Tips From Our Manual
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Tips in this section are courtesy of the Chimney Safety Institute of America C-DET manual, April 2013 edition. Reproduction is allowed with appropriate credit.
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Metal tape has the mettle. "Dryer exhaust duct joints should be connected and secured with heat resistant metal tape. Never use screws, rivets or any other type of fastener that can protrude into the duct and catch lint, thereby reducing the efficiency of the exhaust system." [from: Chapter 3, C-DET manual.]
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A C-DET's gear, part 1. Dryer exhaust technicians use a variety of tools, many of which have only been invented or developed within the last few years. to service dryer exhaust ducts. The vane anemometer allows you to measure airflow through the dryer exhaust duct, both before and after you clean it. This is a great tool for demonstrating to the customer the improved dryer performance after you have cleaned their system. More importantly, you can determine if the system needs cleaning or if it was cleaned properly. Since a dryer may remove 200 cubic feet per minute (CFM) from the home, it is critical that sufficient air is available and there is as little resistance in the dryer exhaust duct as possible. When the air moves easily through the exhaust duct the temperatures remain high and clothes dry faster. These temperatures can run in the 165 to 175 degree range. The thermal switch will normally engage in the 250° range. An anemometer with temperature reading can help you determine if the vent may have excessive condensation from being too long or uninsulated. [from: Chapter 4, C-DET manual.]
Earlier: tight squeeze?
"Plastic, flexible wire hose is common and is not recommended. These hoses should always be replaced with a metal hose when they are not plainly visible. Most modern gas dryer manufacturers require metal ducting. The ideal duct is a rigid, galvanized pipe in the proper diameter. Exhausting problems are often the result of an improper installation. It is not uncommon to find transition ducts crushed as the dryer is pushed against the wall, as one example."
