Can a Condenser Dryer Go Anywhere in the House?

If your utility room lacks windows or you have a limited amount of space to work with, a condenser dryer could be a great choice for you. 

Unlike classic vented models, condensers don’t need an external vent, meaning they offer much more flexibility in terms of positioning. 

But can a condenser dryer really go anywhere in the house? 

Read on as we break down some of the key things to consider when choosing the best spot for your tumble dryer. 

 

Do Condenser Dryers Need Ventilation?

Instead of being removed through an external hose, the hot air in a condenser dryer is condensed into water and stored in a small tank within the machine. This is then emptied manually once the cycle has finished. 

As a result, condenser dryers can be placed in various rooms throughout your home. 

However, they still need a good amount of ventilation. This allows the machine to breathe and helps it maintain an optimum temperature for best results. 

 

Do Condenser Dryers Need Space Around Them?

As a general rule of thumb, you want to aim for at least three square metres of free space in the room your condenser dryer is positioned. This will ensure there is enough air circulation to prevent your dryer from overheating. 

Without ventilation, your tumble dryer will recirculate the same hot air, limiting its efficiency as the moisture won’t get cool enough to condense. 

For this reason, you should avoid storing your condenser dryer in a cupboard, unless it’s particularly roomy and you can leave the door open during the cycle to boost air flow. 

 

Do Condenser Dryers Cause Damp?

All dryers inevitably warm the room they operate in to a certain degree. They also release a small amount of moisture which can leave a build-up of condensation on cold surfaces like windows, but this shouldn’t cause significant issues in a well-ventilated area. 

However, in confined spaces where this damp air can’t escape, you can expect a condenser dryer to create damp, causing a build-up of mould and mildew over time. This can also be exacerbated by placing your dryer near another appliance that emits warm air, such as a freezer, so this is best avoided.

 

Can I Use a Condenser Dryer in my Garage?

If space is at a premium in your home, you may be thinking of putting your dryer in the garage or shed. 

However, it’s generally not a good idea to do so, as it’s much harder to regulate the temperature of outdoor buildings. 

As a result, they can get very hot in summer, which is less than ideal for condenser dryers that require a good amount of breathable air.

On the flipside, out buildings can get extremely cold in winter. This can also cause a number of problems, as condenser dryers aren’t designed to operate below 5°C. 

If the temperature in the room is too low, there’s a risk that the condensing process will happen too quickly. The drum will only get slightly warm and the clothes won’t dry as they should during the cycle.

If your garage is the only available space you have to work with, opt for a vented tumble dryer with an external hose instead. Or ensure you have some way of regulating the temperature. For instance, central heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

Read our comparison of condenser vs vented dryers if you’re not sure which dryer type is best for you.

 

Where Is the Best Place to Put a Condenser Dryer?

As well as the above points, you should also take the following factors into account when choosing the best spot for your condenser dryer:

• Avoid carpeted floors – Placing a dryer on them is a potential fire hazard, so always position your machine on a hard surface. (This will also prove useful in case of accidental spills when emptying the water tank).
• Stick to the ground floor – Carrying a heavy condenser dryer upstairs is impractical and the spin cycle will likely cause the floor to vibrate. Plus, if there was a leak, it could affect your floorboards and ceiling below.
• Consider noise levels – You probably won’t want the machine spinning nearby when you’re trying to watch your favourite TV show or do some work in your home office.
• Position it near your washing machine – That way, transferring wet clothes into your dryer will be much easier.

With all of this in mind, the best place to put a condenser dryer is usually in the kitchen or in a dedicated utility room. 

Either way, just make sure you leave space around the machine for ventilation and check that it isn’t pressed right up against the plug socket. This will help minimise any issues with the moisture it expels. 

If you can open a window to increase air flow and reduce the chance of condensation and damp, even better. 

Want to know more about condenser tumble dryers before you buy one? Take a look at some of the best condenser models available in the UK. Or, if you need some help with troubleshooting stoppages or cleaning the condenser box, we’ve got you covered.