Do Ventless Dryers Get Hot?

Ventless Dryers

• Ventless dryers get their name from the fact that they do not need to be vented to the exterior of a home to get rid of the moist hot air they produce as part of the drying process. Instead, the heated air generated by the dryer passes through a condenser, which is cooled using a heat pump. The condensed water that results drains into a pipe, typically the same one used by the washer when it drains.

Heat

• Ventless dryers use heat to dry clothes, so they do heat up during the drying process. They take longer to heat clothing than a standard venting dryer, so your clothing will be exposed to heat for longer each time you dry them. If you notice the laundry room getting hot and humid when you run the dryer, the problem is an issue with the dryer’s condenser draining. Instead of sending moisture down the drainpipe, it is being released into the room.

Solutions

• To stop your laundry room from getting hot and humid because of your ventless dryer, you need to fix the issue with the condenser. This can be as simple as reattaching it to the drain. Ignoring the issue will leave your laundry room hot and humid, which can encourage mold growth. The presence of mold could put your home’s value and your family’s health at risk. If you cannot see a problem with the condenser, contact an appliance repair specialist for a diagnosis and repair.

Considerations

• While a ventless dryer runs longer than a traditional dryer, it uses less energy to heat air to try clothing, so it can provide energy savings. Because you won’t need a vent to the outside, you won’t experience heating or cooling loss through the hole and ductwork. If you feel that your laundry room still gets too warm whenever the dryer runs, install an exhaust fan in the area and run it while you do laundry. It will reduce moisture levels in the room and make it feel cooler.