Comments on: Recycle the Heat From Your Dryer

By: Debra

Debra — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:43:28 +0000

If there was any way to include the material that they use in the containers of moisture rid that may do it. to me the simplest thing would be to invest in a humidifier with a built in air purifier about $175.00 to $200.00 for a good one. The money that you would save on heat cost would pay for itself in a few short months. Not to mention no mold or mildew which reduces the cost of replacement of sheet rock and also CLEAN air.

By: Felicia

Felicia — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:17:47 +0000

Hey David,

This is a bit out of my expertise. Unfortunately, I can’t help you, but if I come across something, I’ll let you know.

Does anyone else have any ideas that might help David?

By: David

David — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:19:41 +0000

I have used this method and like the idea. Having had to remove sheet rock in my basement because of mold build up before I ever used this method I am looking to do something different so I dont get all of that moisture or lint in the house. I am trying to find a practical way to build a heat exchanger for the dryer vent. If anyone has some ideas I would realy like to hear them. I am building a home in central utah that is off grid, right next to my fathers house that I helped him build that is completely off grid. So every little bit of conserving would be nice. Let me know of any comments here thank you.

By: Felicia

Felicia — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:33:48 +0000

I’m not expert, but I believe gas dryers emit noxious fumes that must be vented out doors. However, if I come across something that is safe, I’ll post it here.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:58:23 +0000

is there any product like this for gas dryers? If it is the same gas that lights a fireplace, how is it different from a dryer?

By: mama d

mama d — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:52:00 +0000

Thank you Anonymous for your input.
I have an electric dryer. I do understand what you are saying about the dust.
Most of our clothing is dark so the dust from that would show up.
I am checking for dust build up on furniture and filters. I do not see any excess build up out of the norm on the furniture. The furnace is right next to the dryer and I do not see any build up on it’s filter. I also sleep with a sleep apnea machine and do not see a build up on it’s filter. Will check for build up on things that are more obvious such as TV and Computer monitors where dust is attracted.
Also, I suffered from Asthma 2000-2005 at which time I was on 12 medications. I am not showing any asthma symptoms from doing this and I consider myself “the canary in the mine shaft”.
A woman told me about Cordyceps. I take 3 Nature’s Way Cordyceps capsules in the morning and have been off all 12 medications for 2 years. http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Way-Cordyceps#IngredientFacts

Thank you for your input.
Mama D

By: Felicia

Felicia — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:07:00 +0000

Thank you for your informative comments ‘anonymous.’ While your points are good and something to take into consideration, I find that recycling the heat from my electric dryer is something I’ll continue to do.

In the wintertime, I am looking for both heat and moisture in my house. It becomes very cold and dry. Rather than running a humidifier in my house to reduce the affects of having the air too dry, I enjoy the moisture produced from my dryer.

In the summer, I flip the switch and allow all of the heat and the moisture from the dryer to go outside. At that time I run the dehumidifier in my basement in an attempt to reduce the natural moisture that accumulates downstairs.

I thank you for pointing this out and I encourage my readers to do the research before making a decision. As for me, recycling the heat is the way to go.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:38:00 +0000

If someone has a device that filters out the dust and moisture then this would be a good idea for electric dryers ONLY. But NONE of the devices filter out enough dust and none of them filter out ANY moisture. A nylon stocking isn’t enough, you need a HEPA or better( .1 micron filter ) to filter out the dust. You are filtering out a portion of what you see but NOT the more dangerous smaller particles you can’t see. It’s the same problem with cigerette smoke. Most furnace filters don’t filter ANY practical amount of the smoke that harms you lungs. The furnas filter will also become clogged much faster due to all the dust in the air.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:32:00 +0000

There is a reason that the air is vented OUTSIDE ! Besides the heat, the air contains alot of lint dust & moisture. The lint dust is unhealthy to breathe and will make the inside of your house dirty like the filter in your dryer. I’ve seen people do this and their house became dirty inside and VERY humid which will cause mold in your walls, floors, and furniture which is also unhealthy to breathe. None of the so called filters that are made to allow dryer venting inside are good enough and none of them filter out the moisture! Ask any doctor what they think about doing this and they will tell you it is unsafe !
see the below link for problems that too much moisture/humidity can cause. It’s from the EPA about indoor air quality.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-moisture.html
or do a google search for
epa air quality moisture

By: Felicia

Felicia — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:35:00 +0000

You are very resourceful! Way to go!

I'd love to hear any more great money saving and energy saving tips you have.

Keep it up!