How to Install a Dryer
Everyone wants to have warm and dry freshly-laundered clothes all the time, so they install an efficient clothes dryer in their home to get the job done. You can ask a professional to do this for you, but if you’re a good handyman, you can just do this task yourself. Dryer installation depends on the type of dryer you purchase, so check out which of these two procedures you need to do.
Installing An Electric Dryer
Electric dryers are preferred by many people today because they can be easily plugged and used. Here’s what to do if you’re installing this type of dryer.
What You’ll Need:
Clothes dryer
Dryer hose
Hose clamps
Screwdriver
Procedure:
Check your dryer’s outlet requirements and make sure it’s the same type as your outlet at home. There are smaller and older models that require 110 volts to function, but most of the time the 220 volts is used. If it’s the wrong voltage, you might need to have a new breaker installed. Ask a licensed electrician to do this for you.
Check the dryer’s vent hole, and make sure that it’s compatible with the existing one in your home. If they’re not, you either need to get another dryer or make a new vent hole.
Find the breaker or breakers that feed the outlet when you plan to install the dryer. Before doing the installation, make sure your floor is dry and clean.
Find the vent hose then fasten it to the duct that leads outside, using a hose clamp. This is a circular metal ring that appears like a tie wrap, and has a bolt on the top.
Plug your dryer in then put it in its position, hooking the vent hose, if you can reach it. Fasten the hose to the exhaust port of your dryer using a hose clamp.
Push the dryer all the way into the space provided, but make sure you don’t crimp the hose.
Turn on the breaker or breakers, then check if the dryer works.
Installing A Gas Dryer
Compared to electric dryers, gas-operated types are more troublesome to install, but give better performance. The most important factor to consider when doing this is that the connections are as tight as possible.
What You’ll Need:
Gas dryer
Dishwashing liquid
Tubing and ducting
Sealers and putty
Hose clamps
Procedure:
Check your gas dryer’s requirements and your outlet, making sure they’re the same. New gas dryer models require 17 volts.
Just like installing the electric dryer, turn the breakers to the outlet you’re using for your dryer. Make sure the floor is dry and clean, too.
Turn off the gas that feeds the line
Find the thread and put pipe dope on them. Screw in a stainless steel connector to your pipe.
Get a container then mix a solution that’s half dishwashing liquid and half water. Put this on the connections, then switch the gas on. If no bubbles form, you’re all set. If they appear, it means there are leaks. Turn off the gas, back off the connector, then re-tighten your work.
Use a hose clamp to fasten the vent hose to the duct that’s leading outside.
Plug in your dryer, then move it to its place, hooking the vent hose.
Fasten the hose to the exhaust port using a hose clamp. The shorter the vent hose, the quicker the drying time.
Push the dryer all the way into the space, making sure you don’t crimp the hose. There should be a couple of inches of space on the sides of the unit, allowing better circulation.
Turn the gas on, as well as the breaker.
Drying your clothes becomes faster with an efficient dryer at home. Remember, safety should always be your first priority, so if you’re hesitant to try these methods, ask a professional to do it for you.