Laundry rooms are often cramped spaces that need to accommodate multiple appliances and storage solutions. Installing a ventless dryer is an excellent option to save space, but it requires some planning to make the most of your limited area. This comprehensive guide will provide tips, considerations, and step-by-step instructions for installing a ventless dryer in a small laundry room.
Benefits of Ventless Dryers
Ventless dryers, also known as condensing dryers, offer several advantages that make them ideal for small spaces:
- Energy Efficiency – Ventless dryers recirculate hot air to dry clothes rather than venting it outside, making them more energy efficient. This saves on energy bills.
- Flexible Placement – Without a venting duct, ventless dryers can be installed anywhere in the home. This flexibility is perfect for tiny laundry rooms.
- Space Saving – By eliminating the need for external venting, more space is freed up in the laundry area. Ventless units can even be stacked to maximize floor space.
- No Venting Necessary – The removal of ductwork makes installation much simpler. There is no need to cut holes in exterior walls or snake ducts to an outside vent.
Considerations Before Installing a Ventless Dryer
While ventless dryers solve many laundry room space challenges, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing one:
Increased Drying Times
- Ventless dryers take longer to dry loads since they recirculate air rather than venting moist air outside. Expect drying cycles to take about twice as long.
Lint and Moisture Build-Up
- Without exterior venting, lint and moisture can build up. Lint traps and condenser units must be cleaned regularly.
- A dehumidifier may be needed to eliminate excess moisture in the laundry room.
Noisy Operation
- Ventless dryers tend to operate at higher decibel levels since air is recirculated internally rather than vented outside.
Proper Installation
- Ventless dryers require proper clearance on all sides for air circulation. Poor installation can result in underdrying and excessive heat buildup.
Higher Upfront Cost
- Ventless dryers come at a premium cost compared to vented models. Consider this increased upfront investment against long-term energy savings.
Carefully weigh these factors before deciding if a ventless dryer is right for your laundry room situation.
Laundry Room Layout Considerations
To successfully incorporate a ventless dryer into your laundry area, the layout and clearances are key. Use the following guidelines when planning:
Clearance Requirements
Most ventless dryer manufacturers recommend the following minimum clearances:
- Sides: 2 inches
- Front: 1 inch
- Rear: 4 inches – 6 inches
These clearances allow for adequate airflow. Without proper ventilation around the dryer, operation can be inefficient.
Consider the existing layout and dimensions of your laundry room. Will you need to adjust or move Appliances to allow for these ventless dryer clearances?
You may even consider removing cabinetry if space constraints are tight. Opening up the room as much as possible is ideal.
Stacking Configurations
In extra compact laundry rooms, stacking the washer and ventless dryer is an excellent space-saving tactic. The washer should always be stacked on top to protect the dryer from potential water damage (they’re also way heavier).
Most manufacturers recommend allowing for a gap between stacked units to avoid vibration transfer. Typically a spacer kit needs to be purchased for proper stacking alignment.
Additionally, make sure stacked units are properly secured to prevent tipping. Often, manufacturers provide anti-tip brackets for safely securing stacked washers and dryers.
Layout for Ease of Use
When designing your laundry room layout, make sure to allow for convenient access:
- Have at least 30 inches of clear depth in front of units for easy loading/unloading.
- Ensure controls are easy to access – avoid tight spaces that make it hard to reach control panels.
- Allow for a clear path of egress to prevent feeling cramped doing laundry.
- Place drying racks/laundry sorter tables close by with ample space to set down full baskets.
Making laundry tasks feel as open and uncomplicated as possible will help make a small space feel larger.
Ventless Dryer Installation
Once you have confirmed the ventless dryer measurements and planned laundry room layout, it’s time to tackle the installation.
