Recycle the heat from your dryer
Now, we know you're hang-drying your clothes. And if you are using a clothes dryer, you're setting it on "low" for a short time, right? Well, if you absolutely have to use it (full-sized wool blankets aren't that easy to hang dry - trust me on this one), you might as well recycle all that warm, fresh-smelling air.
The Dundas-Jafine Heat Keeper attaches to your dryer's exhaust tubing and re-directs hot air back into your home. It has a safety valve to make sure pressure doesn't back up and a removeable lint cap.
Some warnings: it should only be used with electric dryers, not ones that run on gas. And the air will be moist, so it might fog up your windows - although in the winter months, this could help with the severely dry air. And in summer months, you can flip a switch that allows the air to vent back outside.
Hmm...I'm intrigued. Has anybody tried this lil' gadget? Did you notice a difference in the overall warmth factor? Do tell.













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-25-2008 @ 4:14PM
Carol said...
Growing up on a farm in Montana years ago, we did something similar to this. We would tie a piece of old pantyhose (to trap extra lint) to the end of the dryer exhaust hose and let the warm air blow into the utility room. It was great during the winter months. We would block off the hole in the exterior wall to keep the cold out until warm weather arrived then reattach the venting to the outside again. Cost: free
Reply
1-25-2008 @ 5:23PM
David Baker said...
My parents had one of these for years and my wife and I have one hooked up in our basement laundry room.
I think it helps keep the basement and the room directly above it a little warmer. I don't think it is dramatic, but in the midwest, I can't hang our clothes out in the winter, so we have to use the dryer and every little bit helps.
Reply
1-25-2008 @ 5:38PM
Jacob said...
I recently installed a "heat keeper" to my dryer and so far I'm happy with it. I noticed whenever the dryer was on, the furnace would stay off regardless of the temperature outside. Although, I live in a smaller townhouse, I think any size of house could see a benefit, especially if you have children. I hear most dryers use an average of 4000 watts, to put that into perspective that's roughly equal to the power used by 3 space heaters. The moisture it produces is a benefit in the dry winters here in Colorado. However, after buying it I realized anyone with a little know how could make one themselves, by reusing some simple materials found around the house, or just use pantyhose as mentioned above.
Reply
1-25-2008 @ 6:51PM
Adam said...
I can say that this is a useful thing to have. The installation was easy. One should recognize that you will likely have to replace your venting to the outside to accommodate installation, which is a good thing to do every few years. From a warmth factor, it does make a nominal difference (your experience will vary with how big of a space your dryer vent vents into). I imagine that within a small enough space one would see a fairly good boost in temperature. Moreover, why would you push hot air outside during the cold winter months anyway? It blows the damp air into my basement which is a very dry space, doubling the utility of the dryer. Plus, the constant smell of clean laundry in the air is pleasant. I would recommend this inexpensive and smart upgrade to anyone.
Reply
1-26-2008 @ 1:15PM
nora said...
oops
http://www.spymac.com/details/?2336507
Reply
3-22-2008 @ 11:08PM
john said...
This is a really bad idea. If someone doesn't read the directions and uses it on a gas dryer they will be adding carbon monoxide to their home. Even with an electric dryer you are adding moisture and indoor air polution of fine particulates. There is a reason dryers are vented outside. The heat gain is minimal. Spend your money on better/more insulation and chaulking and sealing cracks. See this article.
http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Commerce/Home_Moisture_110802041415_Moisture.pdf
Reply