Most dryer vents carry heat and moisture from your clothes dryer outside your home. If you’ve ever worked in your yard while the dryer is running, you may have noticed the smell of dryer sheets and clean laundry drifting through the air. However, many older homes do not have vented laundry rooms, as clothes dryers didn’t become popular until the 1960s. To avoid cutting an exterior hole and installing ductwork, some homeowners consider indoor dryer vents — but are indoor dryer vents actually safe?
At Planet Duct, we are proud to be your Colorado Springs air duct cleaning and HVAC experts. Our highly trained technicians use advanced equipment to inspect, clean, and sanitize your ductwork, improving your indoor air quality. We also offer professional dryer vent cleaning services to help prevent fires and keep your appliances running efficiently. When you’re ready to save money and breathe cleaner air, we’re here to help.
What is an Indoor Dryer Vent?
An indoor dryer vent carries heat and moisture from your dryer into a space inside your home, such as an attic or laundry room. Because they do not vent to the outdoors, these systems rely on a filtration system to capture lint. These filters must be cleaned and replaced frequently, which can increase maintenance costs.
While outdoor dryer vents also require regular cleaning (usually once per year), indoor vents need much more frequent attention to remain safe and effective.
Are Indoor Dryer Vents Legal?
In most states, indoor dryer vents are not legal. For example, Colorado’s residential code initially states that dryers must be vented according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which could allow for either indoor or outdoor venting. However, the next section clarifies that dryer exhaust vents must convey moisture outdoors.
Although these codes are often enforced primarily in new construction, having an indoor dryer vent could still be an issue if you decide to sell your home, and it presents significant safety risks.
Indoor Dryer Vent Safety Issues
Indoor dryer vents offer a few benefits, such as easier installation and potential heat savings during colder months. However, they pose serious safety and health risks. Here are a few key issues to consider:
- Moisture and mold: Excess moisture can cause mold growth and structural damage. Building materials like drywall and wood are not designed to handle high humidity.
- Air quality hazards: Dryer exhaust can release pollutants into your home’s air. A study by University of Washington environmental engineer Anne Steinemann found seven hazardous air pollutants in dryer exhaust, including two known carcinogens.
- Carbon monoxide risk: Venting a gas dryer indoors can cause carbon monoxide buildup, which is potentially deadly. Indoor vents should only be used (if ever) with electric dryers.
- Fire hazards: Lint accumulation in indoor dryer vents increases fire risk. Indoor filters require frequent cleaning to prevent house fires.
Protect Your Home and Family with Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
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Proper Dryer Venting
Proper dryer venting is crucial for your safety and for the performance of your appliance. Indoor dryer vents are not safe. Whenever possible, vent your dryer outdoors — even if it requires additional installation work.
If exterior venting is not an option, consider alternatives like a laundromat or using a clothesline.
When installing or upgrading a vent, also consider the materials used. Avoid plastic or vinyl ducts, as they are prone to kinks and lint buildup. No matter what type of vent you have, regular professional cleaning is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Protect Your Home and Family with Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
Planet Duct understands the importance of dryer vent cleaning — from extending your dryer’s lifespan to improving your home’s air quality. Our technicians thoroughly inspect your dryer and ductwork for damage before cleaning and sanitizing your vent system. We also inform you of any potential maintenance concerns so you can have peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule your dryer vent inspection and cleaning service in Colorado Springs.
