exhausting a dryer vent under a deck

9 years ago

I have an electric dryer which vents in the back, but had to put to 90deg elbows bc the house vents to the side, about 4 ft from the dryer. Problem is that it vents under a deck. The deck is 16 ft deep. I have 3 choices: 1) leave it as is, 2) place some sort of extension to end of deck, or 3) another 90 deg elbow and extend the same amount to side of deck.

Makes no sense to add the elbow bc the distance is the same if I go straight. If I do the elbow, I'm in essence extending the distance.
(I'm willing to listen to any/all recommendations though, cause I maybe way wrong)

question is, do I add a PCV pipe x 16 ft? if not, what materiel since this portion will be exposed to the elements?

Of course, would worry about having the lint clog up/back up. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the help.

Comments (3)

snoonyb
9 years ago
2- 45's are less restrictive.
User
9 years ago
There is a limit as to the distance a dryer can safely push exhaust ---safely being the longevity of the dryer motor and the efficiency of the dryer. Too far causes lint build up and decreased dryer efficiency.

The number and types of elbows has to be factored into that distance. Like snoonyb wrote, two 45 degree elbows are less restrictive than one 90.

It would be better to have the exhaust terminate so the exhaust cap allows the heat to blow out of the side of the deck, not under it. Allowing the exhaust under the deck allows lint build up and mold growth.

A run of more than 16 feet probably needs a boost fan(DO NOT USE the cheap vent in line fans!!!!!!!!), but the dryer manufacturer will be able to supply the information.

I've seen long runs with no boost fan almost completely plugged, and the dryers took two or more cycles to dry a load.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dryer line boost fans

This post was edited by handymac on Mon, Sep 15, 14 at 0:42
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
Outside is outside whether under a deck or not. I wouldn't worry about it.