FAQs
Have a question about the BetterVent? We address the questions that we hear most often here on this page. If you don't see your query please don't hesitate to email us at: info@adr-products.com and we will be happy to respond and add your question to the list.
Please follow the link here to our INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS for installation, calibration and cleaning help. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Who needs a BetterVent? Anyone who can not vent their electric dryer to the outside. Homeowners that have a dryer exhaust line that exceeds the manufacturers recommendations. Homeowners that want to save energy by using the warm air from the dryer to help heat their home. Anyone who is currently using one of the water trap models should consider switching to a BetterVent. Download a copy of the BetterVent Installation Brochure here.
What makes it "better" Our double filter system DOES NOT USE WATER and captures more dust and lint from your dryer than any other dryer vent system currently on the market. Your home will have cleaner air and better indoor air quality.
Where is the best place to install my BetterVent? The best place to install the BetterVent is on a wall as close to your dryer as is convenient. You will want it about eye level so that it is easy to access and clean. Also, the shorter the exhaust hose is, the more efficiently your dryer will operate. It must be installed in an upright, vertical position with the standard 4" exhaust hose coming out the bottom. The other end of the duct is then connected to your dryer's exhaust port. You should plan for adequate ventilation in the laundry area as small spaces can create excess moisture if the air is not able to escape the room. Something as simple as a small fan or open window will go a long way to resolving any issues.
Is there anything else I should do before installation? You should be sure to clean out any lint from the dryer cabinet itself before installing and calibrating your BetterVent. Lint buildup affects the operation of your dryer, making it take longer to dry clothes. Lint can also infiltrate to the inside of the dryer cabinet and become a fire hazard (even if you vent to the outside). Pull the dryer away from the wall and vacuum out the exhaust port where the duct attaches and any of the openings inside the dryer itself that you can reach. This will improve the performance of your dryer.
What is included in the kit? Everything that you will need to install and begin using it right away is provided, It includes instructions, mounting hardware, 4 calibration weights and 2 polyester filters (1 to use now and 1 spare). The kit DOES NOT include the transition duct hose, hose clamps, or close elbow.
What is best type of transition duct to use with my electric clothes dryer? First of all, you should use a transition hose that is UL listed. The best type of transition hose, recommended for use with most newer electric clothes dryers which tend to run a bit hotter than older models, is a semi-rigid aluminum 4" transition duct. Also acceptable would be an all aluminum UL listed flexible transition duct (also known as a "slinky" type). This type is best used with a close elbow to prevent it from getting crushed behind the dryer. NEVER USE THE WHITE VINYL FLEXIBLE HOSE!
Questions about shipping
How fast will my order ship? Your order will ship from our fulfillment warehouse in Salt Lake City, UT. Orders placed before 11 am Mountain Time will ship the same day, arriving in 3-5 business days. Sorry, but we no longer offer Expedited Shipping.
Do you ship to Alaska and Hawaii or US territories? Rapidly rising shipping rates have caused us to cease offering our products to all areas outside of the Continental United States, through our website. We are still happy take your order but PLEASE CALL US DIRECTLY FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE that reflects the actual cost of shipping to your location. Our toll free number is: 888-609-5512, Option #1. In many cases, the cost of shipping to these areas is higher than the cost of the products you order, so offering a flat shipping rate is no longer a viable option for us. We hope you understand that we have no desire to lose your business. We will work with our shipper to get you the very best shipping rate available to your area of the US.
Questions about operation of the BetterVent
Is there an issue with excessive humidity? Humidity issues with indoor venting are really very specific to the home situation. You should expect the dryer to discharge a moderate amount of warm moist air into the room for about half the dryer cycle. By the end of the cycle there is no more humidity. Unlike other indoor dryer vents on the market ours does not require a water trap to capture dryer lint. This means that the amount of additional humidity that would be added to the air by models that use water does not exist with the BetterVent. We recommend ventilation and circulation of the room air if you experience condensation issues in the laundry area. This can be accomplished with a small room fan, opening a window, turning on a nearby ceiling ventilation fan (such as those found in bathrooms). Making sure that your washing machine is spinning out as much of the water as possible before drying will make a big difference in how much moisture is put into the room. Adding an extra spin cycle if the clothes are still really wet can be helpful in reducing the amount of humidity coming from the drying clothes. Silica Gels, and products such as DampRid or Humydry can also help. In extreme cases a mechanical dehumidifier may be needed.
