This is the time of year we really can’t hang our clothes out on the laundry line to dry anymore. You don’t have to let the heat from your clothes dryer go to waste, though. I just bought a deflector and hooked it up to my clothes dryer. Now all that nice, warm humid air from my dryer helps to heat my home.
The dryer heat deflectors are available at home centers and hardware stores. I bought mine online for $11. Installation was relatively easy. You’ll probably have to go and get some more lengths of dryer venting material (looks like a large Slinky covered in tin foil) because what you have to do is hook up a length of vent coming out of the dryer and into the bottom of the deflector. Then, you’ll have to attach another piece of vent coming out of the top of the deflector and attach it to the area where the dryer originally vented to. After you install it, just flip the switch on the deflector and turn your dryer on. Now you’re ready to enjoy the nice warm humid air and have it help to heat your home. Remember to clean the lint screen both on your dryer AND the deflector after each use.
Here’s a picture of my installation. I mounted the deflector on the wall between the washer and dryer. I have to re-mount it so it’s straight. I just wanted to get it operational first, and worry about looks later.
One thing you might consider is to buy unscented fabric softener sheets or your house may end up smelling like a laundromat.
