Tumble dryers make drying laundry really quick and easy (once you’ve lived with one, you’ll probably wonder how you ever coped without). However, they need to be installed properly to work efficiently.
The majority of tumble dryers fall into one of two categories: condenser dryers, and vented dryers. The two work in very different ways, which requires very different installation processes.
What is a condenser tumble dryer?
Condenser dryers use heat to dry your clothes, which is then cooled and condensed into water, either collected in a container or drained via an external hose. One of the best things about condenser dryers is that they can be placed anywhere in your home, as long as the area is well-ventilated. You don’t need to worry about installing a wall vent.
These dryers are popular for their versatility and convenience. They often take up less space than vented models, making them a perfect choice for many homes. A compact integrated condenser tumble dryer fits well in tight spaces. It can be hidden behind a cabinet front in your kitchen or laundry room, giving a sleek built-in appearance.
While condenser dryers tend to have slightly smaller capacities than vented models, a 7 or 8kg drum is plenty of space for the average 4-person family's laundry loads.
What is a vented tumble dryer?
Instead of collecting moisture from your clothes inside the machine, vented dryers use hot air to evaporate it. This humid air then flows out of the dryer through a hose and released outside your home through a wall or window vent.
One of the main benefits of vented dryers is that they are slightly cheaper to run compared to condenser models since the moisture is let out rather than collected. They also require less maintenance because there is no need to empty the water tank after each cycle.
But, vented dryers do require a bit more installation. You'll need an external vent or window to connect the exhaust hose to. If you don't already have this set up, there may be some additional costs for professional installation.
Vented dryers are an excellent energy-efficient, low-maintenance choice if you have a separate laundry room or utility area with access to an outside vent. While there are fewer integrated vented models available for kitchens, they offer an economical drying solution for freestanding setups.
Where to install a tumble dryer
Can a condenser tumble dryer go in a cupboard?
No, you can't put condenser dryers in tight spaces. They need room to breathe. They work by taking in cooler air and releasing warmer, moist air. If you put the dryer in a confined space like a cupboard, it won't work well because it will reabsorb the warm, damp air it just expelled. To avoid this, place the dryer in a wide, open area with plenty of fresh air - this helps it run efficiently.
Can a tumble dryer go in a garage?
For a tumble dryer to work properly, the room it's in needs to be warm enough. Garages may get too cold in winter for a dryer to work well - which is when we need it the most.
Condenser dryers work by collecting water vapor from clothes onto a part inside the machine called the "condenser." If it's too cold, the water vapor will condense on any cold surface in the room instead of the condenser. This stops the dryer from removing moisture from the clothes, making it less effective.
Can a tumble dryer go next to a freezer?
It's best to keep tumble dryers away from freezers. When a dryer runs, it blows out warm air, which makes the freezer work harder to stay cold. On the other hand, the cold air from the freezer can make the dryer less efficient. So, placing them apart helps both work better.
Can a tumble dryer go upstairs?
It's not a good idea to install a dryer upstairs for a few reasons. First, dryers are really heavy and can be difficult to move, especially up stairs. Second, dryers shake when they run, which can damage the floor and cause lots of noise. If they were to leak, they can cause water damage to the floors below. So, unless you have no other option, it's best to keep your dryer downstairs.
How to install a condenser tumble dryer
Installing a condenser tumble dryer is pretty straightforward compared to a vented dryer. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Measure the space - Make sure you have enough room for the dryer. Use a tape measure to check the dimensions of the spot where you plan to place it. To save yourself the hassle of having to return the dryer, make sure the area is large enough before bringing it home.
- Check that the room has enough air circulation - Condenser dryers remove water from the damp air inside the dryer, which increases the humidity in the room and can cause dampness and mould. To prevent this, make sure the room is well-ventilated.
- Plug it in - Place the dryer near a power socket. Plug it in, but don't press it too closely against the power source to avoid condensation leaks.
- Test the controls - Test that everything works properly; go through all of the controls on the front panel and check that they react in response.
- Clean the drum - Before the first use, clean the inside of the drum with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any dust or build up from the manufacturing process.
- Run a test load - Test your dryer with wet towels – or anything else that you don’t mind getting damaged. If the towels come out fully dried, you’re almost ready to go. All that’s left to do is check that the condenser tray has collected the water that was in the towels.
How to install a vented tumble dryer
Vented dryers require venting the hot air outside through a vent pipe, which is more complicated to install. You’ll need to provide the dryer with power, but you’ll also need to ensure it can vent outside via a flexible pipe. Without this, there’s a danger that heat can build up within the dryer and cause a fire.
Due to the level of skill involved in installing a vented tumble dryer, we strongly recommend calling in a plumber, however if you do decide to do it yourself, you’ll need the following tools:
Tools and materials needed:
- Pencil
- Drill and masonry drill bit
- Circular saw (optional)
- Silicone caulk
- Vent and faceplate that come with your dryer
- Wall anchors
- Screws (supplied with the vent kit)
Steps for installation:
- Mark the vent location - Choose a location on an exterior wall where the vent will be installed. Place the vent onto the wall and trace around it with a pencil to outline where you’ll need to cut.
- Cut the vent hole - Using a masonry drill bit, drill a series of holes one inch wide around the outside of the circle you drew with a pencil. Then, connect these holes by using a drill or circular saw to cut through the material, creating the vent's opening.
- Prepare the wall for the vent - Put the vent grille up against the wall and mark the positions of the mounting screw holes on the grille. Drill the mounting holes into the wall at the marked positions.
- Seal and mount - Fill the drilled mounting holes with silicone caulk to seal them. Insert wall anchors into the caulk-filled holes for added stability.
- Connect vent pipe - Push the vent pipe through the hole you created in the wall. Make sure the vent faceplate is securely fastened to the wall by using the supplied screws. Connect the vent tube's other end to the dryer's exhaust outlet. To prevent leaks, make sure the connection is tight and secure.
- Test the controls - Test that everything works properly; go through all of the controls on the front panel and check that they react in response.
- Clean the drum - Before the first use, clean the inside of the drum with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any dust or build up from the manufacturing process.
- Run a test load - Test your dryer with wet towels – or anything else that you don’t mind getting damaged. If the towels come out fully dried, you’re almost ready to go. All that’s left to do is check that the condenser tray has collected the water that was in the towels.
Check out our fantastic range of tumble dryers, with prices that fit every budget: View Our Range Here
Tumble dryers are great for making laundry day hat bit easier! Check out our guides to find and use the best one for you:
How to install a tumble dryer
Ultimate buying guide
How to look after your tumble dryer
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