Thread: Dryer vent/AC condenser clearance

Is there a building code for how far apart the dryer vent should be from the AC condenser at the exterior for residential homes?

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Originally Posted by Jon Errickson

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Is there a building code for how far apart the dryer vent should be from the AC condenser at the exterior for residential homes?

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Nope.
* But Code doesn't Stop Stupid.
** Or Even Address Common Sense.
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There may not be anything in the code but I am sure HVAC manufacturers will have some standard. I would not put one within 6 feet!

I've never seen a specific condenser manufacturer's requirement for dryer vent clearance, and the the dryer manufacturer's instructions are not very helpful either, typically something like (Whirlpool's):

"Exhaust hood must be at least 12" (305 mm) from the ground or any object that may be in the path of the exhaust (such as flowers, rocks, or bushes, snow line, etc.). "

Michael -- that's all I could find online. The AC manual's weren't much help either, they just said don't install with a dryer vent nearby. I was just wondering if there's a general rule of thumb out there??

I've been looking for the same 'documentation' but it doesn't appear to be in the code. I use 4 or 5' as a recommendation. Maybe a good item to add to the IRC in the future? Anyone on the ICC here?

BTW, year ago spring I had a call from a seller who thought they I had broken their AC.

Ran out there in time to meet the service tech, who was just finishing cleaning the lint off the AC (problem was of course in the report) and informing the seller "Same problem as when I had to clean it off last time..."

This comes from Whirlpools "Exhausting Dryer's Manuals"
Exhausting a dryer near or next to an air conditioning or heat pump condensing unit should be avoided. The expelled lint can collect and clog the condenser fins and will likely require continual condenser cleaning. No mention of distance though.

Here is a graphic that I use.

Without getting into specific distances I simply write that the dryer vent is in close proximity to the condenser and may ...........

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

Here is a graphic that I use.

And here I always thought the purpose of putting the a/c next to the dryer exhaust was to serve as a dryer booster fan ...

Jack, Thank you for the graphic.

And if there is a secondary lint trap on the dryer exhaust?

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

And if there is a secondary lint trap on the dryer exhaust?

It would need cleaning.