Dryer Vent Kits - The Proper Fitting
No matter how you look at it, a dryer is as American as apple pie. Almost every home has a washer and dryer at some point in time. Sometimes, it will be a full size washer and dryer combo; other times it may be a stackable washer and dryer set that is perfect for tight spaces. No matter what kind of dryer you have, a dryer vent kit is an essential part of that whole system. Of course, many manufacturers will include everything that is needed for your dryer including this kit. However, if you find that you need to purchase a kit by yourself, there are a few things you should know.
To start with, all dryers need proper ventilation. Without proper ventilation, your dryer will dry slower, and condensation will build up in your laundry room. A dryer gets hot and evaporates the water our of your clothes. The evaporation has to go somewhere. The dryer vent allow the steam to be released outside into the air. Without a vent, that steam is released in your home and can be dangerous for you, your family, and the dryer.
There have been incidents where steam has caused the walling and floor material to rot and decay. This can be a prime breeding ground for mold and fungi. If this mold and fungi find a home in your home, they will multiply and this can have deadly consequences. Black mold is deadly and can kill. A dryer vent that is not functioning properly is a prime breeding ground for such deadly molds.
Usually, there will already be a hole in the wall where you dryer will be located that has the piping for the vent. However, if this is not the case, a dryer vent kit will be able to aide you in your endeavor to protect your home and everyone within those walls. Most dryer vent kit contain vent duct, a hood, a vent, and two clamps.
The vent duct will come in either plastic or thin metal and have rings at regular intervals. The vent duct attaches directly to the dryer and to the vent. The clamps will go around the vent duct and attach it to both the dryer and the vent itself. Usually, the vent duct is the first thing that goes on a dryer vent system because it is often prone to cracks and tears. The vent duct can be replaced by itself if that is all that is needed. Usually, vent duct is only a couple of dollars so if this is deteriorating, it is cheap to fix.
Of course, the vent is usually metal and runs from the inside of your home to the outside. Once it is outside, you most commonly have a hood that point the evaporation to the ground. This keeps the steam away from the outside of your home. A duct vent is great at keeping small animals and birds from making a home in the warmth offered by your dryer.
Of course, finding a dryer vent kit is not that difficult. Once you realize you need one, or even just parts, the first thing you should do is to measure the vent hole and the dryer vent hole. Getting a radius will help to get the right size for your dryer. In addition, you need to know whether you have an electric dryer or gas dryer. Both have the same system, but an electric dryer has a hood allowing the evaporation to hit the ground and a gas dryer needs a special hood that is more piping pointing up.
Once you know what you need you have many options available to you. You can stop in at a local hardware store, or you can shop via the Internet. Both honestly have their pros and cons, so it is entirely up to you which you choose. Most retail chains will carry a couple of styles of dryer vent kits. They are easy to find, or you can ask a sales clerk for assistance. Either way, you will find at least one style that fits your needs.
Now let's talk price. These dryer vent kits are not expensive. Usually, a full kit can be purchase for under $10 USD. However, there are some circumstances that will make it more expensive. If you need a longer than normal length you may have to purchase extra vent ducts for your dryer. However, a vent duct alone is usually under $5 USD. So, I would estimate that your whole kit would cost no more than $20 USD.
Of course, different sizes are possible with your dryer vent kits. If you have the measurements, finding the right size should be easier. There may be rare occasions that the average size will not do. Then, you may have to special order your part. I suggest you do this from an online merchant because a specialty sizer is difficult to find even in large towns. Yes, there will be an additional fee, but it should not be too much.
All dryers require proper ventilation. If the material for that ventilation system is not available when you purchase your dryer, you will need to purchase and install the system by yourself or find someone who will. Believe me when I say that protecting your family and belongings from mold and fungi that can be infectious and even deadly is well worth the price for these inexpensive dryer vent kits.
