Decks are an essential and beautiful addition to a home, but the main issue that can thwart your deck plan is the position of the dryer vent.
Typically, a dryer vent serves a great function in drawing excess moisture away.
With the severe damage that moisture can cause to your home appliances, you truly want to ensure ventilation is maintained.
In this regard, Can You Put A Dryer Vent Under A Deck?
Having a dryer vent under a deck is permitted and a viable option to enable you to have a new deck, even after you have already positioned the dryer. You don’t necessarily need to move the dryer if you are sure of correctly setting the dryer vent. However, while a dryer vent under a deck is fine, you will experience a few problems, like cleaning the vent.
You shouldn’t be discouraged because you will eventually learn how to handle such vent problems.
Just make sure the venting system is not affected to the extent of malfunctioning your dryer.
This post will cover the ideal dryer vent locations and the locations to avoid when installing dryer vents.
The Importance Of Dryer Vent Location
Most homeowners tend to assume the importance of a dryer vent positioning as long as the dryer is functioning properly.
However, the location of a dryer vent greatly affects its functionality. For this reason, you need to know the best dryer positions and try as much as possible to avoid other positions.
Ideally, a dryer vent should have an exhaust vent that leads outside to keep the laundry area clean and free from excess humidity.
Most people choose to have the vent positioned horizontally through the exterior wall near the dryer.
This is the ideal place for a dryer vent.
However, there are other locations where you can direct the dryer vent, but it should never be to the attic or basement.
Typically, many dryer models can’t operate on an exhaust vent above 25 feet from the equipment exhaust joint.
A good pipe should be short enough to effectively vent the dryer, avoid excess lint buildup and be easy to clean.
Here are some tips for correctly venting your dryer and ensuring you do your laundry and dry it easily while ensuring your family is safe from the dangers of excess moisture.
Four Dryer Vent Setups To Take Up
1. Through The Exterior Wall
Putting the dryer vent pipe through any outer wall is the best thing you can do for your dryer and other nearby equipment.
When your dryer is set up in the middle of your house, you are advised to direct the vent through the nearest outer wall in a straight path.
2. Vent Through The Basement To Outside
In most homes, a dryer is installed in the basement. If you have also opted to put your dryer in the basement, you can vent it through the basement wall to the outer part.
3. Venting Under A Deck
It is possible to pass a dryer vent under a deck. Of course, it will be hard to clean it, but if you hire cleaning experts, they will do it perfectly.
Another challenge is installing the dryer vent at this point because you have to ensure that the water and humidity are driven outside and not directly into the deck space, as this can damage your deck.
4. Vent Through A Window
If you have a portable dryer, there is no harm in putting the dryer vent through a window.
You can also do this if you have moved into a new house and are still waiting for a professional to come in and install it correctly.
Four Dryer Vent Setups To Avoid
When placing your dryer vent in place, avoid these ideas.
1. Putting It In The Crawl space
A dryer duct can be used through a crawl space, but the vent should never be in the crawl space, because of mold and carbon monoxide.
However, there are a few circumstances where you might be allowed to vent through a crawl space, but you must use special materials to avoid future dangers.
2. Venting Inside The Garage
For the sake of your health and safety concerns, never vent your dryer inside the garage.
Consider the garage as your house and maintain the rule “not to vent side the house” to your garage.
3. Venting Across The Entire House
For a dryer duct to function efficiently, it should not exceed 25 feet.
This length is measured from the dryer to the outer exhaust.
For this reason, most dryers are placed against exterior walls to shorten the vent pipe distance.
While specialized long dryer vents help keep lint and moist air moving for a longer time, it is considered less secure than a short duct.
4. Venting Near Outdoor Equipment
If you have installed appliances like a furnace vent, or air conditioning system or have placed some kitchen equipment outside, you should put the dryer vent some distance away from these items.
This is essential as it protects the outside units from lint accumulation and moist hot air.
Conclusion
Venting your dryer should be a smooth experience.
It needs to be done right for it to serve you effectively.
Therefore, if you are still determining the task, you better hire a professional to perform the task.
Always ensure that the vents do not emit hot air to nearby objects and damage them.
If you wish to put the dryer vents under your deck, make sure you do it professionally.
Sources
https://www.mrappliance.com/blog/2022/june/typical-dryer-vent-locations/