We mostly use an indoor dryer vent in closed spaces. Moreover, we also install it in places where there is no outdoor access. In today’s world, apartments are jam-packed in one building with very minimal outer access. experts are of the view that an indoor dryer vent is very useful for closed and jammed spaces.
This article will guide you about indoor dryer vent and how to install it in your duct network.
What Is An Indoor Dryer Vent?
We primarily install Indoor ducts in close spaces. It does not run through a wall rather it directly blows air in the laundry room. Manufacturing of the indoor vents has limited their entire working to the internal environment only. Indoor dryer ducts are ideal for apartments and condominiums. There are several models of indoor vents. They can use either water-based filtration or cloth-based filtration. It depends on their make and model. However, no matter what kind of vent we are using, we still need to clean and replace it on a regular basis.
For instance, we have several names of indoor vents here which include Dundas Jafine’s ProFlex kit and Bettervent indoor venting system.
Working Of An Indoor Vent:
We can also call a dryer duct a filtration passageway that has the ability to eliminate every kind of junk produced by dryers or other machines. A long and rigid pipe serves the purpose of a connecting medium between a dryer vent and the machine.
Dryer vents not only remove junk but also absorb extra moisture, humidity, and heat. A dryer takes up the residue from the machine by using the long and semi-rigid pipe. It then evacuates that by-product in the laundry room.
How To Install A Dryer Vent - Professional Guide:
Preferably, you should contact professionals to install vents. You can contact professionals for air duct repair and replacement Roswell. They have qualified technicians. However, if you want to install a vent at home, Follow the below-mentioned procedure to install an indoor vent by yourself:
STEP 01:
We use a customizable offset dryer duct when there is less space available. . A periscope dryer vent is another name for it. Normally, we use a 90-degree 4-inch duct elbow on the dryer’s discharge vent. These offset vents allow the dryer to be put closer to the wall than a normal basement placement. (Some models permit a 3-inch space between the dryer and the wall.) It also allows the dryer to be attached to a fixed vent connection in the wall since the vent connection duct also allows for offset and height adjustments.
Calculate the offset distance between the center of the dryer discharge vent and the center of the wall vent you need to connect to.
STEP 02:
Take the offset duct from the box, then adjust the space between the two vent connection holes by moving the two ends apart or closer together.
Once in the proper position, secure the ends in place with HVAC aluminum foil tape to seal the open joints and lock the sliding duct into place. (Do not use regular duct tape, which dries up rapidly and fails to seal the junction.) A tight seal is essential since, with a gas dryer, the vent not only exhausts lint and air but also dangerous carbon monoxide gas to the outside.
STEP 03:
Connect the offset duct to the wall connection duct at the appropriate end (usually the smaller diameter end). There isn’t much room to work with. If you don’t want the offset duct to slip off after the dryer is already in place, secure it with aluminum foil duct tape by positioning the offset duct at the approximate angle which is required for the final connection to the dryer.
You can use a 4 1/2-inch stainless steel band worm-gear hose clamp if there is enough material for a satisfactory friction fit.
STEP 04:
Mount a 4 1/2-inch stainless steel band worm-gear hose clip across the exhaust vent of the dryer.
Slide the connector of the offset dryer vent over the dryer’s discharge vent to position the dryer. Check for a snug fit before moving the band clamp over the duct connections and tightening with a screwdriver or socket driver.
STEP 05:
Connect the dryer to the power source and turn it on. Check if the vent is working properly and the exhaust ducts are still attached.
Pros And Cons Of Indoor Ducts:
Indoor dryer vents have several pros and cons. First, we will discuss the beneficial aspects of indoor venting. Some of the benefits of indoor vents are listed below:
Pros:
1. Fewer Installation Costs:
Indoor Venting generally costs less than outdoor venting. Firstly, we do not require a large amount of equipment and spare parts. Secondly, indoor venting saves us from drilling holes in the wall. There are several DIY alternatives for indoor venting. On the other hand, there are no other options for outdoor venting. Installation costs of indoor venting are far less than that of outdoor venting.
2. Ideal To Use In Small Homes:
Since indoor venting does not require outside access, we can easily use these vents in closed spaces. They do not require any windows. That’s why they are simpler to use as compared to outdoor vents.
3. Less Energy Dissipation:
On a lighter note, indoor venting can save so much energy in chilly winters. Indoor dryer vents blow hot and lint-free air directly into the laundry room. In this way, we can also maintain the temperature of the laundry room. It also gives a cozy interior in winter. As a result, the HVAC system won’t have to work hard.
4. Less Damaging To Outer Environments:
one Of the most striking features of the indoor dryer vent is that it does not destroy the ozone layer in any way. It does not exhaust harmful gasses and excessive hot air in the outer environments. Thus, we can say that these vents are eco-friendly.
Cons:
Following are some disadvantages of the indoor ducts:
- Although indoor ducts can control humidity yet they do not remove humidity 100% from the room.
- As a result, the remaining humidity can encourage bacterial and fungi (i-e mold) growth. It also promotes the growth of microorganisms. In this case, you need to contact professional cleaners. Commercial air duct and dryer vent cleaning, Roswell provides cleaning services at affordable rates.
- If you are using indoor dryer vents, then there are high chances that your laundry might not be 100% lint-free.
- Also if you are using a water-based filtration vent, you will have to keep changing water as soon as the water becomes insufficient.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we can say that indoor dryer vents are useful for indoor spaces only. However, if we have outdoor access, we should preferably choose outdoor venting.
Must Read: How To Maintain Indoor Humidity With Duct Cleaning