There are different stipulations and rules for a dryer vent. Due to the multiple venting options, you may not know whether the dryer model you own should vent up or down. The fact is that there’s no one-size-fits-all vent dryer. Depending on your need, the pipe of a dryer can vent either upwards or downwards.
Here’s If Dryer Vent Should Go Up Or Down
Dryer designs these days feature multiple venting options because of differing needs. Hence, depending on the situation, your dryer’s vent pipe can vent vertically or go up. If needed, the dryer vent pipe can go downwards and sideways as well, depending on the route the termination requires.
However, you must note there are different rules and stipulations to make your dryer vent upwards than down or sideways. It is important to pay attention to the specific rules for a venting direction to maximize the effectiveness of the dryer in your home.
Dryer Vent Installation Requirements By Code
When installing a new dryer vent, you must know about the code requirements to go about it the correct way. By following the code requirements, you will ensure that you protect your commodity from moisture damage, prevent fire, and avoid many other installation challenges.
Out of all the venting code requirements, the most important is to ensure that the duct of your dryer goes on the outside. You must never install it in an attic, outside, in a crawlspace, or even a soffit. Apart from that, here are the other important code requirements for installation.
- You must have an independent vent. You must never connect the vent to your chimney, HVAC vent, plumbing vent, or range hood vent. If you connect it improperly, you will increase the risks of moisture damage, dryer damage, and fire due to lint buildup.
- You must always install the duct outside and never inside your house. You must also never vent inside a wall cavity, soffit, attic, or any enclosed area. The moisture that dryers release can damage drywall, wooden frames, and wood sheathing.
- You must only choose a dryer vent system that comprises metal material and has a smooth interior finish. The dryer duct that goes into a wall and terminates outside must be of metal with at least 0.0157 thickness. Also, ensure it is #28 gauge metal.
- Following the code requirements, you must leave a space of at least three feet between the exterior hood and any openings. These include your doors, winders, and HVAC intakes. This will prevent dryer exhausts like lint particles and moisture from entering your home through the openings. Inhaling these can affect your health and destroy the efficiency of your HVAC equipment.
- If there’s a pre-drywall in your home, you must support your duct dryer with straps at an interval of 12-feet during installation. You can even use any other fastener instead of straps. You must seal the dryer duct using mastic or metal tapes to prevent air leaks. Also, be sure to fasten each duct joint using screws to avoid air leaks.
- Do not use a transition duct that is longer than eight feet. You will typically find transition ducts in flexible materials, but you need to only use a certain length for it so as not to hide it behind anything. Visibility is extremely important for the transition duct behind the dryer.
- If you have installed a duct but not a dryer yet, then you must label and cap the duct for ‘future use.
- According to the installation code requirements, you must install the protective plating on the framing if there is a way for screws or nails into the duct.
Can You Run a Dryer Vent Vertically?
You can run a dryer vent vertically if you wish, but you must ensure that it does not exceed a distance of thirty-five feet. Apart from this, you must take note of certain other considerations when venting your dryer vertically.
- You must choose a location in the roof to make a hole for the dryer vent to terminate that is easy to maintain. However, also make sure that it looks aesthetically pleasing.
- You will have to install a dryer booster fan if your total distance is beyond thirty-five feet.
- You must arrange an exhaust hood or a vent so that your pipe stays free of rainwater while leaving enough room for the lint to escape.
- When you run your duct through an unconditioned location or an attic, then make sure to insulate it.
Can a Dryer Vent Go Down?
You can install a dryer vent downwards as the last resort. However, the disadvantage of venting the dryer downwards is that it adds to the humidity in your home. It’s common knowledge that vent dryers contain a lot of moisture.
Does A Dryer Vent Need To Be Straight?
Dryer vent manufacturers recommend keeping the dryer vent as straight as can be so as not to extend the drying times. It is important to prevent lint buildup, which is what may likely happen if your dryer vent is not straight.
In fact, by not keeping the vent straight, you can damage the optimal operations of the appliance by encouraging a delay in drying times.
Is it Better to Vent a Dryer Up or down?
If you want to determine whether you should vent the dryer up or down, you must check the airflow for this decision. You must also get into the habit of cleaning the filter of your lint before you use the dryer. You could opt for the downward installation as well.
But if you decide to install downwards, you will have to make sure that the dryer can extend enough pressure to push the lint out.
Final Thoughts
There are several types of dryer vents, and you are sure to find one that fits your needs just perfectly. The advantage due to advanced options and designs is that you can vent a dryer upwards, downwards, and all-around too. However, you must take note of manufacturer recommendations and code requirements before you begin the installation.
Firstly, it is important to remember to opt for a shorter pipe length because if the distance of the dryer length exceeds thirty-five feet, one will need a dryer booster fan to push the lint and air out. You may also opt to vent yourself instead of hiring a professional.
Regardless of who vents the dryer, one must always adhere to certain rules when installing venting pipes in unconditioned spaces. In case you have any doubts regarding the process, it’s best to pick the safest option and insulate. In the end, installing and maintaining the vent properly will ensure maximum safety for all household members and optimal performance of the appliance too.
References:
homeinspectioninsider.com/dryer-vent-up/
homeinspectorsecrets.com/ventilation/dryers/dryer-vent-code/
