My aunt wants me to put a stack washer/dryer in her moms closet for her. The only thing I have a problem with is that putting a gas dryer in a closet with no outside vent. I’ve done the water vent for electric dryers but I thought a gas dryer should vent outside.
I think this is a fire code issue. Any info or code specs would help to tell her. The only problem is they bought the dryer already and I have to tell them it’s useless. 1100.00 down the drain
Headstrong, I’ll take on anyone!
Replies
I have seen a closet gas dryer go "down and out", through the floor and out a crawlspace vent (all nicely detailed)
Not sure if it was approved or just done.
Forrest
There are several options.
I have done (and have passed inspection )all three of these with both gas dryers and gas hot water heaters.
1) Two vents cut into the closet door, each one 12 sq. in. One high , One low (within 12" floor). Code allows that if the adjoining space has a large enough CU. Ft. Air .
2) Combustion air vent into the vented attic space
3) Combustion air vent into vented crawl space.(generally I duct this one to a foundation vent opening)
You should be able to find an online install/spec guide (PDF format usually) for any make and model of dryer. Once you find the one you need it should contain the info on the required "free air" needed.
If I remember correctly you can also determine this information from the building Code. There is a table for BTU ratings and needed Combustion air.
Would that be in the plumbing code book? I couldn't find it in the 2006 IRC book. I'm gonna look again though.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
OK . You will have to bear with me on this one.
I found it in the old Oregon code (CABO), which was a Oregon rewrite of the UBC. (Don't have any of my newer code books here.)
My guess is under the Mechanical Code, or mechanical section of the IRC.
In the old CABO code it is under Chapter 20,Combustion Air.
First thing it said was that any dryer or hot water heater installed in a closet must have manufacturers approval for such installation.
I don't want to cite the rest of the code section because it may not be current and apply to you .
Thanks I'm going to look.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Closet is OK. See dryer installation instructions pdf attached. Page 4 bottom left says closet installation requires louvers on the door.
http://www.estateappliances.com/data/8562589.pdf
Fine if you do two things:
provide makeup air by vents or louvres in the closet door
vent exhaust gas up and out. Dump it anywhere in or under the house and you do two things - take a chance of killing the old bird off from CO gas, and adding moisture to the house along with heat so mold will grow.
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