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Hi,
Our Board has received a complaint from a shareholder regarding the venting of our 4 gas dryers. He claims that 'fumes' from the vents are entering his apartment (he lives on the first floor; the dryers are in the basement and are vented through a basement window that is about 4 feet below the shareholder's kitchen window).
The Board feels somewhat skeptical about this complaint - the shareholder has lived in the apartment for 15 years without complaining about the venting and is someone with clear hostility toward the cooperative in general and the current Board in particular. However, we understand we must take the complaint seriously.
Research has failed to provide us with a clear answer on the requirements for venting gas dryers. DOB regulations, as far as I can make out, require that vents be above the snow line and far enough away from fresh air windows so that they do not cause health or safety problems. But how can we know that is far enough? Even if we do decide to move the vents, we need to know more precisely where to move them. HVAC contractors have not been able to provide a clear answer.
Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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The code is below for your perusal... generally you hagve 3 feet bu law aroung the paremeter of an opening, rule of thumnb, but not current code is never below an opening as lind, fumes, etc will be taken in from the opening.
Uniform Mechanical Code
M1502.2 Duct termination. Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building. Exhaust duct terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation instructions. Exhaust ducts shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction from openings into buildings. .Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination
One thing to consider If you're moving that dryer vent though. There are codes for that. You're allowed 25' of developed run of 4" vent. 90* elbows count as 5', 45* elbows count as 2-1/2'. Add up the footage of pipe and then add your elbows up. The reason for this code is that some dryers are not capable of "pushing" much farther, which can lead to fires if lint builds up. Gas dryers are venting combustion gases as well.
Best
~AR
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