10.5   Clothes Dryer Selection/Replacement

The following standards minimize the energy consumption of clothes dryers.

10.5.1   Clothes Dryer Selection

Comply with these requirements when selecting a new clothes dryer.

ü       Adequate clearance will be maintained around appliance when fit into available space so access to cabinets and light switches are not blocked

ü       Appliance will be covered by a minimum one-year war­ranty

ü       Equipment will be selected with features that reduce peak electric demand and absolute energy use.

ü       Standby losses for equipment will be one watt or less

10.5.2   Clothes Dryer Installation

Install the appliance in accordance with manufacturer specifica­tions and all applicable codes. If existing venting doesn’t meet manufacturer specifications, code, or the following criteria, install new venting using the following specifications.

ü       Vent all dryers, other than condensing dryers to the out­doors.

ü       Vent appliance to the outdoors using metal-to-metal or UL listed foil-faced dryer vent.

ü       Use only metal clamps on semi-rigid metal and UL listed foil-type vent pipes.

ü       Install a pest screen at the termination.

ü       Insulate at least 3 feet of the vent closest to the home’s exte­rior to a minimum of R-6.

ü       If a combustion appliance is used, perform combustion-safety testing as described in “Combustion-Safety Evalua­tion” on page 225.

ü       Seal penetrations to the outdoors created by the appliance installation to an airtight condition.

ü       Demonstrated energy-related dryer controls to the occu­pant.

ü       Provide specific information of the proper maintenance of the equipment to the occupant.

ü       Provide warranty information, operation manuals, and installer contact information to the occupant.

ü       Recycle or remove and dispose of replaced appliances in accordance with local regulations, including older equip­ment switches containing mercury

10.5.3   Clothes Dryers Service and Venting

Clogged clothes-dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires. The drying time of a load of laundry is determined by the dryer installation and the amount of lint in the dryer, vent piping, and vent termination. Lint builds up over time and slows drying time, increasing energy use and cost. The original installation can also cause excessive drying time when flexible vents are excessively long, kinked, or restricted in some other way.

Vinyl flexible dryer vent isn’t an approved dryer vent material and should be replaced with metal flexible dryer vent if found as part of an ECM or incidental repair.

Service Procedures

Observe the following suggestions when servicing clothes dry­ers to prevent fires, reduce drying time, improve energy effi­ciency, and reduce lint build-up.

ü       Unplug the clothes dryer before making any improvements.

ü       Remove the vent pipe and vent termination and clean all lint out of them.

ü       Clean lint out of the electric heating elements and the air-way around them.

ü       Inspect the airway at the dryer’s vent connection, and clean the lint out of it.

Dryer Exhaust Venting Requirements

Follow these venting requirements for clothes dryers when ser­vicing dryers.

ü       Dryer vents should be piped in 4-inch-diameter rigid alumi­num or galvanized pipe whenever and wherever possible.

ü       Don’t use screws or rivets to join rigid pipe sections because they collect lint. Join and seal the sections with silicone caulking.

ü       Exhaust venting duct must be supported at maximum 4-foot intervals.

ü       Use short, stretched pieces of flexible metal dryer vent, labeled UL 2158A, to connect the dryer to the rigid vent through difficult framing or to allow dryer to be moved in and out. Make connections using rigid fittings installed male-to-female in the direction of exhaust flow to prevent lint build-up.

ü       Fasten UL listed foil-type vent or semi-rigid sheet metal to rigid metal with a clamp.

ü       Other specialized duct fittings will be fastened in accor­dance with manufacturer specifications.

ü       Seal duct connection with foil tape labeled UL 181B or 181B-M.

ü       Install a booster fan for dryer ducts exceeding 35 feet in duct equivalent length. When calculating duct length, add 5 feet for each 90º bend and 2.5 feet for each 45º bend.

ü       Provide make-up air if you measure excessive depressur­ization or if the dryer moves 200 CFM or more.