carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a combustion product created by gas dryers. Dryer air duct vents that release air from the dryer outside of the home can become clogged with lint and debris and can cause carbon monoxide to vent inside the home instead of outside, creating the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal to people and pets.
Also known as: CO2, CO2 poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning
developed length of vent
The developed length of vent is calculated by adding the lengths of straight pipes and elbows found within the dryer duct system. Calculations used include 5 feet for each 90 degree elbow and 2.5 feet for 45 degree elbows, added to linear feet within the system. It is recommended that the total developed length of dryer duct venting should be 25 feet or less. Your dryer duct cleaning company can calculate the developed length of your dryer duct vent system and suggest repairs or modifications if the length is too long.
Also known as: dryer duct vent length
dryer exhaust system
Dryer vent systems include all pipes, elbows, and caps that make up the entire venting system that moves moist air and lint from a clothes dryer out of the home or building and releases it outside.
Also known as: dryer vent system, dryer duct system, dryer ducting
dryer vent cleaning kit
Dryer vent cleaning kits are available for DIY and at-home dryer duct cleaning. The kits are available at most hardware stores and usually contain two swivel-type elbows and corrugated metal piping that can be used to remove lint from inside dryer vent systems. DIY dryer vent cleaning is only recommended for homeowners who have dryer duct systems that are four feet or less in length and do not include many large elbows or bends. Longer systems may require professional cleaning to ensure the ducts are completely clean and safe.
Also known as: DIY dryer vent cleaning, DIY dryer duct cleaning kits, do it yourself dryer vent duct kits
duct pipe
Duct pipe is the piping that vents the hot air and lint from the dryer to outside the building. If the dryer duct pipe is inside a wall, it is required to be made of rigid metal pipe. Flexible pipe should can be used only where it is visible, such as directly behind the dryer leading to the wall.
Also known as: vent pipe, dryer duct pipe, dryer vent pipe
elbows
Elbows are bends used in dryer duct venting. Elbows are corners that turn the ducts, and they may be at 45 or 90 degree angles. Ducting elbows may be needed to move the hot air outside, but they make systems less efficient and can create a stopping point where lint and other debris can collect. Therefore, elbows shouldn’t be used unless necessary, and they should be regularly inspected and cleaned for safety’s sake.
Also known as: dryer duct elbows, dryer vent elbows, duct elbow, duct bends
horizontal dryer ducts
Horizontal dryer ducts are those that run flat or mostly horizontally through the wall to the outside of the building, carrying dryer air and lint from the dryer to the exhaust point. Horizontal dryer ducts are preferred because they carry air and debris straight out without bends or elbows that can catch lint.
Also known as: flat dryer vents, flat dryer ducts, horizontal dryer vents, horizontal vent pipe
lint trap
The lint trap in a clothes dryer is where lint collects during the clothes drying cycle. While some people confuse them, lint traps and dryer vents/dryer ducts are not the same thing. Lint traps should be cleaned before or after each cycle to keep them clean and the air flowing easily through the lint trap and into the dryer vent. Dryer duct vents should be cleaned every one to three years depending on several factors, including frequency of dryer use, age of the dryer, and the presence of lint within the dryer duct system.
Also known as: clothes dryer lint trap
rotary brush
A rotary brush is a dryer duct cleaning brush that travels the length of the dryer duct system and cleans the lint and debris from the inside of the dryer vent. Professional dryer duct cleaning companies often use rotary brushes to completely clean dryer ducts. Most consumers don’t have access to rotary brushes, making professional cleaning a good idea for dryer ducts longer than four feet.
Also known as: dryer vent cleaning brush, dryer duct cleaning brush, rotating dryer duct vent cleaning system
termination point
The end of the dryer vent exhaust system, known as the termination point, is outside the home or building where the dryer duct system is located. Dryer vent termination points are usually placed on the side of a wall or the roof. As they allow humid, hot air and lint to escape from the dryer and dryer duct vent, they should not be located in an enclosed space, such as a garage or interior part of the home.
Also known as: end point, dryer vent exhaust system exit, dryer vent exit
transition duct
Transition ducts are pipes that connect dryers and the dryer vent or ducting system. Transition ducts are usually flexible and made of aluminum or non-flammable material. Transition ducts come from the back or side of the clothes dryer and should be as short as possible to allow for the quick transfer of air to the termination point. Lint can build up within the transition duct, so it should always be part of dryer duct cleaning services.
Also known as: transition tube, transition hose
vertical dryer ducts
Vertical dryer ducts run vertically, or up and down, connecting the clothes dryer or transition duct to the ducting system that will eventually run to the termination point. They often run vertically up through walls and exit through the ceiling.
Also known as: vertical-run dryer duct, vertical dryer vent, vertical clothes dryer exhaust system
vent clamp
Dryer vent clamps clamp is usually made of stainless steel and is used to connect the transition tube to the dryer and the vent.
Also known as: dryer duct clamp, dryer transition hose clamp
vent cover
Vent covers are located at the end of the dryer vent exhaust system. They are usually louvered in style (with slats running across the width) and may have an internal screen to keep lint from escaping the dryer duct vent. If they have an internal screen, it should be regularly cleaned to prevent clogs and allow for the free movement of air.
Also known as: dryer duct vent cover, dryer exhaust system end cap
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