Venting regulations ensure safety as well as proper dryer operation. Most home inspectors in the United States, when citing regulations pertaining to dryer venting, refer to the International Residential Code, although codes in certain states may have additional provisions. The IRC provides standards for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less. Its specifications for dryer venting are intended to prevent fires, protect the dryer and ensure that warm, humid air from the dryer doesn't cause damage to interior woodwork or mold-related health problems. Vent Termination If you're planning to direct your dryer vent into a bucket of water next to the dryer, the IRC has one word for you: "Don't." You must terminate your dryer vent outside the building, according to section M1502 of the IRC. This also means that you can't blow the dryer exhaust into the attic or the crawlspace. This regulation prevents lint from building up indoors and creating a fire hazard and warm, moist air from promoting rot and mold.

The regulation prohibits screens at the outdoor vent termination -- they collect lint which eventually blocks the vent. Vent Material and Length Running corrugated plastic ducts through the crawlspace may seem like a convenient venting solution, but it doesn't comply with the code. Section M1502 requires that vents be constructed of smooth metal ducts fastened without screws that extend into the vent and collect lint. It is better to join the pipes with foil-backed duct tape. The vent should be as straight as possible, and the code sets a limit of 25 feet on its length. If you have to install bends, you should reduce this limit by 5 feet for every 90-degree bend and 2 1/2 feet for every 45-degree one. Considerations According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the IRC defers to dryer manufacturers in specifying such details as the length of the vent and the number of bends it can contain. Some manufacturers design their machines to work with much longer vents.

The IRC also leaves it up to the dryer manufacturer to specify the diameter of the vent hose to use. It allows homeowners to use one 8-foot length of flexible pipe to transition from the dryer to the exhaust pipe. This length of flexible pipe must remain visible and accessible so it can be removed and cleaned. air duct cleaning equipment indiaCondensing Dryers Condensing, or ductless, dryers have been common in Europe, Japan and other space-conscious countries for years, and they are an option for locations that are too far away from an outside wall for proper venting. air conditioning duct cleaning robotThey work by drawing in room air or using a fan to cool the exhaust, condense it into a liquid and route it into a bucket that the user empties at the end of the drying cycle. average cost to clean ducts

The International Mechanical Code and the IRC both make venting exceptions for these types of dryers. References International Association of Certified Home Inspectors: Dryer Vent SafetyEnergystar.gov: What is IRC?U.S. Department of Energy: Ventilation Requirements for Condensing Clothes Dryers - Code Notes Photo Credits IT Stock Free/Polka Dot/Getty Images Suggest a Correctionwhat is the best way to clean cellular shades 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. ac duct cleaning brushExhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct.best cleaner for greasy hardwood floors

The IRC will defer to the manufacturer’s instruction, so if the manufacturer’s recommendation permits a longer exhaust vent, that’s acceptable. An inspector probably won’t have the manufacturer’s recommendations, and even if they do, confirming compliance with them exceeds the scope of a General Home Inspection. More inspection articles like this Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts offer absolute safety, efficiency, and peace of mind through dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation, and modification by CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians only. We guarantee our work for as long as you own the home with the Clean & Green Experts Lifetime Guarantee. We urge everyone to take the time to read your dryer's manual and create an "Escape Plan" for you and your family. Our C-DET Technician will thoroughly inspect your dryer vent system for functionality, safety, and ensure that the system meets general code. Our technicians will then provide a written estimate prior to completing any work.

Once the homeowner approves the work to be done, our technician will then proceed to complete the cleaning of your dryer vent system. Occasionally, an existing dryer vent may separate, tear or rip, come untapped, or in some cases disconnected from the dryer. Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts will inspect your dryer vent system to find the problem area and determine what is necessary to repair it. The technician will then inspect all dryer vent material to ensure it is up to code and safe for your home. Once the inspection is complete, the technician will provide you with an estimate and complete the work upon homeowner approval. In the event that your dryer vent is no longer up to code, constructed of plastic or foil, or non-existent, Clean and Green Dryer Vent Experts will install a new dryer vent system. This system will be constructed of either rigid (solid) or semi-rigid (acceptable flexible) piping. All aspects of the new dryer vent system will meet code. Join us on Facebook!