Dryer vent, huh? Wouldn't have thought of that one. Had a similar moisture issue myself, but it ended up being bathroom exhaust fans venting straight into the attic (nice job, previous owners...). Took forever to figure out why we had random damp spots on ceilings. Did you notice any other weird moisture buildup around vents or walls before you fixed it, or was it just the windows fogging up?
Had something similar happen here—turned out the dryer vent was clogged solid with lint. Didn't notice damp spots, but the laundry room walls felt kinda clammy... thought it was just my imagination until we cleared it out. Guess dryers need to breathe too, huh?
Yeah, dryers definitely need airflow—learned that the hard way myself a few years back. If you haven't already, it's worth checking the outside vent cover too. Mine had this little flap that got stuck closed with dirt and debris, trapping moisture inside. Once I cleaned it out and made sure it opened freely, the humidity dropped noticeably. Just a quick heads-up in case your vent has something similar going on...
"Mine had this little flap that got stuck closed with dirt and debris, trapping moisture inside."
Good point about the flap—I had a similar issue last winter. Also worth mentioning:
- Check the duct itself for kinks or bends. Even a slight pinch can restrict airflow significantly.
- Shorter ducts are usually better. I trimmed mine down by a couple feet and noticed quicker drying times and less humidity overall.
- If you're using flexible plastic ducts, switching to rigid metal ones can help airflow and reduce lint buildup (plus they're safer).
Curious if anyone's tried those inline booster fans? I've read mixed reviews—some swear by them, others say they're not worth the hassle...
"Shorter ducts are usually better. I trimmed mine down by a couple feet and noticed quicker drying times and less humidity overall."
Trimming the duct definitely helps, but I'd be cautious about going too short. Last year, I cut mine down significantly thinking shorter was always better, but ended up with a sharper bend near the vent connection. Ironically, that kinked bend restricted airflow more than the extra length ever did. Had to redo the whole thing again—lesson learned the hard way.
About those inline booster fans... I installed one a couple winters ago hoping it'd solve my humidity issues. Honestly, it was more trouble than it was worth. It added noise, needed regular cleaning, and didn't noticeably improve drying times or reduce moisture buildup. Maybe they're helpful in longer duct runs or complicated setups, but for a typical home setup, I'd say they're probably overkill.
Definitely agree about the duct length—shorter usually is better, but it's all about balance. I've seen a lot of folks cut ducts way too short, thinking they're streamlining airflow, only to end up with sharp bends or kinks that choke performance. A gentle curve is always better than a sharp turn, even if you have to keep a bit more length.
As for those inline booster fans... honestly, they're rarely worth it. I've dealt with clients who've installed them hoping to combat humidity or condensation issues on windows, and most times they're disappointed. Unless your duct run is seriously long or complicated, a booster fan just introduces extra maintenance and noise without any real payoff. You're better off making sure the ducting is straight, smooth, and properly sealed at all connections—this alone usually solves airflow and moisture issues better than slapping in an extra fan.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of insulated ducts, especially if your dryer vent runs through an unconditioned attic or crawl space. Insulation helps prevent condensation from forming inside the duct, which can lead to lint buildup or moisture issues that eventually show up on your windows.
One more thing—make sure your outside vent hood has a decent flap that closes snugly when not in use. I've replaced plenty of cheap plastic covers with sturdier metal ones, and homeowners often notice an immediate improvement in humidity levels indoors. Small details like this can make a big difference in the battle against foggy windows and excess humidity.
Gotta say, I've actually had decent luck with inline booster fans. Sure, they're not miracle workers, but in my old house with a super long duct run, it noticeably improved airflow. Didn't really notice extra noise either... maybe I just got lucky?
"Sure, they're not miracle workers, but in my old house with a super long duct run, it noticeably improved airflow."
Yeah, inline boosters can definitely help in those tricky setups. Had a similar issue myself—long duct runs and rooms at the far end always felt stuffy. Installed a booster fan about halfway down the line, and it made a noticeable difference. You're right though, they're not magic... but sometimes even a modest improvement feels like a big win when you're dealing with stubborn airflow issues. Glad it worked out for you too.
Sounds like you tackled a tough one with those long duct runs—nice job getting some improvement there. I had a similar struggle when we first moved in; the far bedrooms were always colder and windows fogged up constantly. Tried an inline booster too, and it did help...but honestly, what really made the biggest difference for us was sealing up some sneaky air leaks around windows and doors. Have you checked out your home's insulation or sealing yet? Sometimes it's surprising how much of that foggy-window battle comes down to small drafts you didn't even notice before. Either way, glad you're seeing progress—every little bit counts when you're dealing with stubborn home issues like this.
"Sometimes it's surprising how much of that foggy-window battle comes down to small drafts you didn't even notice before."
Definitely agree with this. I was skeptical at first—thought it was mostly marketing hype—but after sealing up some hidden gaps around outlets and baseboards, the improvement was noticeable. Worth checking out if you haven't yet.