Clothes Dryer Heat Recovery
By Steve Maxwell
|
|
|
Q: I'm considering something called an Imperial dryer indoor vent kit to make use of the hot air that my dryer normally sends outside. The unit contains a water reservoir that traps lint. I'm thinking that if I directed the vent into my basement during the winter it would help reduce heating costs. Are there any repercussions with respect to all the moist air this would add to my house. It's new and very air-tight, with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) serving the whole house, including the basement.
A: I've considered one of those indoor dryer vents, too, but haven't gotten around to buying one yet. Your concerns about all that moisture added to the air is a valid one, especially in a very tight house. But given the fact that you've got an HRV, I think you should go ahead and install the unit. Just monitor the state of window condensation and adjust the HRV accordingly.
|