We have installed our washer/dryer unit in a very tight closet space. Do I need to be concerned with dealing with added humidity and condensation? There are a few things to take into consideration with installation of dryers in tight spaces, the main one being condensation. You will need to have enough air circulation in the area to keep condensation from settling on the surrounding walls. If you have the opportunity to install a ceiling vent fan such as those used in bathrooms it would be a valuable asset in this situation. A small fan mounted on the wall to move the air out of the room can also be a useful addition if you cannot expel or move the air otherwise. And be sure to leave the doors to the closet open so that the warm, moist air can move out of the space.
How often will I need to clean and change the filter on my BetterVent? This is probably THE most frequently asked question about the BetterVent. The answer depends on the type of laundry you are drying and how often you are using your dryer. In our house, with two people and few loads per week, we clean the filters inside the BetterVent about every 6-10 dryer loads (or once a week). Don't forget there is also a screen inside of your dryer that should be cleaned after each load (refer to your owner's manual). As you use your BetterVent you will know how often your filters will need to be cleaned and replaced. If the calibrated Safety Exhaust Flap opens, you know that you have waited too long! To extend the life of your filter you can vacuum the green side of the filter multiple times before you will need to replace it with a new one. If you have a lint roller handy you can lightly roll it over the polyester filter to remove the lint. Quick and easy! And remember, the cleaner your filters, the more energy efficient your dryer will be. DO NOT place anything other than the recommended MERV 5 polyester filter material and provided stainless steel screen in the BetterVent.
What is the purpose of the "Safety Vent Flap"? Should you forget or neglect to clean the filters, the flap will open and remain open until maintenance is performed. This keeps your dryer from overheating and prevents damage. If your flap is calibrated correctly it will only open when approximately 80% of the airflow is restricted. If you notice that your dryer is taking longer to dry your clothes, it may be time to change the filter.
Why isn't my "Safety Vent Flap" calibrated when I buy it? We found that dryers exhaust air at different rates which makes it necessary for the owner to calibrate their BetterVent to suit their particular dryer. This is an easy task. There are photos of the process under the website menu tab "calibration".
Why should I put the BetterVent close to my dryer? It's an "out of sight, out of mind" issue. All appliances require maintenance and the BetterVent is no exception. Installing your BetterVent close to your dryer will make it easy to perform the simple routine maintenance that is necessary. A shorter exhaust line will deliver a more powerful air flow through your Bettervent.
Why can't I use the BetterVent with a gas dryer? Gas dryers should ONLY be vented to the outdoors because the exhaust from a gas dryer contains carbon monoxide fumes that you do NOT want inside your home or laundry room. NEVER attempt to vent a gas dryer anywhere but outside the home.
Are the BetterVent filters washable? We don't recommend that you wash the polyester filter but you can vacuum the filter numerous times before replacing it with a new one. The cleaner the filter, the more efficiently your dryer will operate. If you notice it is taking longer for your dryer to complete a cycle, it is probably time to vacuum or replace your vent filter with a new one. Our replacement filters offer the best airflow possible to ensure that your dryer performs at its peak efficiency. Remember to insert your BetterVent filter with the white side facing out into the room.
Does the green side of the filter face in or out with the door closed? For best performance the manufacturer recommends that the green side face the outside when the door is closed. Clean the filter to extend its life by lightly vacuuming or replace the filter with a new one every 8-10 dryer loads.
What is your return policy?
Customer returns requested within 30 days of the purchase date should be returned in original packaging and in "like-new" condition. Returns not in "like new" condition or that have missing parts are subject to up to a 20% restocking fee. BetterVents and/or replacement filters returned to us which are returned as brand new (never used) will be refunded at the full cost, less all shipping costs. Condition will be determined upon receipt and examination.
We do not accept returns requested after 30 days of a customer receiving the items.
Shipping costs are nonrefundable on all customer returns.
We ask that you be sure to request tracking on your shipped return as we cannot be responsible for packages that do not reach us. Please retain your tracking number and shipping information until you receive your refund.
Our return address is available on request. You can reach us through the "Contact Us" link on the menu bar.