Tumble dryers are one of those household staples that make life (and laundry day) easier. Almost 80% of households own one of these appliances, with vented dryers being the most traditional choice. That being said, there has been a rise in the popularity of ventless dryers that perform the same task – only without the need for a vent. The question is, "What is a ventless dryer?" Take a closer look at the unique and practical design of these dryers and decide if you should invest in one too.

What Is a Ventless Dryer?

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A vented dryer is a type of electric tumble dryer that does not require a vent to outside in order to release that warm air created during the drying process. Instead, a ventless dryer constantly circulates air through the drum to remove moisture from the clothes using either a heat pump or condenser, thus eliminating the need for an external vent. The dryer then condenses the moisture from the air in the drum before it either collects in a removable drawer or is expelled via a dryer hose. This cycle is repeated until the clothes are dry.

Condenser vs. Heat Pump Ventless Dryers

Ventless tumbler dryers function in one of two ways – using a condenser or a heat pump. Neither option requires ventilation installation.

Condenser: The ventless dryer pulls in air from the room where it is then heated with an element and blown through the drum. As the heated air circulates, it absorbs moisture from the wet clothes. This humid air enters the condenser unit (a cooled surface) where moisture condenses into water dropless. That water collects in a tray or tank which must periodically be emptied by the user. This process is repeated until the clothes are dry.

Heat Pump: The ventless dryer uses a heat pump to generate warm air which is circulated through the dryer drum. An evaporator coil extracts moisture from the clothes via a cooling process. Through a closed-loop system, it reheats the warm air using a condenser coil. This is then recirculated through the machine, making for a more energy-efficient process by recycling the air rather than expelling it.

Why Choose a Ventless Dryer?

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Ventless dryers are a great choice for homes and apartments that are not equipped for a vented dryer, especially if you prefer not to cut a hole for a full vent installation. They are also ideal in homes that don't have enough space for a larger dryer with a vent since the compact size and ventless unit takes up less room.

Ventless Dryer Pros:

• Ventless dryers are not limited to locations with vents. They can be placed wherever you need (as long as there is enough space around them – check manufacturers instructions for measurements).
• You only need a power source for your ventless dryer – no other installation or alterations to your home/walls are necessary. Most electric ventless dryers require a 240V outlet (four slots), while others may use 220V outlets (3 slots). Check your dryer’s requirements to ensure that you have the proper setup.
• These dryers are more energy-efficient since they recycle the heated air instead of producing and venting it.

Ventless Dryer Cons:

• Drying time can take longer with ventless driers (although some options have a more efficient drying time when the laundry load sizes are decreased).
• Some space is required around the ventless dryer in order to allow the unit access to the room’s air.
• There can be potential humidity issues (mold and mildew) with ventless dryers, especially in smaller spaces.

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Now you have a greater understanding of what a ventless dryer is and how it works, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not your family will benefit from one of these appliances.