subject: Vented Tumble Dryers [print this page] It's a well known truth that there are two kinds of tumble dryer namely condenser tumble dryer and vented tumble dryer. The primary distinction between the two is that the former doesn't need any ventilation while the latter needs a vent. The vent is used get the boiling moist air where as the condenser tumble dryer can be used indoors without ventilation.
Which is to be choose - vented and condenser?
If you are substituting a vented tumble dryer, you will already know you have the facilities that are required for this type of product. So you are in a good position and have more of a choice to select the kind of dryer you desire. If you're buying a dryer for the first time it is recommendable to check whether the room where the appliance is to be placed has a vent to outdoors.
How do you know where the vent will be?
A small grill will be present on the outside of your house if the house is already vented to outside. The vents are normally found in certain rooms of the house such as in an outhouse, utility room, kitchen or garage these are the sort of places where one would expect a dryer to fit in. It is not likely the vent will be positioned upstairs, in a bedroom or in the lounge.
Once it is found that the house is vented or not depending on that the type of tumble dryer to be purchased can be decided. If your house is not vented, you do have the option to call the builders out or you can still buy a very effective condenser dryer that doesn't need ventilation.
The dissimilarity between condenser and tumble dryers
The vented dryer produce boiling moist air which has to be sent out. The air is released by means of a tube that is connected to the back of the dryer then the moist air flow is blown through the tube then out through your grill which will be present in the wall or you can place your pipe out of a window.
The condenser dryer doesn't release the boiling air instead a condensing chamber is used. The condensing chamber consists of a metal condenser which converts the steam to water. The boiling air as soon as it hits the condenser changes into liquid and is collected by means of a plastic tank. The disadvantage in this dryer is that the plastic tank has to be emptied manually. It's no big deal cleaning as it can be done at the same time the lint filter is cleaned. There is another option where the water can be directly sent to the drain so there won't be manual cleaning required.
Merits and Demerits
Merits of vented tumble dryer
Cheaper
It is more reliable (but recently technological development have seen condenser dryers improve to the same level as vented)
Less maintenance required - don't have to empty water trap
Demerits of vented tumble dryer
If not properly vented it can lead to damp problems in a room due to condensation
Ventilation is essential
Can be hard to clean/repair after the dryer if properly vented
As both condensers have their own merits and demerits, it is very important that one should make a correct choice as to get a condensed or vented tumble dryer as it is going to be there in use for at least five to ten years or even longer.
