Using an Airflow Meter to Check Your Dryer Vent for Safety and Efficiency

Is this a first floor OR second floor Wall Vent ?

If a first floor vent, in a "snow-fall" area, the Wall Vent may be low enough to be blocked by the snow-fall / snow drifts.

also, here's a permanent "home use" LintAlert

click on picture

Notice: Works on all dryers except those with booster fans, dual motor technology

and dryers that share exhaust systems like those typically found in high-rise structures.

http://www.lintalert...ction_Sheet.pdf

Is this a first floor OR second floor Wall Vent ?
If a first floor vent, in a "snow-fall" area, the Wall Vent may be low enough to be blocked by the snow-fall / snow drifts.

 
Very good question/point. This is first floor laundry room and, being as how I'm a Professional Appliantologist, an' all, I had enough sense to check the exhaust hood for blockage. But not everyone is so well endowed and your point is a good one.
 
 

also, here's a permanent "home use" LintAlert
click on picture

Notice: Works on all dryers except those with booster fans, dual motor technology
and dryers that share exhaust systems like those typically found in high-rise structures.
http://www.lintalert...ction_Sheet.pdf

The LintAlert is a good product as was featured in the January issue of the Appliantology newsletter. However, it's one limitation is that it's limited to gas dryers because it only accepts a 120v plug; cannot accept the 240v plug from electric dryers, like the one shown in the video.  

Great comments, thanks for posting them!  

... it's one limitation is that it's limited to gas dryers because it only accepts a 120v plug; cannot accept the 240v plug from electric dryers, like the one shown in the video.

It can work with Electric Dryers, if the LintAlert is powered from the 120v Washer Wall Outlet.

Gas Dryer "limitation" mentioned at RepairClinic,
but not mentioned in the LintAlert instructions.

http://www.lintalert...ction_Sheet.pdf

Step Four
Move the dryer back into place and plug the alert module
into the nearest un-switched 110v AC power outlet.

Step Five

...

No 110v outlet near my dryer: In most cases, the washer and dryer
reside side by side, and the washer uses 110v. If the washer outlet is
hidden or too far from the dryer’s location, then the first suggestion is
to extend the tubing.

 

Domo for clarifying that, Reg!  

You can always charge more if you can show em a device with a light. 

Yes, indeed!  I'm even offering dryer vent evaluations as a stand-alone service, $75.  I use the airflow meter, evaluate their system, make recommendations, and refer them to Dryer Vent Wizard for a $25 referral fee.  Makes the job an even Benjamin.  Then I use that as an opportunity to go fishing for more work.  "While I'm here, would you like me to do a free appliance inspection to make sure all your other appliances are operating efficiently and safely?"  

What are your thoughts on brands other then whirlpool dryers as mentioned in the instructions? Maybe get a base line reading with the volt meter for each brand without vent?

I think that's marketing hype from Whirlpool.  All dryers work the same way and I doubt this that little airflow meter, while certainly valuable and useful, is not sensitive enough to tell the difference between a Whirlpool and a Samsung dryer.  

 then why the distinction between gas and electric? 

That was a surprise to me, too.  Not sure why the difference.  And I would have thought that, if anything, a gas dryer should have LESS back pressure (more air flow) because of combustion products like CO.