Dryer Vent Bypass

[amateurfishing]

I just installed one of those $5 plastic dryer bypass units hoping to keep the dryer exhaust in the laundry room this winter in basement to help in keeping the basement warmer at times when in use, unfortunately the first time the wife used it she complained about amount of moisture in the air and was wondering if that moisture in air could damage anything in basement. I have noticed difference also but does not bother me, can it damage drywall or anything?

[RebelSS]

Bad idea to be pumping that much moisture into a basement, especially during winter, and that's a LOT of moisture coming from a load of clothes. Get rid of the thing. I honestly don't know why they even sell them.

[CAMAN]

Hopefully your dryer is electric, otherwise you are pumping CO directly into your home.

And to answer your question, yes high moisture will damage things. From windows fogging up letting water run down and rot the sill, to mold growth on the drywall and anything else that absorbs moisture. It also depends on how much you use the dryer, if it's once or twice per week and you have a older drafty house everything may be just fine. If you have a newer home completely sealed with no heat exchanger and daily loads then you may find a problem fairly quickly.

Personally I wouldn't use one as the slight energy savings you see may cost you substantially more if it does cause a problem you don't notice right away.

[CAMAN]

I honestly don't know why they even sell them.

Because they can put an energy saving sticker on the box and sell them to people who don't know any better.

[fastkaw]

Just wait and see what happens to your furnace and water heater.

Service call $85 to $125

Labor, Just a guess another $125 I can think of several parts that

will not take the moistuer and dust. est. $125 add it up.

You save 00000

[KawishiwiKid]

Wonder if hanging several coils of flexible vent tubing might work to provide some heat recovery before the air is exhausted outside? Might still be condensation in the coils.

[Pat K]

Wonder if hanging several coils of flexible vent tubing might work to provide some heat recovery before the air is exhausted outside? Might still be condensation in the coils.

Every bend you put in the vent line increases back pressure and decreases the efficiency of the dryer. It also gives lint more places to build up and plug the vent line.

[StillwaterAaron]

Wonder if hanging several coils of flexible vent tubing might work to provide some heat recovery before the air is exhausted outside? Might still be condensation in the coils.

You would be adding resistance to the pipe and take longer to dry, harder to clean out, and considered a fire risk once it gets filled with lint. It is best to vent out with the fewest bends possible with smooth wall pipe. DO not use screws, they collect lint.

[leech~~]

Bad idea to be pumping that much moisture into a basement, especially during winter, and that's a LOT of moisture coming from a load of clothes. Get rid of the thing. I honestly don't know why they even sell them.

Plus + 1, I put one in about 15 years ago for about a week! 4h!t can it!

[amateurfishing]

Thanks all, it will b changed immediately. Ticks aguy off though that if this is so bad why do retailers carry it and some dumb co make it?!

[Black_Bay]

I just installed one of those $5 plastic dryer bypass units hoping to keep the dryer exhaust in the laundry room this winter in basement to help in keeping the basement warmer at times when in use, unfortunately the first time the wife used it she complained about amount of moisture in the air and was wondering if that moisture in air could damage anything in basement. I have noticed difference also but does not bother me, can it damage drywall or anything?

High moisture is a great place for mold and mildew to form. I bet your basement windows will most likely get a lot of condensation on them too. It's easier to keep you furnace fan running all the time. That will help keep the indoor air circulating and keep the house at a similar temp throughout.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Thanks all, it will b changed immediately. Ticks aguy off though that if this is so bad why do retailers carry it and some dumb co make it?!

Because people buy it thinking they'll save some energy keeping the basement warmer. This isn't a knock on you as you didn't know the details, and many don't. That's how they sell. Tons of products out there doing the very same thing.

You'll be very wise to remove that thing lickety split and vent your dryer outside all the time, every time.

[amateurfishing]

Project reversed and completed, thx so much everyone.