Laundry Venting

10 years ago

A few questions here- re-doing my laundry room and need to re-route the vent for the dryer. Previous owners did not have a dryer in the laundry.

1. Want a side venting dryer- have found a few models that list rear, bottom, left, and right venting options- i've tried to find some info online, and my next step is to call the mftr- however, is it easy to install? Or does a pro need to come and reconfigure the venting through the side? Any good suggestions on easy machines to do this with?

2. Ideally would want the dryer vented through the side directly through the laundry wall- which buts up to a storage corner in the garage- I can make this a straight run through both walls, out laundry wall, and out garage wall - would this be problematic? Is it allowed? I would think it would be ok since some people have dryers vented through several floors. The garage is not a conditioned space. I can't vent it straight back bc the laundry room also backs up into the sunroom, so a direct line out would be through laundry and garage walls. The garage corner is only about 3.5" wide to the exterior wall- i'd just run it along the bottom and probably enclose it with some sort of cabinet to hide it. Any advice would be appreciated.

I've attached a picture for easier reference.

Also- how much distance do you need for dryer and washer that are side by side? I've seen these in pretty tight configurations, but I know sometimes you need some clearance for the movement of the machines during the cycle.

Featured Answer

dadoes

10 years ago

Venting as you show is the best route. 4" solid-rigid ducting as you say (no flex duct). Alternate is out the back into the sunroom, then a 90° turn outside ... but straight is always better than turns.

An issue with placement of the machines is that the washer may need to be moved for access to pull the dryer in case of service/repair. Will there be room in front for the dryer to pass by? You also need "working" room to set them in place and make the plumbing, electric, (gas), and exhaust connections. Actually, connecting the exhaust may be easy that way since the dryer can be set in place and then the duct then pushed through the wall. Mine are positioned the same way at a corner beside a cabinet/countertop (no sink) except my dryer exhausts out the back and I have room for more space between the machines.

In any case, do not position them touching each other, little vibrations during operation will abrade the finish. Gross movement of the machines (washer) shouldn't occur except maybe in the case of a toploader during severe off-balance spin. Frontloaders are typically sensitive and careful enough on balancing routines that the tub doesn't impact the outer cabinet.

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Comments (7)

roof35
10 years ago
Be aware if you penetrate the garage wall, you must comply with fire code. Not only does the sheet metal have to meet code, any caulking will have to be fire rated. In this situation, a quick call to your inspector will give you all the correct information and head you in the right direction.
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sofibebe
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi Roof, by sheet metal do you mean the rigid vent?
roof35
10 years ago
Yes, also the tape around the joints of the duct when going through the garage. I'm not up to speed on codes, but I know they have not been relaxed. I know there is also one that the vent must not be any closer than "X" amount of feet to an opening. Best to ask your local authority on the requirements.
sofibebe
Original Author
10 years ago
I will consider doing the vent through the sunroom as well, will require a 90*, but probably safer in terms of not compromising the integrity of the garage walls.

Its a 1950s split, whoever put in the hvac system years ago, cut right through the garage ceiling and directed in into the laundry wall at a 90* turned down - the drywall was never caulked around those entry points either.
anoop
10 years ago
Why are you not considering ventless dryers, either a condensation or heat pump dryer? That's probably what I would do if I were in your situation.
PRO
Joe Henderson
10 years ago
The Electrolux units have a knock out space in the back to allow for a "side" vent without a significant increase in depth. Also Electrolux would allow you to reverse the doors on both machines so you could have the washer on the right hand side, with a right hinge door (all other brands are left hinge door washers!)