Most vented tumble dryers will come equipped with a metal or plastic venting hose of around 2 metres in length. Ideally, you should stick with this length of hose as this will be optimal for whichever brand of dryer you have.
Always follow the guidelines in your dryer user manual to install the tumble dryer hose correctly. This will prevent the hose from being crushed or bent, and maximise airflow.
However, the distance between your tumble dryer and the outside vent, door, or window, where you will expel hot damp air, may exceed the length of the supplied hose. In this case, you should consider buying a heat pump or condenser tumble dryer, as they do not need an external vent and are cheaper to run, or contact the manufacturer to discuss the maximum venting hose length for your model of vented tumble dryer.
Extending Dryer Hose
It is possible to replace your current dryer hose with a longer universal hose, or extend your current one, providing the hose is of the correct diameter. But you should be aware of the possible problems that can arise from using a hose that is too long.
Avoid connecting two hoses together to make one longer hose, as drying performance may suffer, and longer dryer hoses are more prone to bending and twisting.
For optimal airflow, the hose should not be kinked or bent into a U shape, as this can cause water to pool within due to a decrease in airflow. The shorter and straighter the hose, the better the airflow and the dryer is able to push out the moist air.
If the hose is too long, the dryer may not be able to push all of the hot moist air to the end of the hose. The air will simply hang around inside the hose, causing condensation and water to build up inside.
In the least case of an incorrectly installed vent hose, the performance of the dryer could be diminished, at worst, the dryer could overheat and catch fire if it’s not able to expel all the gases and hot moist air.
A clogged dryer duct is the most common cause of laundry room fires. Lint accumulates in the dryer over time, obstructing the vents and increasing drying times and costs. This is in addition to the potential fire threat mentioned above.
Always make sure the hose is clean and clear of any blockages or obstructions, and completely clean or replace the hose every 6 – 12 months.
Always ensure the dryer hose end can expel hot air outside, via a wall vent, open external door, or window. Never allow the end of the hose to point in the direction of the tumble dryer’s air intake vent.
