How to connect a dryer
How to hook up a dryer
Hook up your air dryer
Do you have an airflow dryer? If so, it’s helpful to put the dryer near a window or a hole in the wall. This way, you can use an air extraction hose to get rid of the moist air from the dryer.
However, it only makes sense to use an air extraction hose if you can direct the moist air outside.
The attachment point for the air extraction hose is usually found at the back (left or right) of the clothes dryer.
Tip: Don’t use a hose that is too long and makes a lot of bends, this is not conducive to discharging the moist air. It is best to use a short hose, this way the clothes will dry faster and it will save on energy costs.
Connecting a condenser or heat pump dryer
Do you have a condenser or heat pump dryer? Then in addition to a condensation tray, the dryer usually contains a connection for draining water. This can be very useful because you do not have to constantly empty the condensate tray.
You can connect the dryer to the drain of the washing machine or the siphon of a sink. In the instruction manual of the dryer is noted how you can connect the drain hose. It is also possible to put a separate drain hose in a sink, basin or well, just be careful that the drain hose cannot move around.
Tip: When connecting a condenser dryer, pay attention to the condensation efficiency.
The moist air from a condenser dryer condenses inside the dryer. This is then usually collected in the condensate pan, or it disappears through the drain hose.
However, some condenser dryers don’t do their job very well so a lot of moist air is still expelled. How much moist air the dryer captures is called the condensation efficiency. A condensation dryer is classified according to its condensation efficiency, the highest class being Class A.
So decide well in advance where you want to connect your condensation dryer. If your dryer has a poor condensation efficiency class and you put it in a poorly ventilated room, you could end up with mold in that room.
General tips
Before you plug in your dryer, we have some general tips for you:
- Noise level: On the dryer’s energy label, the noise level is listed in decibels (dB). This way you can see if your washing machine makes a lot of noise or is very quiet. A washing machine that produces no more than 73 decibels falls under the heading: quiet. So before you connect your tumble dryer, decide where you want it to be installed. If your dryer makes a lot of noise it is not practical to put it next to the living room or a bedroom.
- Direction of the door: If the dryer is placed in a small space, the direction of the door can sometimes make a big difference. Therefore, determine in advance how you are going to connect the dryer so you do not get problems with the opening and closing of the door.
- Temperature of the environment: When you connect the dryer, think about the temperature of the room where it will be installed. A clothes dryer functions well in an environment of 5 degrees to 35 degrees. However, a clothes dryer consumes more energy (and also works worse) in a cold environment than in a warm environment. Should you have the choice, prefer to put the clothes dryer in a heated room.
- Tumble drying on a washing machine: When connecting the tumble dryer, you can also choose to put it on top of the washing machine. In this way, you can save space. Before you put the clothes dryer on the washing machine, you can buy a stacking set or stacking kit to make sure that everything is sturdy. You can also put an anti-vibration mat under the clothes dryer and washing machine. Tip: Never put a washing machine on top of a clothes dryer. Centrifugation can cause the washing machine to fall off the clothes dryer.
- Tumble dryer under a worktop: You can also install the tumble dryer under a worktop. It is important that there is enough space around the dryer (top, sides and back). When you place the dryer under a worktop, you can install a ventilation grill at the back of the worktop. This way the air coming from the dryer can get out from under the top. Does the clothes dryer not fit under the worktop? Most clothes dryers allow you to remove the top to create more space. Then you can buy a cover plate that covers the top of the clothes dryer
Summary
Now that you know exactly where you want to install your clothes dryer, we’re listing the most important tips again:
- Do not put anything in front of the air outlet opening. This space must remain free.
- Do not place anything in front of the exhaust vent. This space must remain free.
- Make sure that the dryer is placed on a level surface (preferably spirit level). Is this not the case? Then use the adjustable feet under the dryer to ensure that it is level.
- Make sure that the bottom of the dryer remains free. This space must remain free for the discharge of hot air.
- Make sure you put the dryer in a clean place, not a place where a lot of dust and dirt accumulates.
- Make sure there is a window or hole in the wall when installing an air outlet dryer.
- A return dryer in a cold room uses more energy (and works worse) than one in a warm room.
- For a condenser or heat pump dryer, pay attention to the condensation efficiency. If you have a low condensation efficiency rating, make sure the dryer is in a room with plenty of ventilation.
