How Ventless Dryers Save Space and Energy
Learn more about the advantages of ventless dryers.
Most washer and dryer sets in American homes feature a conventional design with a vent behind the dryer to channel exhaust to the outside. However, some spaces lack the space or ability to have a vent behind the dryer. Some buildings have strict rules prohibiting structural changes for adding a vent and necessary ductwork behind the dryer. If you are facing these challenges, a ventless dryer can offer a solution. Ventless dryers are more energy-efficient than traditional vented models. You can add a ventless dryer to any location with electricity and water. Ventless pairs make fabulous second dryers for larger homes. Since most options have a smaller footprint, they can fit easily into a walk-in closet, linen closet, or guest suite.
Ventless vs. Vented Dryers
Vented dryers pull room-temperature air into the unit, which is then heated up so that your clothes can tumble around in it until they are dry. The exhaust–which typically contains a high amount of evaporated moisture during this process–is channeled to the outdoors. This process wastes a significant amount of energy.
Unless you reside in a near-perfect climate, your vented clothes dryer is probably utilizing your home's climate-controlled air before releasing it outdoors, which means that your furnace must work overtime in the winter to compensate for that air.
Not surprisingly, the waste is even worse during summertime, as the dryer must heat air that has already gone through artificial cooling by your central air system or window unit. You can immediately see how a ventless unit is beneficial, particularly where energy consumption is concerned.
How do ventless dryers work?
Since ventless dryers have no air vent, they rely on alternative methods. The two ventless models available on today's market are heat pump dryers or condenser dryers. The following information can help you understand how each model works:
Condensation Ventless Dryers
A condensation dryer pulls in dry, cool air from around the machine. The air is then heated and passed through the clothes as they tumble around in the dryer.
Rather than featuring a vent to the outdoors, the air is transported through a device referred to as a "heat exchanger." This is a cooling device designed to lower the temperature of the air. As the moisture is released, it flows into the dryer's containment chamber. This process continues until the items in the unit are fully dry.
It is important to remember that you must empty the containment chamber after each use. This task is no more complicated than emptying water from a dehumidifier or other simple appliance.
Certain condensation dryer models release moisture through the washer's drainpipe. This is quite convenient if your washer is situated directly next to the dryer or if you have a stackable washer-dryer unit. If so, you do not even have to empty the containment chamber.
Condensation Heat Pump Dryers
A heat pump dryer gets air from its surroundings. The air travels through a heat pump that features a “cold side” to condense the water vapor into a collection tank or drain pipe, while the “hot side” heats the air to use a second time.
The primary advantage of a heat pump dryer over a ventless condensation model is that the heat pump dryer uses 50% less energy.
Despite its minor inconveniences, such as having to empty the condensation pan or its smaller drum capacity than the average vented dryer, it is easy to see that a ventless dryer's compact size and energy efficiency make up for it. Investing in this type of appliance is a worthwhile endeavor.
