How to Capture the Exhaust Heat From an Electric Dryer to Help Heat a House
Heating and cooling a home consumes 46 percent of the energy used in the home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, and the typical annual cost of operating a clothes dryer is approximately $75. Many people have seized upon the idea of recapturing the heat from the dryer vent to help heat their homes. The energy used to create the heat is recycled once it has been applied to the primary job of drying the clothes. This reclaimed heat then goes on to reduce the load on the home's heating system. During the summer, when the heat is not wanted inside the home, it can be diverted to the outside. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dryer vent diverter
- Tape measure
- Flexible metal duct
- Tin snips
- Cable tie clamps
Instructions
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1
Plan to locate the diverter in a place that's easily accessible. If the dryer exhaust is vented upward, it may be possible to attach the diverter to the wall behind and just above the dryer. For vents that exhaust downward or laterally, the diverter may best be placed on the floor to the side of the dryer.
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2
Measure the distance from the exhaust connection on the back of the dryer to the diverter, and cut a section of flexible metal duct to that length.
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3
Slide one end of the flexible metal duct onto the dryer exhaust connection and clamp in place with a cable tie clamp.
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4
Slide the other end of the flexible metal duct onto the inlet of the diverter and clamp in place with a cable tie clamp.
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5
Measure from the diverter outlet to the rear of the dryer vent hood. If there is already a flexible metal duct running to the vent hood, check it to make sure there is no lint build-up on the inside. If there is no duct running to the vent hood, cut a piece of flexible metal duct to run from the diverter to the dryer vent hood.
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6
Slide one end of the second flexible metal duct onto the outlet of the diverter and clamp it in place with a cable tie clamp.
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7
Slide the other end of the second flexible metal duct on to the back of the dryer vent hood and clamp in place with a cable tie clamp.
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8
Set the diverter lever to the appropriate setting for the season. Typically, the lever will be closed in warm weather and open in cold weather.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the diverter regularly.
Check the water level regularly in diverters that require water.
Some lint trap filters can act as diverters with the purchase of an additional part.
Follow local building and fire codes. Some of the diverters sold for heating purposes may require additional components to make them fire safe and compliant with local codes.
Using diverters on a gas dryer may expose occupants of the home to carbon monoxide, so a carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the dryer.
Diverters are not recommended in homes where excessive moisture is causing mold and mildew growth.
Diverters may add lint to indoor air.
