Do Condenser Dryers Cause Damp?

Condenser dryers have replaced vented dryers as the tumble dryer of choice for many people due to their sheer convenience. With no need to have a vented hose leading outside, condenser dryers are far more versatile.

However, the combination of hot air and moisture still has the potential to cause problems. 

Should you be worried about your condenser dryer causing damp and if so, what can you do to prevent it? 

Here are the facts you need to know.

 

Do Condenser Dryers Cause Damp?

Condenser dryers use heat to dry clothes, and this heats the surrounding air. 

This warmth in the air is moist, and if there are any cool surfaces in the room, condensation will occur. This could be anything from windowpanes to tiles or even other appliances. 

Condensation by itself isn’t an issue providing it’s short-lived and temporary. 

However, if you run your dryer very frequently or it creates a large amount of condensation, you could be at risk of making your room damp. 

 

Why Is My Condenser Dryer Creating More Condensation Than Before?

A small amount of condensation is fairly normal when you use a condenser dryer, especially if the room is not well-ventilated. 

However, if you notice that the amount of condensation has dramatically increased and you haven’t changed anything in your room, then there could be a problem with your dryer. 

Condenser dryers fill up a small tank with water as they dry the clothing. This can usually be removed, although in some models it’s drained away through a hose. 

Check this tank to see if it’s still filling with water as normal. If there’s no water there but your room is full of condensation, your dryer may have developed a problem. This may be caused by either a blockage or by a fault with the pump. 

Another problem may be the filters. If they need cleaning or changing your condenser dryer may not operate as efficiently as usual. 

This can lead to excess condensation in the air and room. 

It’s usually possible to change the filters yourself without calling in a professional. Consult the instruction manual for your particular model. 

 

How Much Ventilation Does a Condenser Dryer Need?

Although a condenser dryer doesn’t need a hose to remove the hot air in the same way as a vented tumble dryer, there will still be lots of warm air circulating around the dryer. 

This means that whatever room your condenser dryer is situated in can become quite warm. You might also notice some condensation appearing while your dryer is running. 

To prevent the condensation turning into damp and causing problems, it’s a good idea to position your condenser dryer in a room where the air can circulate. 

A well-ventilated room will minimise the amount of condensation and prevent the air from getting too warm. 

 

What Is a Condenser Dryer?

A condenser dryer uses hot air to dry clothing and runs at quite a hot temperature (up to 70-75 °C) compared to other types of dryers such as heat pump dryers, which only reach temperatures of around 50 °C. 

Condenser dryers remove the moisture from wet clothes, converting the hot air into water which is stored in a removable tank.

Unlike traditional vented dryers, a condenser dryer does not need a hose to remove the hot air. This makes it more versatile to position around the home.