DUCTING REQUIREMENTS
•
Use a 4-inch (10.2 cm) diameter rigid aluminum or rigid galvanized steel duct.
•
Do not use a smaller duct.
•
Ducts larger than 4 inches (10.2 cm) in diameter can cause increased lint accumulation.
Lint accumulation should be cleaned regularly.
•
If a flexible metal duct must be used, use the type with a stiff sheet metal wall. Do not use a flexible duct
with a thin foil wall. Serious blockage can result if the flexible metal duct is bent too sharply.
•
Never install any type of flexible duct in walls, ceilings, or other concealed spaces.
•
Keep the exhaust duct as straight and short as possible.
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Secure joints with duct tape. Do not use screws.
•
Plastic flexible duct can kink, sag, be punctured, reduce airflow, extend drying times, and affect dryer
operation.
•
Exhaust systems longer than recommended can extend drying times, affect machine operation, and
may collect lint.
•
The exhaust duct should end with an exhaust hood with a swing-out damper to prevent back drafts and
the entry of wildlife. Never use an exhaust hood with a magnetic damper.
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The hood should have at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) of clearance between the bottom of the hood and
the ground or other obstruction. The hood opening should point down.
•
Never install a screen over the exhaust outlet.
•
To avoid lint buildup, do not exhaust the dryer directly into a window well. Do not exhaust under a house
or porch.
•
If exhaust ductwork must run through an unheated area, the duct should be insulated and slope slightly
down towards the exhaust hood to reduce condensation and lint buildup.
•
Inspect and clean the interior of the exhaust system at least once a year. Unplug the power cord before
cleaning.
•
Check frequently to be sure the exhaust hood damper opens and closes freely.
•
Check once per month, and clean at least one time per year. Note: If clothes are not getting dry, then
check ducting for obstructions.
•
Do not exhaust dryer into any wall, ceiling, crawl space, or concealed space of a building, gas vent, or
any other common duct or chimney. This could create a fire hazard from lint expelled by the dryer.
No. of 90° elbows
0
1
2
3
*
Do not use non-metallic flexible duct.
ELECTRIC AND GAS DRYER
Recommended
4" (10 .2 cm)
Rigid
Metallic Flexible*
80 ft. (24.4 m)
41 ft. (12.4 m)
68 ft. (20.7 m)
37 ft. (11.2 m)
57 ft. (17.4 m)
33 ft. (10.1 m)
47 ft. (14.3m)
29 ft. (8.8 m)
Weather Hood Type
Use only for short-run installation
Rigid
74 ft. (22.6 m)
62 ft. (18.9 m)
51 ft. (15.5 m)
41 ft. (12.5 m)
2.5" (6.4 cm)
Metallic Flexible*
33 ft. (10.1 m)
29 ft. (8.8 m)
25 ft. (7.6 m)
21 ft. (6.5 m)
installing your dryer _11