need you may have.
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