When venting through a wall isn’t an option, more inventive solutions are required; the Vent Techniques 4 inch customized window dryer vent is an excellent choice for those who need to vent a dryer via a window.
The window dryer vent is a system where without cutting a hole in the wall, we can vent out the dryer exhaust through the window from our basement. If your laundry setup is in the basement, which is very common in many households, you can follow the steps for a basement window vent setup.
- If your dryer is in the basement, run the duct up the exterior wall and out the rim joist.
- Install the vent at least 12 inches above the ground.
- For dryer vent installation, use no more than 25 feet of 4-inch duct and deduct 5 feet for every 90-degree curve and 2 1/2 feet for every 45-degree turn.
A dryer with a 90-degree elbow at the exhaust port and another at the top of the basement wall, for example, may reach a maximum distance of 15 feet.
Reasons for Venting Through Basement Window
Even though many houses have a dryer vent outlet that goes through the wall or roof, there are some circumstances where this option is not available; in such situations, you will need to make other preparations for venting the wastes and humidity that your dryer produces.
The most common method is to use a basement window to vent your dryer. This is a smart option for those who don’t have any other viable options but still want the convenience of having a dryer or washing machine in their house. There are a few things to think about before deciding to vent via a window.
Now you might be wondering about the equipment and materials you’ll need for the job? How do you get the venting via the window? Is there any other option for resolving this issue? Let’s have a look at the answers to the queries.
Equipment and Materials for Installing Basement Window Dryer Vent
Installing a dryer vent through a basement window is not easy; it necessitates a basic understanding of building procedures and tricks and the necessary equipment and materials. Some items can be swapped out for others.
For the installation procedure, you will need a 4-1/8 inch tape measure, straightedge, marker, jigsaw, an inch hole saw, a drill, a caulk gun, and masking tape or duct tape.
The other equipment you might need is pure silicone caulking or sealant, an inch acrylic sheet or other translucent material, aluminum tape, or hose clamps.
How to Install a Basement Window Dryer Vent, and How It Works
After you’ve gathered all the required materials and tools, you must measure the area and surface of your basement window. After that, place the acrylic sheet on a level surface and trace the window’s exact measurements on the sheet.
Cut following the lines you’ve drawn with the jigsaw. When cutting the acrylic sheet, don’t haste. Have patience and invest enough time to ensure that it is not damaged.
Attach the 4- ⅛” hole saw in the drill’s jaws. Make a hole on the acrylic sheet, making sure the hole is at least 1/2 an inch away from any of the sheet’s edges. Placing a scrap piece of wood below the acrylic sheet will prevent the hole saw from shaking and getting misplaced while drilling.
Squeeze a 3/16-inch bead of caulk behind the dryer vent hood. Place the vent hood pipe through the hole, with the vent part on the acrylic exterior. To put it another way, check to see if the vent will be outside the window.
Push the vent into place, ensuring that it forms a tight seal. Using clamps, fix the vent hood to the acrylic sheet until it cures. If the flange of your vent has pre-drilled holes, you may choose to fasten it with screws in addition to the sealant. To avoid breaking, use four Philips head screws and pre-drill the acrylic sheet at the screw sites.
Remove the window from the frame and caulk the inside rim of the window frame with a thin bead of caulk. Next, push the acrylic sheet into place, ensuring that the vent hood is visible from outside the window. Tape the acrylic sheet to the window frame with masking tape.
Depending on your window frame, you might use screws or bolts to fasten the acrylic to it. To avoid cracking, pre-drill the acrylic sheet at the screw sites once again. Allow at least twenty-four hours for the caulk to cure.
If you’re using a flex duct, place the hose clamps over the vent you’ve chosen to run between the dryer and the window once the caulking is dry. The ductwork can be either flexible or rigged. Place one end of the duct over the dryer’s exhaust pipe and the other over the vent hood’s exhaust pipe. After this step is completed, secure the ducts with hose clamps.