Follow these key steps for safely and properly setting up your ventless condensing dryer:
Gather Necessary Materials
- Ventless dryer unit
- Duct tape (for covering the control panel)
- Adjustable wrench
- Level
- Manufacturer’s spacer kit (for stacked units)
- Anti-tip brackets (for stacked units)
Prepare Installation Area
- Use a level on the floor to confirm the area is flat and even. Uneven surfaces can cause excessive vibration and noise.
- For tile, wood, or vinyl flooring materials, place a sound-damping pad beneath the ventless dryer.
- Ensure required clearances on all sides of the dryer. Adjust surrounding appliances or shelves if necessary.
Connect Condensation Hose (If Applicable)
- Some ventless dryer models include a condensation hose to remove moisture collected during operation.
- Connect the supplied hose and route to a floor drain or condensate pump (if no floor drain nearby).
- Avoid kinks and tight bends when routing the hose.
Level and Secure Dryer
- Gently slide dryer into position, avoiding contact with other objects. Scratches and dents can affect operation.
- Confirm dryer is level side-to-side and front-to-back. Make minor adjustments to leveling feet as needed.
- For stacked units, install the manufacturer’s spacer frame kit between the washer and dryer.
- Use anti-tip brackets provided to secure stacked units to wall studs. This prevents tipping risk.
Connect Electric and Turn Power On
- Hardwire the ventless dryer to a 220V outlet or use the manufacturer’s power cord to connect to a 220V outlet.
- For 120V units, simply plug the provided standard 3-prong plug into the outlet.
- Turn the circuit breaker on and power up the dryer. Briefly test controls to confirm power is on.
Wipe Out the Drum Interior
- Inside the drum may be dust or debris that collected during shipping and installation.
- Use a clean lint-free cloth to gently wipe out the drum interior before first use.
With those simple installation steps complete, the ventless dryer is ready for action!
Be sure to run the first test cycle empty on high heat. This allows the internal heating system to properly cure and activate sealed components.
Maintenance for Ventless Dryers
While ventless dryers eliminate ducting that needs regular cleaning, their internal closed-loop system still requires some periodic maintenance for peak efficiency:
Clean Lint Filter
- Prior to every load, clean out the lint filter. Lint buildup will reduce airflow.
Check Condenser Fins
- About once a month, examine the condenser fins visible under a removable access panel. Use a mini vacuum nozzle to gently clean out any lint gathering between fins.
Wipe Drum Interior
- Over time, lint dust can accumulate inside the drum. Every 3 months, use a lint-free cloth to give the drum a quick wipe out.
Clean Moisture Sensors
- Most ventless dryers have stainless steel moisture sensor bars inside the drum. Lint and fabric softener residue can coat these, impacting dry times. Carefully wipe sensors every 6 months with an all-purpose cleaner and lint-free rag.
Examine Gaskets and Seals
- Door gaskets and internal air seals can become loose over time. Check for cracking or missing sections and replace worn-out gaskets and seals.
Drain Water Collection Tank
- Many ventless dryers include a removable condensation tank that fills with water drained from loads during operation. Check tank levels regularly and drain as needed. Full tanks trigger shutoff sensors.
Be sure to consult the product manufacturer’s literature for any additional maintenance recommendations to keep your ventless dryer running efficiently for years.
Enhancing Small Laundry Room Storage
One disadvantage of ventless dryers is reduced storage space. Without an external vent, the back of the unit can be placed nearly flush to the wall eliminating formerly usable space.
Implement these storage expanding tips to maximize usable square footage:
Install Slim Countertop Above Units
Take advantage of the air space above the washer and dryer by adding a narrow countertop:
- Look for countertop depths of 12-15”. Anything deeper eats into valuable room space.
- Match countertop width to the full width of your stacked or side-by-side laundry units.
- Securely attach countertop braces to wall studs supporting total weight.
- Consider folding down work surfaces that lift up when not in use.
Use this new countertop area when transferring clothes from the washer to the dryer. You can also store laundry accessories on this useful surface.
