How does a ventless dryer work & should you use one?

Ventless dryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional vented dryers. These space-saving appliances can be a convenient solution for homes or apartments where ventilation through extended ductwork isn’t possible or practical.

Whether you’re considering purchasing a ventless dryer or just curious about how they work, let’s walk through the venting process they use so you can determine if one is right for your space.

If you need any replacement parts for your dryer or other appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

You can buy a lint trap for small spaces here.

What is a ventless dryer?

A ventless dryer, as the name suggests, doesn’t require an external venting system to expel hot air and moisture during the drying process. Instead, they use alternative technology to remove moisture from the laundry and drum. These dryers are only electric since gas is highly combustible in an unvented area.

How do ventless dryers work?

Ventless dryers – also known as condenser dryers – typically use a ”dual loop airflow system” to heat and dry clothes without a vent. The first airflow loop draws in a small amount of ambient air, which is heated and passed into the drum to evaporate moisture. The second airflow loop cools down the air and recirculates it back into the drum.

Ventless dryers usually operate at lower temperatures compared to vented dryers, which can make them gentler on drying fabric. While laundry may feel cooler coming out of a ventless dryer, the items are still dry.

Ventless dryers also require different and more frequent maintenance compared to vented dryers. The dryer may need to be cleaned every 1-2 months. The containment chamber, lint trap and condenser unit also need to be cleaned regularly.

Always consult your ventless dryer’s owner manual for more detailed information on using and maintaining your specific dryer model.

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Types of ventless dryers

There are two main types of ventless dryers: condensation dryers and heat pump dryers. Both types operate without a vent to expel air. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

Condensation dryer

• Pulls in cool, dry air from the room and heats it to dry laundry
• Heated air passes through a cooling device or heat exchanger, which cools the air, causing the moisture to condense and flow into a containment chamber
• Dried air reheats and passes through the clothes again until they’re dry
• Some models allow the water to be directed and discharged through a washing machine drainpipe, while others have a water collection tank

Heat pump dryer

• Pulls in air from the room and recycles the hot air until the clothes are dry
• Air passes through a heat pump, where the cold side condenses the water vapor into either a drain pipe or a collection tank, and the hot side reheats the air

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer (With Video!) – AppliancePartsPros Blog

Pros and cons of ventless dryers

While ventless dryers have their advantages, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks to decide if one is the right choice for you.

Pros

• Versatility: Can be installed almost anywhere since it doesn’t need a vent to the outdoors
• Higher energy efficiency: Uses less energy compared to traditional vented dryers, which may reduce energy consumption and utility bills
• Easy installation: A power receptacle and adequate airflow around the unit are usually all that’s needed
• Fabric-friendly: Tends to be gentler on fabrics due to its smaller drum size and lower heat volume, which can help improve the lifespan of laundry items

Cons

• Smaller size: The smaller load capacity can be a disadvantage for large families or those who frequently do laundry and cause increased drying times and potentially higher utility bills
• Higher initial cost: Generally requires a larger initial investment
• More humidity: Moisture released into the air can lead to mold or mildew growth in tight spaces
• Increased fire risk: Has a lower flammability tolerance compared to vented dryers, especially if it’s overloaded

Read more: Appliance error codes: What are they & how can I fix them?

How to use a ventless dryer

• Dry similar items together. Separate heavy and light fabrics.
• Avoid underloading the dryer. Put in at least five items or more, but don’t overload it.
• Ventless dryers work best with access to dry ambient air. If your dryer is installed in a closet, open the door(s) when it runs to increase airflow. If the door(s) must remain closed, the dryer should have louvers and at least 60 square inches of open area for sufficient air circulation.
• Consider using a dehumidifier in the same general space as your ventless dryer to prevent mold and mildew growth.

How to maintain a ventless dryer

Follow these tips to keep your ventless dryer in good condition.

• Regularly vacuum behind and around the unit to prevent excessive dust accumulation.
• Remove the lint trap and scrape away the lint after every load.
• Wash the lint trap as needed with a gentle soap and clean it with a soft brush to remove any build-up from dryer sheets, fabric softener, or detergent.
• Check and clean the condenser unit on the dryer every 2-3 months. Remove the condenser unit from the dryer and use a hose or faucet to rinse each side of the unit and remove any lint build-up. Allow the unit to thoroughly air dry before returning it to the dryer.

Read more: 5 Alternate Uses for Extra Dryer Sheets

FAQs

Q: Where does the moisture go in a ventless dryer?

A: The moisture extracted from laundry items during the drying process is either condensed into water or evaporated and then removed in one of two ways, depending on the type of ventless dryer.

Condensation dryers use a heat exchanger to cool the warm, moist air. The moisture condenses into water, which is then collected in a reservoir or drained away through a hose connected to a drain.

Heat pump dryers use a heat pump to recycle the hot air. The moisture is extracted from the air and collected in a reservoir or drained away. The dry air is then reheated and reused in the drying process.

In both types, moisture is collected and disposed of rather than vented outside.

Q: Do you have to drain water from a ventless dryer?

A: Yes, you generally have to manage the water collected in a ventless dryer, but how you do so depends on the model of the dryer.

Many ventless dryers have a water reservoir or tank that collects the condensed moisture. This tank needs to be emptied after each drying cycle.

Some models can be set up to automatically drain the collected water through a hose connected to a drain. This eliminates the need for manual emptying.

Q: How is lint trapped in a ventless dryer?

A: Lint is trapped through a series of filters and screens designed to capture the particles and prevent them from circulating within the dryer or being released into the environment. Here’s how lint trapping generally works in ventless dryers:

Primary lint filter: Most ventless dryers have a primary lint filter at the door or near the drum. This filter captures the majority of lint produced during the drying process. It needs to be cleaned after every load to keep the dryer efficient and prevent blockages.

Secondary filters: Some ventless dryers have additional filters – such as condenser filters or heat exchanger filters – which capture finer lint particles that pass through the primary filter. These secondary filters also need to be cleaned or replaced periodically.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your ventless dryer model to find out how to access the filters and how often you should clean each one.

Q: Do clothes dry faster in a ventless dryer?

A: Clothes typically don’t dry faster in a ventless dryer compared to a traditional vented dryer. In fact, drying times in ventless dryers may often be longer. Some factors that impact how fast a ventless dryer works include:

The drying mechanism: Ventless dryers tend to operate at lower temperatures compared to vented dryers. While this tends to be more energy-efficient and gentler on laundry, it can result in longer drying times.

The moisture removal process: Since ventless dryers don’t remove moisture by venting it out, the process can be slower, especially if the ambient temperature and humidity levels aren’t ideal.

The load size and types of fabric: As with any dryer, the size of the load and the type of fabric can affect drying times. Heavier fabrics and larger loads will take longer to dry.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts for any of your appliances, check out AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to find exactly what you’re looking for. Most orders arrive in two business days, and we have thousands of free resources to show you how to install your new parts.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!