Search engine visitors - click here to access entire "$ensible Home" web site
Click to back to Main Tips List
You can vent your electric clothes dryer indoors to save energy only if you take several precautions. First, never vent a gas clothes dryer indoors. Check your local codes about indoor dryer venting.
There are two potential concerns when venting a dryer indoors - lint in the air and excessively indoor humidity. A buildup of lint can actually become a significant fire hazard. The moisture may or may not be a problem depending on the existing indoor humidity level.
I often use a positive pressure wood-burning fireplace to heat my own home. This brings in very dry outdoor air, so my house can use the extra humidity from the clothes drying without any problems.
It is extremely important to use a high-quality lint filter over the dryer vent and you should clean it out after each load. The best way to vent the dryer indoors is with a special indoor/outdoor dryer vent kits with a cleanable lint filter. Many home center stores sell them.