Interesting application

[Jack Feldmann]

Saw this on a woodworking website.
Clothes dryer outside air modification (http://woodgears.ca/reader/walters/dryer_mod.html)

[Jim Robinson]

I've been thinking of that for a while. Basically a direct vent dryer. Our dryer is not inside our heated space, but I have often wondered why none of the manufacturers have come out with a direct vent model.

[Garry Blankenship]

I like the idea. Just unsure about that system drawing air from the attic messing with the humidity levels / designed air flow.

[Gunnar Alquist]

And of course the manufacturer will warranty my appliance now that I have modified it. :cool:

[Rick Hurst]

What happens when he has a dead rodent in the attic space? Or the airbourne dust particles, fiberglass being pulled into the dryer?

Rick

[Darrel Hood]

Since most of the attics I inspect are very dusty, I would think an air filter plenum on the intake would be needed to keep from soiling the clean laundry.

Also, in this region the air from the attic would introduce a high humidity level to the dryer. This must offset some portion (maybe small, maybe large) of the efficiency gain?

[Harold Doughty]

I would think that in the winter, the dryer would be a lot more efficient taking in conditioned air. Attic air will be very cold. Also agree with Darrel, in a humid environment, you would be introducing wet air in the summer. I guess this could work if your outside air is hot and dry all year...

[Chris Roth]

Saw this on a woodworking website.
Clothes dryer outside air modification (http://woodgears.ca/reader/walters/dryer_mod.html)

Oh My Gosh!!! Never have I even thought about makeup direct air to a cloths dryer!!?? I'm sure he used high heat resistant silicone?? He put the direct air box over the heating element!!?? Yes?? DUCT TAPE!!?? Is he serious!!! Electrical tape!!?? GEEEZZZEEEE!! It is not rocket science. Just look in the Operation Manuel if in there and clean your dryer throughly in the lint trap, screen and have your dryer vent cleaned once a year. And most important make sure your dryer vent system meets the IRC and the IMC (current). I have not had a customer complaint about the service I provide. (Dryer Vent Cleaning, reroute, installation). About the video I have to say what they say on ESPN "C'MON MAN!!"

[Randy Aldering]

And of course the manufacturer will warranty my appliance now that I have modified it. :cool:

Yeah, and having a video camera ready when the wife calls the appliance repair man while you are away at a conference would be priceless. It seems a make-up air duct terminating near the dryer would reduce the amount of conditioned air being used to dry the clothes, and eliminate the NASA-looking "upgrade." The video mentions cold air from the attic in winter, and that would be easily remedied by a U-bend air trap at the attic end of this "modification."