Vented Versus Ventless Electric Dryers
The first question many homeowners have when buying a new dryer is “Do electric dryers have to be vented?” The answer is, “It depends.”
Vented electric dryers, which are the most common type of dryer, do require venting. They’re designed to pull in outside air, heat the air in the dryer and then expel humid air outside of the home using a vent.
Ventless electric dryers, which include condenser and heat pump dryers, do not require venting. They simply require airflow in the room they’re installed in, along with a power outlet to connect to.
How Does a Vented Dryer Work?
A vented electric dryer effectively dries clothing and linens with the help of a heating element. It pulls in air, heats it, and then circulates this air through the drying machine. This air is then released to the home’s exterior through a duct vent.
How Do Ventless Dryers Work?
A common question asked is “What is a ventless dryer and how does it work?” As the name suggests, a ventless electric dryer does not rely on a vent to expel humid air. A ventless dryer relies on either condenser or heat pump technology.
A condenser dryer, also called condensing clothes dryer, works by pulling out moisture from the dryer. This moisture is then either stored in a collection tank or drained. Condenser dryers use a heat exchange to create warm air for drying the contents of the clothes dryer.
A ventless heat pump dryer relies on a refrigerant system to recycle hot air, continuously reusing this air in the dryer’s drum until clothes and linens are completely dry.
Vented Versus Ventless Dryers — How They Compare
Below, we’ll look at the pros and cons of vented dryers and ventless dryers so you can decide which option is best for your home and lifestyle.
Pros of Vented Dryers
- Typically dry clothes in less time.
- Expel heated air outdoors as opposed to inside the room where the dryer is located.
- Considerably less expensive.
- They often offer a larger capacity.
Cons of Vented Dryers
- Require venting with exterior wall access.
- Generally take up more room due to ductwork requirements.
- More expensive to install, if no existing vent is present.
- Can pose a fire hazard if dryer vent isn’t consistently cleaned.
Pros of Ventless Dryers
- No venting required.
- Can be installed anywhere.
- Easier and more affordable installation.
- Require less maintenance.
- Use less energy as they recycle warm air.
Cons of Ventless Dryers
- More expensive up-front cost.
- Operation can be noisier.
- Often take longer to dry a load of laundry.
- May cause the room to feel more humid, depending on the model.
If you purchase a vented dryer, make sure you know how to clean it properly. Check out our guide on How to Clean a Dryer Vent to learn more.
Heat pump ventless dryers that are ENERGY STAR certified can use up to half the amount of energy compared to a standard vented dryer.