This question has come up too many times, and there are actually enough codes to follow about this as well. Still, this question keeps coming up. To really answer it, it is necessary to really understand how the dryer vent works as well as the code regulated so far.
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Why Our Dryer Needs a Vent Anyway?
Let’s know more about our dryer, shall we? As indicated on its name, dryer is invented to help you removing moisture from the damp clothes. In order to do this, our dryer needs to use heated air. To make sure the air stays hot and dry instead of damp, your dryer will inject the humid air. It happens all the time the air accumulates.
As it reaches the last step above, the vent plays its function. Being useless, the hot and damp air will be let out through the vent. It means hot and damp air comes out of the vent. Yet, there is more.
As time wears your dryer, the vent will also carry out enough amount of lint which is dangerous for your health. If your vent is directed indoor, the room will be layered with damp lint on every surface. Over time, this will create lint dust.
What about Gas Dryer Then?
Gas dryer basically works the same way as the ordinary dryer. However due to the fact that it actually empowers by gas, the residue is different.
Instead of merely lint, the vent will carry out carbon monoxide as well. Indoor vent will only create the accumulation of carbon monoxide, which is totally dangerous for anyone and any living thing in the room.
The idea of outdoor vent for gas dryer alone is unquestionable given to the fact that you still need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your laundry room. It helps to monitor the laundry room air, making sure no one is in danger while inside. Of course, annual inspection as well as cleaning is needed for the vent line.
Possible Risks for Dryer Vent into the Garage
So we can conclude that installing the dryer vent in your garage is never a great idea.
Understanding how the dryer works, now we can formulate the entire possible risks if you insist to vent it out into the garage. Among many possible risks, the following should be considered as the most dangerous ones:
1. Accumulation of Lint Dust
As mentioned before, damp lint will come out of the vent. If you vent it out into your garage, there will be layers of lint on every surface which will transform into lint dust.
If you don’t know the danger yet, you must know that lint dust tends to catch fire and it is highly flammable. Considering that there will be many things in your garage that can create such situation, it is best to vent it outdoor to prevent fire in the house.
2. Extra Moisture
The vent carries out fumes as well as damp air and moisture from your wet clothes. If you vent it out into the garage, it means the room will get extra moisture which will lead to mold grow.
Mold is known to be the cause of several respiratory problems, which is absolutely unwanted in any situation. On many cases with frequent use of the room, this mold can cause several other problems, including more severe disease, allergies, and certain types of cancer as well as house structure damage.
3. Carbon Monoxide Contamination
You should notice that it must be really dangerous that you even need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your laundry if you use gas dryer.
In a small amount, carbon monoxide may cause dizziness and headache. However in accumulation, it can be lethal. It can kill people as well as pets. So yes, venting it into the garage is a foolish decision.
4. Fail the Inspection
This can be a huge problem especially when you plan to sell the house. The inspection will rule you out to install the vent toward the outdoor. If you insist to install it into the garage, you will likely fail the inspection and it will be hard to sell the house now.
Commonly, it results in inspection report in which you will need to make some repair on this aspect before you get the next inspection and get cleared to sell the house.
Electric Dryer: Special Case
While the other types of dryer will require outdoor venting, electric dryer is a little different. Considering that it carries out lesser amount of moisture and no carbon monoxide, it is considered possible and allowed to vent it into the garage.
However, it can be different to each electric dryer. Depending on how it works, several may still need outdoor vent instead. Consult on this aspect when you buy the dryer to determine your need on the vent.
Codes to Follow for Your Dryer Vent
For your safety and health, as well as for passing the house inspection, there are several codes you need to follow when it comes to the dryer vent. They are as follow:
- Make sure to get metal duct, rigid one, for the constructions. You also need to make sure that the material is at least 0.16 inches thick. It also needs to be connected with joints. Seal these joints and don’t allow any leak. Your structure should be free of obstruction and kinks too.
- Your vent should be straight and its length is no more than 35 feet. If there are obstacles on the way and you need to route it a bit, make sure to reduce the length on each turn.
- Any awkward turn and straight lineup needs to be completed with good cleanups. It allows you to service the vent and remove any buildup easier.
- Your dryer must be outdoor vented with the vent is around 12 inches off the ground. It will also need a backdraft arrestor.
Instead of venting it into the garage, it is recommended to vent your dryer outside. You can do it from the siding, while it is also highly possible to vent it out through the roof.
