HVAC & Washer Dryer: Shared space problem? - DIY Chatroom

KnoxCondo · 01-31-2009, 12:27 PM

I have a condo in a hundred-year-old building & the Builder put the HVAC (open draw near open vent to the hallway) in the same small closet as the Washer-Dryer hookups.

A recent inspection by a Air Cleanliness expert told me that this design is bad, even dangerous, and possibly against code. While I don't have a W/D right now, he said the open draw HVAC will suck up all chemicals (bleach, soap) & dust and push them through the HVAC unit and into the condo.

Further, the dampness & heat from the W/D will damage the unit & force it to work much harder than it should (for instance, in the summer, when i'm trying to dry clothing & cool the condo).

Of course I'm upset, if the Builder should have known better. Or is this guy nuts?

Any thoughts?

hvaclover · 01-31-2009, 12:39 PM

It would harm the furnace internals, yes.

Bur unless there is actually an opening to the cold air return then nothing can get pulled in the heated air that warms your home.

Besides...the amount of aspiration the cleaning agent cause is negligible,

yuri · 01-31-2009, 01:33 PM

By "open draw" do you mean the return air to the unit is not connected to ductwork and just into the condo with a grill? I recommend people keep their fabric softeners etc in a sealed plastic Rubbermaid container and that prevents the flame sensor and internals from fumes etc. The W/D have to go SOMEWHERE and yes they give off heat. Unless you like going to a laundromat you will have to have them there. I would buy some high end units that have the front loading. Apparently they use a lot less water, wring most of the water out, and require less drying and gives less wrinkles. Worth the extra $$ and will keep the heat load down. There are some hydro/utility rebates $$ where I am for these units as they are more environmentally friendly, check it out.

beenthere · 01-31-2009, 01:42 PM

As Yuri said.
Keep cleaners and softners in a container that is air tight.

As far as the humidity hurting.

Where would that humidity go if the furnace return wasn't there.
Into the rest of your condo, so it would still have to work the same amount.

All house hould Cleaning/bleaching, softning chemicals will do more harm then humidity will.