Kitchen Gas Appliances - Gas Dryer installation / venting
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Simons
02-17-04, 03:09 PM
Hi there,
A new homeowner here with a question about gas dryers. After going through the forum i think I have a better handle on how to install our new gas dryer. We have a second kitchen in the basement and will be getting rid of a stove down there, replacing it with said dryer. So the gas line (natural) is in place and ready to go, I just need to get the old stove line off and I have a new gas dryer install kit and the tools at the ready.
My specific question is about venting. Above the stove is an exhaust fan, so I know I can remove it and have access to a prebuilt vent. But we were hoping to remove that vent all together as it is greasy and a bug magnet, plus we'd like some shelving where the exhust is now. There is a small window right next to the dryer location and I was hoping to use that for venting. BUT...we'd have the window closed when the dryer is not in use/venting. Long story short, do I need to have a permanent vent in place for safety concerns since it's a gas dryer or do you really only need the venting when the dryer is working?
A new homeowner here with a question about gas dryers. After going through the forum i think I have a better handle on how to install our new gas dryer. We have a second kitchen in the basement and will be getting rid of a stove down there, replacing it with said dryer. So the gas line (natural) is in place and ready to go, I just need to get the old stove line off and I have a new gas dryer install kit and the tools at the ready.
My specific question is about venting. Above the stove is an exhaust fan, so I know I can remove it and have access to a prebuilt vent. But we were hoping to remove that vent all together as it is greasy and a bug magnet, plus we'd like some shelving where the exhust is now. There is a small window right next to the dryer location and I was hoping to use that for venting. BUT...we'd have the window closed when the dryer is not in use/venting. Long story short, do I need to have a permanent vent in place for safety concerns since it's a gas dryer or do you really only need the venting when the dryer is working?
Sharp Advice
02-17-04, 03:58 PM
Hello Simons and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and my Gas Appliances topic.
If there is a locattion nearby where a 4 inch diameter hole can be cut into the wall to the outside, install the venting hood there.
Than connect the exhaust vent to the hood and the job is compeleted and permanently installed. Beats having to open the window to put the vent tube outside each time the dryer was used.
Hood vents and venting line is available at local hardware stores as well as the tool to cut the 4 inch hole. Well worth the time and cost to do the project once and have it done right...:)
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or ask additional questions. Doing so will automatically move your question to the top of the forums list of questions.
Regards & Good Luck. Sharp Advice.
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If there is a locattion nearby where a 4 inch diameter hole can be cut into the wall to the outside, install the venting hood there.
Than connect the exhaust vent to the hood and the job is compeleted and permanently installed. Beats having to open the window to put the vent tube outside each time the dryer was used.
Hood vents and venting line is available at local hardware stores as well as the tool to cut the 4 inch hole. Well worth the time and cost to do the project once and have it done right...:)
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or ask additional questions. Doing so will automatically move your question to the top of the forums list of questions.
Regards & Good Luck. Sharp Advice.
TCB4U2B2B Business Management Services.
Web Site Host, Forums Monitor, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely.
"The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
Simons
02-19-04, 01:00 PM
thanks for the response.
I have the vent parts at the ready and can easily convert the stove exhaust fan to a simple dryer vent using the hole already there. And good point about having it done once and done right and not having to put the vent in the window everytime. I suppose I can just build some shelf space around the pre-cut vent hole.
But I just wanted to double check that there aren't any safety concerns if I go the lazy route and hang it out the small window when in use. I assume when not in use and in need of venting, the pilot for the gas dryer is virtually the same thing as a stove pilot and safe as long as it's not blown out and spittin' gas.
I have the vent parts at the ready and can easily convert the stove exhaust fan to a simple dryer vent using the hole already there. And good point about having it done once and done right and not having to put the vent in the window everytime. I suppose I can just build some shelf space around the pre-cut vent hole.
But I just wanted to double check that there aren't any safety concerns if I go the lazy route and hang it out the small window when in use. I assume when not in use and in need of venting, the pilot for the gas dryer is virtually the same thing as a stove pilot and safe as long as it's not blown out and spittin' gas.
Sharp Advice
02-19-04, 01:30 PM
Hello: Simons
Unless that dryer is ancient, it most likely does not have any pilot light. Except for really old Maytags. Constant burning pilots have not been used in more than 30 years, give or take.
All dryers which did have pilots also have automatic shut offs. Should the pilot flame go out for any reason, the gas to the pilot is shut off in about 2-3 minutes max. Not any concern there.
Keep in mine dryers do not have very forceful blowers. Thus vertical venting is not the best way to go and should be avoided, if possible. Short vertical is okay. any elbows also shorts the total length of the vent as well as the material used for venting.
Vent length guide lines...all horizontal & rigid metal ducting:
0 elbows....44 feet
1 elbow.....34 feet
2 elbows...26 feet
3 elbows...20 feet
Above based on 4 inch pipe and 4 inch vent hood.
Below:
Based on flexible venting, all horizontal 4 inch diameter.
0 elbows...24 feet
1 elbow....20 feet
2 elbows..16 feet
3 elbows..12 feet
Above also based on 4 inch vent hood.
Hope that helps.
Good Luck
Sharp Advice.
Unless that dryer is ancient, it most likely does not have any pilot light. Except for really old Maytags. Constant burning pilots have not been used in more than 30 years, give or take.
All dryers which did have pilots also have automatic shut offs. Should the pilot flame go out for any reason, the gas to the pilot is shut off in about 2-3 minutes max. Not any concern there.
Keep in mine dryers do not have very forceful blowers. Thus vertical venting is not the best way to go and should be avoided, if possible. Short vertical is okay. any elbows also shorts the total length of the vent as well as the material used for venting.
Vent length guide lines...all horizontal & rigid metal ducting:
0 elbows....44 feet
1 elbow.....34 feet
2 elbows...26 feet
3 elbows...20 feet
Above based on 4 inch pipe and 4 inch vent hood.
Below:
Based on flexible venting, all horizontal 4 inch diameter.
0 elbows...24 feet
1 elbow....20 feet
2 elbows..16 feet
3 elbows..12 feet
Above also based on 4 inch vent hood.
Hope that helps.
Good Luck
Sharp Advice.
appliancepresid
02-22-04, 07:57 PM
Hi Simmons,
One other thing would be to use metal venting but not the vinyl venting .
One other thing would be to use metal venting but not the vinyl venting .
Simons
03-02-04, 03:19 PM
thanks for the replies.
I'm in good shape now. Decided to use the existing vent hole from the previous stove exhaust fan. Took down the exhaust fan/lighting and have installed the venting. It is verticle, but very short. Aprox 4/5 feet from back of dryer to the hole.
I'm in good shape now. Decided to use the existing vent hole from the previous stove exhaust fan. Took down the exhaust fan/lighting and have installed the venting. It is verticle, but very short. Aprox 4/5 feet from back of dryer to the hole.