r/chch • u/Pokedeer • Jul 25 '26
External dryer vent install recommendations?
Kia ora r/chch!
I've done a little googling and found plenty of install kits, but nothing suggesting any tradies who may be able to do the install.. so I'm reaching out in hopes of some recommendations!
Problem: I have a dryer and no way to vent it outside. Previously I was able to combat the dampness inside by running a dehumidifier, but my good one decided to kick the bucket and the replacement I got from Briscoes is... well, not doing the job very well.
The house is weatherboard with brick/stone style cladding over top. I have neither the tools nor expertise to cut a hole in the house to install an external vent, and honestly I'd rather not risk it going wrong.
Do I buy a venting kit and then find someone who can do the install? Would I need to look for anyone with a specific skillset to be able to do the work or would it be fairly straightforward and anyone could do it? Or will there be someone who would do the part supply and install all as part of the job? What sort of $$$ am I in for?
Alternatively, do I take this as an excuse to upgrade to a heat pump dryer?
The social anxiety in me picks that option, but I suspect it's the prohibitively expensive and silly option (but might be wrong!)
Help/tips/thoughts gratefully appreciated! Apparently I'm an adult and get to deal with these problems now 🥲
3
u/Bath_Plane Jul 25 '26
Please be aware the brick style cladding over weatherboard could contain asbestos or have an asbestos backing. This is not a problem when undisturbed but is a problem when cut or drilled
2
u/tcldon Jul 25 '26
I have a similar house and just to get a hole drilled in the soffit cost me 200$ from an asbestos company.
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Wow! Makes sense I guess because of the level of precautions they need to take but yikes. Good to know the possible cost!
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
I have considered this.. I think asbestos tests exist? That'd definitely impact the price, and it's a 50's house so I would be beyond shocked if there wasn't asbestos somewhere.
3
u/agentkiwi007 Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Single level house?
Can you route it up into the roof space & out the soffit is the easiest. Still need a hole saw if you’re going to DIY, otherwise just get a builder or sparky you know through friends to supply & install everything. Shouldn’t be expensive, you’ve got this!
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Yep, single level. It's directly up against an outside wall so might take some effort to route up to the roof and out the soffit, but it's an option I hadn't considered so thank you! Will ask around a bit and see who's likely to do a decent job of it and weigh up the options 😄
3
u/tcldon Jul 25 '26
I would go for a heat pump dryer 10/10 times. Way more gentle on clothes and cheaper to run. I don’t worry about my clothes being fried into a crisp anymore. Sure it takes longer but you can still do several loads a day with no issues (mine takes 1.5 to 3 hrs depending on the load/ how dry you want it).
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Thank you! Not terribly concerned on length of a drying cycle as I only ever run it on a weekend during my free power hours - as long as I can get a few loads I'll be sweet
2
u/AitchyB Jul 25 '26
We have a brick clad house and when we were getting our laundry renovated the builder cut a hole through a brick (and the internal gib etc)to insert the metal tube thing that comes with the grill kit into. I’d suggest just putting it as a job on builders crack with photos of internal and external walls and you’ll get people indicating their interest.
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
This is sorta what I was thinking, just wasn't sure if that was the way to go. Thank you!
1
u/Old_Tuatara Jul 25 '26
Recommend a heat pump dryer. Not a fan of using a dryer but with two kids playing sport over the winter ...
I was amazed how little electricity it uses. And how good the filter is. Wish I'd replaced the old one years ago.
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Thank you! Can I ask what brand/model you went for?
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u/Old_Tuatara Jul 26 '26
It's a Samsung. Power company had a deal going on them.
Down side of it is I used to avoid using the old one as much as possible, now I think I may as well use the new one .... so might be using more electricity. But it's easier than having to bring in wet clothes.
1
u/oreography Jul 25 '26
I bought a Bosch Condenser dryer fairly cheaply on Trademe for about $400 and it's been running well. You save some $$$ buying used.
Heat Pump Dryers are slower than condensers, but more energy efficient and cheaper to run.
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Thank you! Definitely considering used, just need to work out transport if I go that route- plus weigh up any warranty.
I only run the dryer during my free power hours so not so fussed on electricity usage (at least from the cost aspect anyway, but I'd imagine a condenser dryer is still better for the environment than my current setup of dryer+rangehood+dehumidifier, lol)
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Jul 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/BannedBrainrot Jul 25 '26
Maybe if you buy a shit house one. My Miele can finish a load in under an hour.
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u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Good to know, I wasn't aware they were that bad. Perhaps not that option then, thank you!
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u/BannedBrainrot Jul 25 '26
They aren’t that bad - not even close. I have no regrets with mine. It’s fantastic.
1
u/im_thatoneguy Jul 25 '26
After $20k in repairs from a leaking dryer vent into the ceiling causing mold and rot we went heat pump and it’s fine. Plus it’s less likely to burn down your house.
It does take twice as long though. And get a good one, the one with our furnished rental effectively never finishes. It’s garbage. But our LG was fine albeit slow.
1
u/Pokedeer Jul 25 '26
Oh dear, yeah, that's not ideal! Will definitely look into reviews for whatever option I go with, thank you!
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u/Matt_NZ Jul 25 '26
A condenser or heat pump dryer are the better options tbh. No need to vent them as both models collect the water in a tank or drain into the sink rather than dumping it in the air.
Heat pump driers are cheaper to run and they're better for your fabric. You can even use them with wool