Extractor fan and ventilation queries

[DIY_Doctor]

Hi all,

Have put this here rather than electrics as also looking for general advice on ventilation and reducing condensation, etc.

Currently converting a block outbuilding into a utility room to house washer/tumble dryer/chest freezer/garden sink with only cold tap. The shed in its current form has had moisture problems resulting in rusty tools and mould on the roof etc. Planning to insulate ceiling/wall/floor and put in a tube heater to keep temp off freezing for the benefit of the appliances.

Now regarding tumble dryers, decided vented is the safe option to use regarding cold temp drops and hoping that venting to a hole in the wall would mostly eliminate the moisture coming from the dryer (although condensor types are more appealing due to the useful features that vented lack). Given the presence of the washing machine and sink, still worried about excess moisture so wondering if anyone knows if theres a solution/device to have a tumble dryer vent and an extractor fan utilise the same 4" hole in the wall? Alternative would be to use the hole for the dryer and cut more holes high and low to act as vents for ventilation but unsure how effective this is and means a lot of holes.

General advice on reducing condensation risk also welcome.

 

[^woody^]

Trying to connect to extract points to a single outlet, one low down and one high up would be inefficient and problematic to form and look at too.

A condenser drier will give no condensation issues. Use one of those or form individual outlets.

 

[DIY_Doctor]

Trying to connect to extract points to a single outlet, one low down and one high up would be inefficient and problematic to form and look at too.

A condenser drier will give no condensation issues. Use one of those or form individual outlets.

I didn't understand your first point, but I meant keeping the hole for the dryer vent, and using something like an airbrick for cross ventilation (high up on one side and low down on the opposite wall). Is that method of ventilation ineffecient?

If I connected one of these Y-splitter ducts onto the 4" hole and then plugged the dryer and extractor fan onto each of the ends, would that work? Guess if the fan isnt running the dryer would just pump moist air backwards through the gaps in the fan. Or if I could fix a piece of plastic down the middle of the Y-splitter to seperate both sides until the exit?

Do condensors work ok in outbuildings? Speaking to a Bosch rep, he said it isn't just about whether they will work or not (can work down to 4 degrees, but guess its the risk of freezing water internally) but that companies will look to void the warranty if placed in an outbuilding as it goes against there recommendation of suitable operating conditions. He's had it to him and he works for them!

Would love to get a condensor mind - vented ones are so budget they don't even come with time remaining displays which is useful when its in an outbuilding.

 

[^woody^]

Here's the concept, www.diynot.com/diy/threads/bathroom-extract-fan-location.602975/

which is fine in principle but you are making it unnecessarily overly complicated and inefficient, let alone the sight of all the ducting - including how to overcome fitting a wall fan to ducting off the wall not in the wall. The duct needs to be a straight as possible, as short as possible and with as few bends as possible.

Condensers are fine and as long as the room itself is kept to a suitable temperature to prevent pipes freezing, then there wont be any problem. If you are insulating the room and fitting a heater, then that can be controlled by a room thermostat.

 

[DIY_Doctor]

Here's the concept, www.diynot.com/diy/threads/bathroom-extract-fan-location.602975/

which is fine in principle but you are making it unnecessarily overly complicated and inefficient, let alone the sight of all the ducting - including how to overcome fitting a wall fan to ducting off the wall not in the wall. The duct needs to be a straight as possible, as short as possible and with as few bends as possible.

Condensers are fine and as long as the room itself is kept to a suitable temperature to prevent pipes freezing, then there wont be any problem. If you are insulating the room and fitting a heater, then that can be controlled by a room thermostat.

Can't the fan slot into one of the ends if it's a 4" circle? Flexible dryer hose on the other side. Exit into wall hall and voila! Would just need to modify the Y-splitter by adding a bit of plastic (the red line).

Will just go with a condensor, but patent my idea above

 

[^woody^]

I don't think you'll be able to retire on the royalties