Can I use a "ventless" Dryer

Question

Hey BP,

I have a washer and dryer hook up in one of my units but the exhaust for the dryer would be difficult to put in. Does anyone know if any ventless dryers?

Byron Scott · Answer

Well its the bottom unit of one of my triplexes. It's old with no ventilation in the ceiling.

Khanh Dam · Answer

unlikley unless your attic isn't vented. Most homes in GA have vented roofs. do it right once, you will not regret it.

Byron Scott · Answer

Thanks for the info guys. I would have to run the duct up into the ceiling and past my bathroom. I thought maybe the aluminum flexible duct could possibly release are into the ceiling and cause problems.

Khanh Dam · Answer

well guess where all that air goes? yep in your house. so in the summer time AC bills will increase and the house will smell like TIDE detergent while the dryer is on. if you have the units in a closet or area with a closed door all that moisture can cause mold as well. sorry, you really should vent it! you can use cheap flexible aluminum duct work even going 20 feet is better than nothing at all, but the closer the better of course.

Jaysen Medhurst · Answer

I had an all-in-one machine back when I was renting in NYC, @Byron Scott. It was better than nothing, but I wouldn't recommend it.

The pros of a ventless are: efficiency, no need for ducting, typically higher-end.

The cons: more expensive, they put heat in the room (may not be a con), need to drain condensate, may have smaller capacity than conventional units.

Byron Scott · Answer

@Jaysen Medhurst Thank you so much for those links! Have you used ventless? What are the downfalls of having them in your unit?

Jaysen Medhurst · Answer

There are a ton, @Byron Scott. Miele, Bosch, Blomberg, and Whirlpool all make them. They're more expensive than conventional models. Here's a good write up from Yale Appliance.