The dryer should now be adequately vented to the outdoors via the basement window.
This is a complicated undertaking that will require considerable expertise and patience.
Different Types of Basement Window Dryer Vent
There are several types of window dryer vents available for basements. The most popular ones are mentioned below.
First, you need to understand the window systems that come in two different types. One is a sliding system, and the other is like a hopper. You can slide the windshield and the attached vent in the sliding technique draft to keep it open or close. The hopper system operates by pulling up or pushing in the shield system like a cap.
1. Insulated Glass Operating Hopper Window 4” Vent
Insulated glass operating hopper is a cost-effective, sturdy, strong, and warm material that effectively addresses the venting issue. It also has an elegant design and is functional as a window that allows you to simply vent your clothes dryer without drilling a separate hole through your home’s walls.
The window also has a lovely white vinyl finish, making it an excellent addition to the aesthetics of your basement.
2. Vertical Window Dryer Vent for Basement
A vertical window dryer is a fantastic installation option that is well-made. It is simple to set up. These vents also save time and effort to get the first floor and basement laundry systems up and operating.
3. 6-inch Horizontal Window Dryer Vent
The window dryer vent is composed of 24 gauge galvanized steel with an aluminum back draught damper to prevent drafting from the outside. It is the ideal alternative if venting through the wall isn’t possible or preferred.
Place the vent in an open window, move the side panels to suit the window opening (14-64 inches), then shut the window. Dryer vent covers with a low profile provide a lot of barriers to airflow.
To reduce airflow resistance, we designed this vent with an expanded outer shell. Spray booths, laser engraving equipment, exhaust fan blowers, and nearly anything else with a 4″ inch circular exhaust may be aired out via this window vent. Overall, the product is perfect for the basement.
4. Window Dryer Vent (Adjusts 24 Inch Through 36 Inch) by Vent Works
Without cutting a hole in the wall, this adjustable window vent fits 24 to 36 inch wide windows and has a single 4-inch circular exhaust exit suited for a standard dryer vent duct.
The hood of this vent is slightly larger and slanted to decrease airflow resistance, decreasing lint buildup for super-safe and efficient drying, according to Vent Works.
5. 31 in. x 13.5 in. x 3.125 in. Frameless Wave Pattern Glass Block Window with Dryer Vent
The safe glass block window with dryer vents is wholly constructed and may improve the comfort and look of any space. Glass Blocks are a type of construction material composed of glass that is set out in the same way as bricks or concrete blocks.
Glass block windows are widely used as basement replacement windows. Still, they are also suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, sidelights, transoms, garages, and many other applications. They are simple to install in any masonry opening, whether residential or commercial and may even be utilized in wood frame openings.
Secure Glass Block Windows are considered a safer alternative to ordinary windows since they are more difficult for would-be criminals to breach. When compared to standard plate-glass windows, glass block windows are also more energy-efficient.
Is There Any Easier Solution for Venting Through Windows?
Fortunately, for those of us who lack the time, skills, or ability to complete such a task, there is a very simple and inexpensive window vent that can be set up to operate in a matter of minutes.
The Window Dryer Vent is a device that is as simple to install as a window fan. Simply open the window you want to vent out of, position the hood vent in the open window, adjust the sliding side panels to fit the window, and close it.
This technique takes less than 3 minutes, which means you can go from having a non-functioning dryer to having a completely functional and vented dryer in under 3 minutes.
This revolutionary device is built of 24 gauge galvanized steel, includes an aluminum back-draft damper to keep external draughts out, and a more oversized outer hood to ensure that air flows freely.
Conclusion
While many homes have a dryer vent exit that runs through the roof and walls, this type of venting is not accessible in plenty of other housing situations. In this case, you’ll need to make different arrangements for venting the vapors produced by your dryer.
The most popular option is to vent your dryer via a basement window. This idea can be a lifesaver for individuals who don’t have any other choices but still wish to have a clothes dryer in their home.