Attach Fold-Down Shelf Above Dryer
Another way to use dead air space is by installing a wall-mounted, folding laundry shelf:
- Mount the shelf-to-wall studs above the ventless dryer unit using the provided hardware.
- The shelf should be deep enough to hold a laundry basket 15”-18” deep.
- Make sure the shelf can safely support a full basket weight when loaded.
- Install a catch lock so the shelf can remain horizontal in an open position while loading/unloading.
Use the fold-down shelf for temporarily setting a laundry basket while transferring wet clothes from the washer before placing them into the dryer.
Install Wall-Mount Drying Rack
Wall-mounted drying racks are great space-saving solutions in a small laundry area. Choose from:
Retractable Clothes Lines
- Install just below the ceiling extending wall-to-wall.
- Use spring-loaded retractable clotheslines when not hanging laundry to dry.
Fold Out Drying Rods
- Mount horizontal rods that flip up vertically when not in use.
- Rods extend out 12”-15” from the wall.
- Allow 18”-24” between rods for drying shirts and delicate garments.
Locate foldable drying rods above the ventless dryer or countertop area for convenient access.
Add Custom Shelving & Storage
Take advantage of every bit of vertical real estate in a compact laundry space. Consider these customized storage additions:
Wall Niche Shelving
- Build out wall studs to create shallow shelving niches for laundry supplies. Great use of awkward wall gaps.
Faux Covered Hampers
- Box in side walls with customized cabinetry fitted with laundry hamper bins inside. Allows for discreet clothes storage.
Custom Wall Cabinets
- Make use of room height with storage cabinets above appliances. Useful for supplements, fragrances, accessories.
- Install cabinets just below the ceiling to maximize the usage of overhead space.
Work with skilled carpenters and contractors to build innovative storage solutions tailored to the unique dimensions of your tiny laundry area.
Ventless Dryer Purchase Recommendations
Ready to purchase a ventless dryer? Keep these guidelines in mind as you evaluate available models:
Dryer Types
Choose from:
- Heat-Pump Dryers – Use an eco-friendly refrigerant gas heating pump instead of a heating element. Most energy-efficient ventless option.
- Conventional Dryers – Rely on a standard electric heating element to warm recirculating air. More affordable option but uses more energy.
In general, heat pump dryers are preferred if your budget allows for premium efficiency.
Capacity
Look at:
- Drum Cubic Feet – Ideally choose 2.6 cubic feet or larger drum capacity. This accommodates average-sized loads.
- Maximum Load Pounds – Select units sized for standard 12-15 lb loads. Higher weight thresholds allow for larger loads.
Match capacity to the drying needs of your household. Bigger drums come at increased cost.
Cycles & Settings
Seek out models offering:
- Moisture Sensor Drying – Auto-adjusts drying times for optimal moisture removal. Prevents over-drying.
- Delicates/Air Fluff Cycles – Gently dries delicate fabrics at lower temperatures.
- Time Dry Setting – Choose timed drying in 15-30 minute increments for small loads. More precise than sensor drying.
The more cycles and settings offered, the more drying flexibility you’ll have.
Connectivity & Smart Features
Look for ventless dryers with:
- WiFi/App Connectivity – Remotely monitor and control dryer from smartphones or home assistants.
- Smart Diagnostics – Units analyze performance patterns to self-diagnose needed maintenance. Convenient!
Smart-enabled models provide advanced features but come at a premium cost. Basic models tend to be more budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Although tiny in size, laundry rooms still need to accommodate a lot of functionality. Installation of a ventless clothes dryer is an excellent space-saving solution that makes the most of limited room dimensions.
By carefully planning the layout, properly installing the ventless dryer unit, performing regular maintenance, adding customized storage, and purchasing the right product features – small laundry rooms can take on a whole new level of convenience.
Spend time thoroughly measuring available space, evaluating required clearances, and thinking creatively about storage options before starting your ventless dryer project. The upfront thought and preparation will ensure you maximize every possible inch!