Ducting Systems and Air Ventilation - Melard energy saver
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alyo123
10-18-09, 12:37 PM
I have a "Melard energy saver" on my gas dryer vent pipe system (was there before I moved in so I do not know how old it is) The instructions say to flip up lever in winter to direct heat indoors it also has a lint screen trap on the unit. my question, is this safe with the exhaust fumes?
Gunguy45
10-18-09, 01:26 PM
I'm not sure if there are any fumes in there that could be harmful...its pretty much like a gas stove..they don't vent the exhaust like a furnace or a water heater.
The problem with venting into the house..even with the lint trap..you will be dumping a ton of lint and moisture into the house. This could cause mildew problems and sweating on windows. The lint will collect on everything.
I had one once in a garage where the dryer was..and though it did warm the space..it also left a layer of lint on every horizontal surface and rusted my tools. This was with the installed lint trap AND additional filtration.
The problem with venting into the house..even with the lint trap..you will be dumping a ton of lint and moisture into the house. This could cause mildew problems and sweating on windows. The lint will collect on everything.
I had one once in a garage where the dryer was..and though it did warm the space..it also left a layer of lint on every horizontal surface and rusted my tools. This was with the installed lint trap AND additional filtration.
Bud9051
10-18-09, 03:38 PM
Some will also argue the moisture is good during the winter. If the house is that dry, then there are other energy saving steps to prevent the low humidity. With the concerns today about moisture and mold, it would be best to simply vent to the outside.
Another advancement is the front loading washing machines. Those that have them report the cloths come out almost dry, thus a much shorter drying cycle and less energy.
And I second GG's comments on the lint problem.
Bud
Another advancement is the front loading washing machines. Those that have them report the cloths come out almost dry, thus a much shorter drying cycle and less energy.
And I second GG's comments on the lint problem.
Bud
alyo123
10-21-09, 07:09 AM
thanks for the info :thumbup:
GRIMKNOTME
11-02-09, 07:28 AM
I have a "Melard energy saver" on my gas dryer vent pipe system (was there before I moved in so I do not know how old it is) The instructions say to flip up lever in winter to direct heat indoors it also has a lint screen trap on the unit. my question, is this safe with the exhaust fumes?
If it was there before you moved in are you sure it is for gas even tho there may be a gas line hook up , that may have been there before the Melard energy saver I would in no way shape or form vent that in my house . That had to be for electric only.
Might as well vent a gas furnace in your house.
>>>> Please respond to this so we know you are alive. <<<<
The moisture deaL which raises humidity i vent my elec. dryer in my basement in the winter with my homemade filter (a large sock cleaned each time used)
As i dont run fart fans in winter when showering , just when well you know!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it was there before you moved in are you sure it is for gas even tho there may be a gas line hook up , that may have been there before the Melard energy saver I would in no way shape or form vent that in my house . That had to be for electric only.
Might as well vent a gas furnace in your house.
>>>> Please respond to this so we know you are alive. <<<<
The moisture deaL which raises humidity i vent my elec. dryer in my basement in the winter with my homemade filter (a large sock cleaned each time used)
As i dont run fart fans in winter when showering , just when well you know!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bud9051
11-02-09, 08:00 AM
Hi GRIMK, I want to respond to your comments because a lot of people review these posts and your suggestion that venting a dryer to the basement and not running exhaust fans is OK, may be taken to say OK for everyone, which it is not. As homes are tightened up to improve energy efficiency, moisture becomes a pollutant in that it can be the starting point for mold. A house that is too loose may get away with not venting for showers and in fact may benefit from the needed humidity. Venting a dryer to the basement, again if there is a high air exchange rate, may be tolerable, if you can put up with the extra dust, but should not be recommended.
If a home needs more moisture, it is an indication there are too many air leaks. Sealing those leaks will not only improve the dry winter conditions, it can keep summer humidity and winter moisture out of your walls and ceiling and reduce your heating and ac costs.
Air sealing is perhaps the number one way to help reduce energy costs and it is one of the most affordable.
Bud
If a home needs more moisture, it is an indication there are too many air leaks. Sealing those leaks will not only improve the dry winter conditions, it can keep summer humidity and winter moisture out of your walls and ceiling and reduce your heating and ac costs.
Air sealing is perhaps the number one way to help reduce energy costs and it is one of the most affordable.
Bud
GRIMKNOTME
11-02-09, 08:38 AM
Hi GRIMK, I want to respond to your comments because a lot of people review these posts and your suggestion that venting a dryer to the basement and not running exhaust fans is OK, may be taken to say OK for everyone, which it is not. As homes are tightened up to improve energy efficiency, moisture becomes a pollutant in that it can be the starting point for mold. A house that is too loose may get away with not venting for showers and in fact may benefit from the needed humidity. Venting a dryer to the basement, again if there is a high air exchange rate, may be tolerable, if you can put up with the extra dust, but should not be recommended.
If a home needs more moisture, it is an indication there are too many air leaks. Sealing those leaks will not only improve the dry winter conditions, it can keep summer humidity and winter moisture out of your walls and ceiling and reduce your heating and ac costs.
Air sealing is perhaps the number one way to help reduce energy costs and it is one of the most affordable.
Bud
I for got to say this is what I do as far as in basement i do it for the heat the dust i filter but i dont recommend it unless you want to try it for my purpose as i have no moisture problems . And exhaust fan I still have no moisture or mold problems and I cant get every one here to at the house do it. So again this is what I do . I hope that clears that up
I understand your concern . Tx
If a home needs more moisture, it is an indication there are too many air leaks. Sealing those leaks will not only improve the dry winter conditions, it can keep summer humidity and winter moisture out of your walls and ceiling and reduce your heating and ac costs.
Air sealing is perhaps the number one way to help reduce energy costs and it is one of the most affordable.
Bud
I for got to say this is what I do as far as in basement i do it for the heat the dust i filter but i dont recommend it unless you want to try it for my purpose as i have no moisture problems . And exhaust fan I still have no moisture or mold problems and I cant get every one here to at the house do it. So again this is what I do . I hope that clears that up
I understand your concern . Tx