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How To's: Our Do-It-Yourself Help Section
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Dryer Booster Fans (Residential).
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The Problem:
If you are reading this article, you are probably have one of the following problems with
your dryer:
- long drying time
- accumulation of lint in the dryer ducting
These problems are typically caused by long or convoluted duct runs. With excessive duct lengths or runs with
many turns, the "back pressure" (also called pressure drop) of the duct is too high. This cuts down on the amount
of air that is extracted from the dryer. We often hear of 50 foot duct runs and 2+ hour dry times!
Typical residential dryers are rated at 160 cfm. However, boosting is generally needed in order to maintain a
minimum airflow of 100 cfm as duct length increases and bends are introduced in the duct line.
According to Fantech (based on surveying the recommendations from dryer manufacturers, and local building codes in selected areas)
dryer boosting is typically required when the duct length exceeds the following:
Maximum duct length with
0 bends = 25'
1 bend = 20'
2 bends = 15'
3 bends = 10'
The Solution:
The solution is relatively simple for residential dryers. Fantech has a dryer-booster fan
that does just what the name implies. The fan is mounted in-line in the existing
duct, preferably 15 feet or more from the dryer (more on that later). This fan,
model DBF 110 (plastic casing version) or DBF 4XL (metal casing version), has a built-in controller
which senses that the dryer is on and allows the dryer-booster fan to run.
The controller then cycles the fan at 10 minute intervals until the dryer has stopped and
the timer delay has expired. The controller eliminates connections through the dryer
circuit which may void the manufacturer's warranty as well as manual systems which require attention of the
user or costly current/temperature sensing systems.
Installation:
Installation is easy. Cut the existing duct and attach the DBF 110 right in-line.
The unit will require 120 volts AC. No other wiring is required, since all the controls are built in.
If you must place the dryer-booster fan closer than 15 from the dryer, there is a
possibility of wet lint sticking to the fan blades. In this case, we recommend the auxiliary
DBLT 4 lint trap (see picture below).
Now for more challenging installations:
If your dryer duct is inaccessible, such as under a concrete slab (yes, it happens!), we suggest
using an RVF4XL-DB10 combination. This uses the Fantech RVF 4XL wall mounted fan with the DB 10 controller (the same
controller used in the DBF 110).
The installation concept is the same, however since the RVF 4XL is mounted outside on the wall,
the DB 10 can either be mounted inside, or the installer must provide a weathertight electrical box
(rated NEMA 3R) for the DB 10. The same rules for an auxiliary lint trap apply.
Some Notes:
- use only steel, aluminum or other duct rated for dryer use!
- use high quality aluminum duct tape to seal seams and joints that is rated for dryer duct use.
- fan installation should be at least 15 feet from the dryer (or add the lint trap).
- fan location should allow access for service.
Here are some resources to help you with your planning:
- Fantech Dryer Boosting Information Page (Fantech Site)
- As always, if you would like to ask more questions about this or other technical topics give us a call at 877-711-4822 - 9-5 PST.
Live people for technical and sales support - an Internet first!
More Links:
- Fantech DBF 110 Installation Manual
- Fantech DBF 4XL Installation Manual
- Fantech DB 10 Installation Manual
Disclaimer:
Advice and information given through our representatives is checked for usability and
conformance with most codes. You as the user, however, have the responsibility for
verifying conformance with local codes and standards and ensuring a safe installation.
Although HVACQuick.com may employ and use professionals, their advice is not meant as
substitute for professional engineering services. It is the customer's responsibility
to hire and retain suitable engineering and architectural professionals as required.
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