Are you in the market for a new dryer, but your laundry room needs to be set up for traditional venting? Or you could live in an apartment or condo where venting isn't an option. A ventless dryer could be the answer. As the name suggests, these dryers don't require exterior venting, making them a convenient choice for certain living situations. But, like anything else, they have their upsides and downsides. Below, we’ll explore the key pros and cons so you can decide if a ventless model fits your needs. Meanwhile, check out our ventless and vented dryers.
What Is a Ventless Dryer?
A ventless dryer is a laundry dryer that doesn't require exterior venting or ductwork. Instead of expelling hot, humid air from the drum outside, ventless dryers use innovative technology to remove the moisture from the air and recirculate it back into the drum as dry air.
This allows ventless dryers to operate without needing to be installed near an exterior vent or window. As long as you have a power outlet and access to a drain, a ventless dryer can go almost anywhere in your home.
Types of Ventless Dryers
There are two main types of ventless dryers on the market:
● Condensing Dryers: These use a heat exchanger to cool the hot air inside the drum, causing the moisture to condense into either a drain pipe or a removable collection tank. Condensing dryers are the most common type of ventless model.
● Heat Pump Dryers: Instead of simply venting hot air outside, heat pump dryers recirculate it through an evaporator and condenser system to remove moisture. This makes them even more energy efficient than condensing dryers.
The key in ventless dryers is that instead of venting moist air outside, they trap it, remove the moisture, and recirculate the dried air.
Pros of Ventless Dryers
Ventless dryers offer several key advantages worth considering. These include:
Flexible Installation: One of the biggest pros is their ability to go anywhere - no venting required. This flexible installation makes ventless dryers ideal for apartments, condos, closet laundry rooms, or any space without an exterior vent. As long as you have a power outlet, you're all set without needing to accommodate long venting runs.
Energy Efficiency: Since no hot air is expelled outside, ventless dryers waste less energy. This efficient operation can translate to lower monthly utility bills than vented models. Many ventless dryers also offer energy-saving cycle options to reduce consumption further.
Easy to Move: With no exterior venting to disconnect, ventless dryers are incredibly portable. Need to shift it to another room? No problem - the lack of ductwork makes ventless models easy to relocate.
Lower, Gentler Drying Temperatures: Ventless dryers rely on lower heat levels that are kinder to fabrics. The lower drying temperatures prevent overheating and condensation buildup inside the drum, resulting in a gentler drying process that helps extend the clothing's lifespan.
No Risk of Vent Blockage: With no exterior venting, you'll never have to worry about lint clogs, dust buildup, or blocked ductwork restricting airflow and creating potential fire hazards. This also reduces overall maintenance needs compared to vented dryer setups.
Cons of Ventless Dryers
While ventless dryers offer some excellent advantages, they also have several potential drawbacks to consider:
Longer Drying Times: Since ventless dryers rely on cooler temperatures and don't expel hot air, the drying process takes longer overall than vented units. You'll need to budget more time for each load.
Higher Upfront Cost: On average, ventless dryer models carry a higher price tag than similar vented dryers. The convenience comes at an increased initial investment.
Condensation Issues: Without venting, the moisture from clothes accumulates inside the dryer. This can lead to excess condensation buildup that needs to be drained regularly.
Limited Capacity: Most ventless dryers have a smaller drum capacity than vented models, typically in the compact 3-4 cu. ft range. This reduces the amount of clothing you can dry at once.
Installation Requirements: While venting isn't required, ventless dryers have other installation needs, like a nearby drain or condensation reservoir to collect moisture.
Ventless Dryers vs. Vented Dryers
To help illustrate how ventless and vented dryers stack up against each other, the table below compares the two types across several key factors
| Feature | Ventless Dryers | Vented Dryers |
| Energy Efficiency | More efficient since no hot air is vented outside | Less efficient due to venting hot air, but newer Energy Star models help |
| Installation Flexibility | Very flexible - can go almost anywhere with no venting required | Requires ability to vent hot air externally, limiting locations |
| Drying Times | Very flexible - can go almost anywhere with no venting required | Faster drying times with ability to use higher heat |
| Capacity | Limited to compact drums, typically 3-4 cu.ft. | Faster drying times with ability to use higher heat |
| Maintenance | Less maintenance for venting, but condensation tanks need regular draining | Regular cleaning needed for venting system and lint traps |
Are Ventless Dryers Safe?
While the lack of venting in ventless dryers may raise initial safety concerns, these models have several built-in safety features. Most ventless dryers use a condensation sensor to automatically shut off the machine if moisture levels get too high inside the drum. This prevents overheating and fire risks. The lower operating temperatures of ventless models also reduce potential hazards. Additionally, many ventless dryers have an automatic cool-down cycle, allowing the drum to cool before the cycle ends fully. As long as installed and maintained properly, ventless dryers are designed to be as safe as their vented counterparts.
Wrapping Up
Ventless dryers offer an extremely convenient solution when traditional venting isn't possible. While they have some trade-offs, like longer cycle times, they make up for it with energy efficiency and flexible installation. Weigh the pros and cons to decide whether a ventless dryer suits your home. If you’re looking for a new dryer, check out Coast Appliances' selection of premium ventless and vented dryers today
Pros and Cons of Ventless Dryers FAQs
Why choose a ventless dryer?
Ventless dryers are ideal for homes, apartments, or condos where exterior venting isn't possible or permitted. Their flexible installation makes them very convenient.
How much longer does a ventless dryer take?
Due to their lower heat levels, ventless models typically take 1.5-2 times longer than vented dryers.
Does a ventless dryer need a drain?
Yes, most ventless dryers require a nearby drain or condensation tank to expel the moisture pulled from clothes.
Can ventless dryers be installed anywhere in the house?
Ventless dryers do not require venting and can be used just about anywhere in the home as long as there is a power outlet and access to a drain.
How do ventless dryers affect the environment?
Ventless dryers have a lower environmental impact and reduce energy waste than vented models because they do not expel hot air outside
