A washer dryer combo machine combines both a washing machine and a clothes dryer into one unit. This allows you to wash and dry laundry in the same machine, saving space and time. However, there are some important factors to consider regarding venting when using a washer dryer combo.
Page Contents
The basics of venting a dryer
Venting is an important part of proper clothes dryer function and safety. All dryers need to vent warm, moist air from the drying chamber. This helps:
- Shorten drying times by efficiently removing moist air
- Prevent moisture damage to the dryer and building
- Reduce lint buildup inside the dryer
Dryer venting systems use ductwork to route exhaust air outside. Most freestanding dryers vent out the back or side of the unit. Ductwork connects to the dryer vent and routes air out through an exterior wall or roof vent.
Without proper venting, several problems can occur:
- Excess moisture can damage drywall, wall studs, and roofing materials
- Lint and moisture buildup creates fire hazards
- Poor airflow leads to longer drying times and increased energy use
- Moisture contributes to mold and mildew growth
For these reasons, clothes dryers must be properly vented to the outdoors. All dryers sold in the US are required to have safety features that shut off the dryer if poor airflow is detected.
Are washer dryer combos ventless?
Washer dryer combos are typically ventless and do not require external venting like a regular dryer. Instead, they use a condenser system to remove moisture from the air during drying cycles.
In a condenser dryer, air is heated and circulated through the drum like a normal dryer. Then, the warm moist air passes through a condenser – basically a heat exchanger. Cool room air is blown through one side of the condenser, while the warm moist air from the dryer drum passes on the other side.
The cooler condenser air cools the warm moisture from the drying air, causing water vapor to condense. This moisture condensate is then pumped out of the dryer and down a drain.
The resulting air exiting the condenser is cooler and drier. It gets recirculated back to the dryer drum to absorb more moisture. This closed loop system means no air gets vented out of the machine to the outdoors.
Some key benefits of condenser dryer systems:
- No need to vent air outside saves installation cost and complexity
- Can be installed almost anywhere, even in interior rooms without vent access
- Condensing drying process removes moisture, preventing mold and mildew
The downside is that condenser drying takes longer than traditional vented drying. But for many homeowners, the ventless convenience is worth the slight increase in drying time.
Is it possible to vent a washer dryer combo?
While washer dryer combos are designed to operate as ventless condenser units, some models can be converted to vented drying with a special vent kit. This requires installing ductwork from the unit to the outdoors.
Venting a combo unit can provide some advantages:
- Faster drying times comparable to a standard dryer
- Removes more moisture from the air than condenser drying
- Lower operating costs by improving energy efficiency
However, there are some downsides to venting a combo unit:
- More complex installation with ducting required
- Condensing drain line still required for washing machine portion
- Possibility of lint buildup in ducts and exterior vent
- Reduced flexibility for unit location
Overall, venting a washer dryer combo is possible with the right model and vent kit. But for many homeowners, the faster drying time may not justify the added installation hassles. The ventless condenser system used on most combos is sufficient for their needs.
What to look for in a ventable washer dryer combo
If you do want the option to vent your washer dryer combo, look for models specifically designed and equipped for venting:
- Vent connection – The unit should have an exhaust duct specifically for venting the dryer. This allows air to be ducted outside separately from the condenser air recirculation system.
- Removable condenser system – Models meant for venting allow the condenser unit to be removed when you switch to vented drying. This closes the recirculation loop and directs all exhaust air out the vent.
- Vent kit – Compatible washer dryer combos are sold with vent kits that include the necessary ducting and exterior wall/roof vent hardware.
- Electrical connection – Hardwired electric models usually allow venting more easily than plug-in units.
- Energy rating – Look for an energy efficient model to maximize the cost savings of vented drying.
Top manufacturers like LG, Bosch, and Miele make combo units that support venting. Check product specs closely to ensure the model is designed for vent conversion.
Installation tips for venting a combo washer dryer
When installing a ventable washer dryer combo, follow these tips for proper setup:
- Use rigid or semi-rigid metal ductwork, not plastic flexible ducts which are more prone to kinks.
- Keep ductwork as straight and smooth as possible. Minimize bends and ridges which can trap lint.
- Slope horizontal duct sections slightly down towards dryer to allow lint drainage.
- Use duct tape or clamps at all joint connections to ensure air tight seal.
- Clean old ductwork to remove built up lint before connecting unit.
- Install exterior damper vent cap to reduce back drafts.
- Seal wall/ceiling penetration openings with caulk to prevent moisture and pest entry.
With proper installation, venting a washer dryer combo can provide faster, more energy efficient drying performance. But the ventless condenser design is also a perfectly valid approach for many homeowners’ needs.
Common questions about venting washer dryer combos
Should you vent a washer dryer combo?
Venting a combo unit provides faster drying, lower energy use, and removes more moisture than condenser drying. However, it requires more complex ducted installation. For many homeowners, the convenience and flexibility of ventless operation outweighs the modest improvement in drying performance from venting.
Do washer dryer combos need to be vented outside?
No, most combo units are designed for ventless condenser drying and do not require venting. Only certain models are equipped for external venting, using a vent kit. Condenser drying recirculates internal air and does not vent to the outdoors.
How do you vent a combination washer dryer?
To vent a combo unit, you need a model designed for venting. A removable condenser kit and vent duct connection allow the internal airflow to be routed outside. Ductwork can be installed from the vent to a wall or roof exhaust cap. Consult the manual for the proper venting procedure.
Where do you vent a condenser dryer?
Condenser dryers do not require external venting. The condenser system recirculates air internally to remove moisture, without exhausting air outdoors. Some condenser combo units can be modified for venting with an add-on vent kit. But standard condenser operation vents air back into the room, not outside.
Conclusion
Washer dryer combos provide useful space-saving laundry solutions in many homes. While traditional vented dryers require external ducting, most combo units use an internal ventless condenser system instead. Some combo models support retrofitting with a vent kit, but condenser drying is sufficient for many users. When installing a vented combo machine, proper ducting is crucial to maximize drying performance. Considering your laundry needs and installation options will determine if a ventable combo washer dryer is the right choice.