The ducts should be joined with clamps or foil tape. The transition duct (the visible piece of duct connecting the dryer to the wall) can be up to 8 feet and should be listed in accordance with UL 2158A there are some semi-rigid metal transition duct products that are UL listed. See the IRC for calculating duct length, taking into account duct diameter and bends in the duct. The duct should be secured in place and supported at 12-foot intervals. Or, follow the duct length recommendations specified by the manufacturer (2009-2018 IRC M1502, see Compliance tab). The duct length from the wall to the outlet terminal should be no more than 35 feet, including equivalent length for any fittings. Runs should be horizontal with a slight downward angle if at all possible to allow any condensation from water vapor in the exhaust air to drain. Short, straight, horizontal duct runs are the most effective. Per the requirements of the International Residential Code, Section M1502 (2009-2021 IRC), the clothes dryer exhaust duct should be a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct made of galvanized steel or galvanized aluminum with a smooth interior finish and a duct diameter of 4 inches. The use of PVC pipe for dryer exhaust ducts is also not allowed per all standards and specifications. Not only is a poorly exhausting dryer less efficient, it can also be a fire hazard due to the flammability of the collected lint ( NFPA 2013). These spiral duct designs often trap lint, which can clog the duct, requiring the dryer to work harder and longer to dry clothes and also causing it to increase dryer temperature. Vinyl, nylon, and foil ducts are not recommended and if used will void the warranty of most dryers ( Cranor 2005). Clothes dryers must vent directly to the outside using approved exhaust duct. If this vent empties into a crawlspace, attic, or other building cavity, the potential for moisture-related damage is significant (see the Training tab). For more information on spiral ductwork for your property, contact DC Duct and Sheet Metal today.Clothes dryers vent about a gallon of water for each typical load of laundry. Spiral ductwork is currently one of the top selling products in the HVAC market due to its industrial and contemporary aesthetic and its practical properties. However, with spiral ductwork, there’s no need to remember these additional measurements. When using rectangular ductwork in an HVAC system, the duct requires an additional space of up to three inches so the reinforcements and connections can be accurately made at each joint in the system. Many property owners understand the frustrations an incorrect measurement can create. Spiral ductwork requires no additional space.

This not only allows for greater energy efficiency but also reduces the amount of noise that can result from reverberated air pressure. The spiral design of spiral ductwork helps to equalize the pressure as the air flows through the ducts. Spiral ductwork is quieter than other products.Spiral ducts are often self-sealing and its airtight duct joints make air leakage an afterthought. It can also cause poor air quality in your building, causing those who work or live on the property to become sick. When air leaks along your duct joints, it can cause reduced energy efficiency in your HVAC system. Spiral ductwork offers less air leakage.Spiral ducts make cleaning that much easier by having cleaning methods readily available and approved by the professionals. In many facilities, cleaning your ductwork may not be a choice, but a requirement. It’s always a good idea to have your ductwork regularly inspected and cleaned to keep your HVAC system energy efficiency and your air quality high. This includes the installation of the parts, warehousing, transportation, waste disposal, packaging, and the product itself. Spiral duct installation often costs up to 50% less than the installation of a rectangular duct. The following are just a few reasons why the use of spiral duct products is not only a favorable choice for the interior designer in all of us but also a favorable choice for the practical needs of the building. However, the question remains whether or not this move for exposed spiral ducting is merely an aesthetic choice or if there’s functional reasoning behind it. Spiral ducts and spiral duct fittings, in particular, have recently been making a statement in commercial buildings and stores.Įxposed spiral ductwork offers a creative and contemporary industrial aesthetic for any space. Many property owners, especially those with a taste for industrial design, are aware of the architectural design properties exposed HVAC ductwork can offer.

Spiral duct vents