[thebartman]

Hello all,

So as you already know, the outside vent is in a location which is a real problem for me.

The reason is because the hot air, lint, and hair is blowing directly into the condenser unit. Besides heating up the coils, the lint is building up on the compressor side of the condenser, and limiting the cooling capacity up to 25% (unless I'm out there constantly cleaning it). I thought about turning the outlet 90 degrees so that it's blowing the opposite direction...but then the flapper wouldn't stay closed. There's really nowhere on the wall to move the hole because the dryer is positioned on a shared wall with a bedroom. There's only three feet of outside wall between the bedroom and the outside doorway. I could move it higher up the wall but I feel like that's a band-aid because the hot air and lint is still moving down in the same direction.

OK problem-solvers...now is your time to shine. I know there is a solution that I'm overlooking...Help me please!

 

[DanS26]

Try a different vent style........

http://www.batticdoor.com/ClothesDryerVentSeal.htm

 

[thebartman]

Try a different vent style........

http://www.batticdoor.com/ClothesDryerVentSeal.htm

Thanks,
Not sure this will completely solve the problem because the air is directed down.

 

[DanS26]

Thanks,
Not sure this will completely solve the problem because the air is directed down.

If you are handy one more 90* angle and some pipe and you could move this type vent away from your problem area.

Fashion some mounting brackets, etc and you are good to go. Build it such that the pipe could be readily serviced. Make sure it slopes down so that the moisture condensation in cold weather stays away from inside house.

 

[Nealtw]

Do you have a spot where you could install an in line filter?

https://www.amresupply.com/catalog/Lint-Traps-633672-HM8E

 

[huesmann]

So as you already know, the outside vent is in a location which is a real problem for me.

How do we already know this? :confused1:

How about putting a baffle between vent and condenser?

 

[cruelsun]

How do we already know this? :confused1:



How about putting a baffle between vent and condenser?

+1 on the baffle.
Wood, plexiglass, corrugated plastic sheeting like they use for signs these days, etc could be used to block direct air flow between the vent outlet and the condenser. Might not be pretty, but quick, easy and should be reasonably effective depending on the amount of space between the vent outlet and condenser.

Also, a picture of the affected areas would help us to help you.

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[thebartman]

How do we already know this? :confused1:

How about putting a baffle between vent and condenser?

Thanks for the advice..but was the critique necessary?

Anyhow...the space between the vent and condenser is narrow (under 2 ft.) in which a baffle could restrict air flow. Additionally the conduit and copper lines span that the area which basically makes it no good.

Thanks again.

 

[huesmann]

That wasn't critique. It was a request for clarification. How are we supposed to know your outside vent is a problem location if we have no idea what it is?

People come here assuming we know all about their situation, and ask for help. Help us help you by providing actual real facts and details. Photographs are the best, but sketches are often helpful too.

 

[thebartman]

That wasn't critique. It was a request for clarification. How are we supposed to know your outside vent is a problem location if we have no idea what it is?

People come here assuming we know all about their situation, and ask for help. Help us help you by providing actual real facts and details. Photographs are the best, but sketches are often helpful too.

First of all...I'm a humble person and I enjoy the comradely of fellow DIY'ers. The DIY fourms and YOUTUBE tutorials are really helping me get things done and also keeping my mind off of the difficult times. I'm grateful to anyone who spends their time to assist others with knowledge, wisdom, and experience. (like YOU huesmann) Some people are here to assist and some are here because they need the help. Often times, the person posting doesn't articulate their thoughts or ideas perfectly, and there's an flawed description or maybe some missing information. When I'm asking for advice...I don't assume anything and try to be attentive when explaining myself. However I'm just a human being. The words don't always convey my thoughts completely and I don't mind at all when others ask for clarification...it's how they "ask" that bothers me. The thing that irritates me the most about forums is a contributor that feels obligated to analyze every word looking to belittle or critique the post. I'm not writing this to agitate anyone, start a debate, or get the last word...this is just my feelings and opinions.

 

[cruelsun]

Anyhow...the space between the vent and condenser is narrow (under 2 ft.) in which a baffle could restrict air flow. Additionally the conduit and copper lines span that the area which basically makes it no good.



Thanks again.

With 2 ft of space I would at least try a baffle and see if I can make it work. Without a picture it's hard to say, but I would put the baffle close, maybe 4" from the vent to leave all the rest of the room as breathing space for the condenser.

This material is easily cut with heavy scissors or sharp blade. you could cut it to form around any piping that is necessary. no need to make any airtight seal, you are just trying to limit air movement directly from the dryer vent to the close side of the condenser.
It might be worth 20 bucks, a trip to home Depot/Lowe's and an hour of fabrication to give it a try.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Coroplast-24-in-x-36-in-Twin-wall-Plastic-Sheet-COR-2436/202090128

Good luck

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[thebartman]

Hello all,
I finally got a photo to post...It's a little tighter in there than I estimated.

 

[cruelsun]

Well, the picture does clarify the fact that you have a tough problem there.
If you can get that vent cover off, possibly insert a 90° elbow where the vent cover was and an extension pipe off the elbow, angled down along the wall. You'll still need some kind of vent cover with a damper on the end of the extension pipe but the pipe must angle down to keep condensate water from pooling in the pipe or backing into the house.

( Basically what DanS26 said in post 4)


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[huesmann]

I'd just get some sheet metal and fabricate a connector "manifold" that you could screw to the vent cover and create an elbow with a short piece of duct to shoot off to the right (towards those boards you have stored there, which you'd probably want to move). Maybe there's something you could just adapt with some trimming, like a square-to-round adapter.

(Make sure the duct going off to the right has some slope on it to drain any condensate.)

 

[jbfan]

I had the same problem, but with more room.
I removed the flaps and added a 90 and moved the end away from the condenser and added flaps to the end. It helped, but my final solution was move the condenser when I had to replace it last year.