As the cost of electricity continues to skyrocket consumers are
looking for new ideas to help get the most value out of their
appliances. This includes the electric clothes dryer.
Although
your electrical consumption can rarely be lowered by the addition
of any special devices there is one that will take advantage
of the heat an electrical clothes dryer produces. It is called a dryer heat recycler *. It
has proven to be a winner in the fight to be more energy
efficient.
As
its name indicates it allows the
warm air from the household electric clothes dryer to be
redirected back into the laundry room. This is an added bonus if
the laundry room is in a cold basement.
For an
investment of about $15 the hot air your dryer normally dumps
outside can be directed back into the house. We have been
successfully suggesting these to clients for years.
The feedback has been very positive.
The
Theory
The
theory behind the recycler is simple. The
element in an electric dryer is approximately 5000 watts. This is
equivalent to a couple of baseboard heaters. The air temperature leaving an electric dryer is about 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
So why waste it - instead, put it to work for you. Note
that along with the heat will also be moisture. In most homes
the moisture is welcomed because during
the winter your homes relative humidity can drop well below the
minimum 35% required, resulting in a increase of static electricity.
The recycler
uses a plastic flapper to direct the air either inside or
outside your home. In winter months the flapper is adjusted to direct the
hot air into the house. In summer its adjusted so the air and heat
are redirected back
outside.
The
recycler includes a built-in filter screen. We prefer the type that has a
mesh screen filter as opposed to the one with a sock-like filter.
It is a couple of dollars more but the metal filter is more
durable and a lot easier to clean than the cotton type.
Installing
The
heat recycler is easy to install. It's usually mounted to a wall or beam behind, and slightly above, the
console area of the electric
dryer. Once mounted the dryer venting can be quickly cut and
reattached to it. Follow the instructions to maintain
proper airflow direction. The recycler does have an "in"
and an "out". Always mount the recycler for easy access
by all family members. If mounted in an awkward place no one will
clean the filter.
TECHNICIANS
HINT: Experience has taught us not to mount the recycler directly
above the start switch of the dryer. This avoids the recycler
giving you a blast of hot air in the face every time the dryer is
started.
Before
purchase make sure the model you buy comes complete with two
venting clamps. Some less expensive version of heat recyclers don't include
them.
Clamps are vital for a proper installation. Don't be tempted to
attach the venting sections to the recycler with duct tape. It
will dry out and allow the venting to fall off. If required, invest
in a couple of four-inch metal vent clamps. They will cost about three dollars.
Once the recycler is mounted and secured give it a test run. Set
the temperature selector to hot and start dryer. Allow electric dryer to
run a few minutes. Test that the air comes inside when the handle
is in the winter position. Next, move the flapper handle to summer position.
Air should then be seen to go outdoors. Go outside and confirm air
freely escapes outdoors. If not the screen in the outdoor vent cap
may be blocked with lint, or the vent cap flapper valve may be
sticking. Go back indoors and test all joints for air leakage. Tape
any leaking joints with aluminum duct tape.
From
then on all that is required is to clean the heat recycler filter
every few laundry loads. Plus, twice a year turn the flapper handle to
redirect the airflow. Not much work to get all that nice free hot
air for your home.
Note
that throughout this article we have been using the term 'electric
clothes dryer'. The heat recycler cannot be used with a gas clothes
dryer. The venting pipe of a gas dryer must not be opened or
redirected. Small amounts of gas vapor and carbon monoxide may be
present in the outlet air of a gas clothes dryer. Therefore, for
safety reasons, the heat recycler cannot be used with a gas dryer.
*Recyclers
can be purchased under different names and manufacturers. The one
we use is called the "Heat Keeper".
It's part number is CHK100.
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2005
Donald Grummett. All rights reserved
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