[Greenbuilding] Dryer vent backdraft solutions

[Sacie Lambertson]

Interesting about this Heartland duct.  I bought one some years ago from our
local electric coop to use in conjunction with a exhaust fan in a bathroom.
The connecting pipe is less than four feet and straight.  Every time we get
a blowing hard rain the thing leaks like a sieve through the exhaust screen
in the bathroom.  It's a real mystery to us since it looks like no water can
enter the vent and we find no cracks around the outside where it is
connected to the house wall.  If the thing is highly recommended I suspect
there is something unique to our situation that I don't observe.

sacie

On Wed, Sep 21, 2011 at 12:34 PM, Bob Klahn <Home-NRG at dnaco.net> wrote:

>  Rob,
>
> I've used and recommended the Heartland for years.  IMHO, it's the only
> outside dryer fixture with even a hope of preventing backdrafts - and it
> does that reliably.
>
> It's also provides the easiest access for clean-out of the duct of any
> system I've seen or tried.
>
> Most clients love it, once they get past the "mushroom" appearance.
>
>  I have only heard of one complaint.  A friend, not a client, said that
> when he tried one, his dryer took longer to work.   I haven't seen his
> system and he didn't provide more detail, but this is completely at odds
> with other feedback.
>
> I suspect that his duct run may be the real problem - too many elbows
> and/or a long flexible duct run - but I have not had an opportunity to check
> further.   I believe he mentioned that the cup never rose fully; also odd.
> However, it was a chance comment on meeting in the street, so details and my
> memory are sketchy.
>
> If you install one, I recommend making sure the connecting duct is - or
> converting your current exhaust run to - straight, smooth pipe; sealed and
> with the minimum length and fewest turns possible.  Where possible, use two
> 45's in place of a 90 degree elbow.  Make sure the pipe seals to the dryer
> discharge and the outside vent.  If a short, straight run is not practical,
> change the duct to 6" (most installations I see are usually 4"), with a
> reducer at the dryer if necessary.  The Heartland is set up to accommodate a
> 6" duct for a reason.
>
> If the run is long, or convoluted, consider adding a clean-out access at a
> point that will let you sweep the full length.  (Lint build-up could be
> another of my friend's problems, and a fire hazard to boot.)
>
> I hope this is useful,
> Bob Klahn
>
>
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