The LintAlert® is a smart, easy-to-install home safety device that monitors and displays the back pressure levels found in the exhaust conduit of the dryer. Pressure levels found in the dryer duct typically increase over time due to lint build-up, animal nests or vent hoods that become inoperable. The LintAlert® features an innovative and responsive digital pressure sensor. Coupled with a programmable integrated circuit, the device can determine if your dryer is ON, and what levels of pressure exist. When the pressure reaches and unsafe level, the alarm state will activate, indicating maintenance is required. The alarm state is displayed as: LED light bar flashes on and off alternating with blue logo, with buzzer beeping. Prior to the alarm state, a slow progression of the LED Blockage Indicator will display fractional build-up. Disguised as a simple night light and pass through plug, the LintAlert exhibits a steady blue light under normal operation.

The included tap fitting is installed in the dryers' transition hose at or near the dryers exhaust port. The SmartTap™ fitting is connected to the alarm module by a 1/8" tube and allows the pressure differential switch to monitor the pressure in the flex transition hose and the balance of the exhaust conduit.

Because electrical outlets are generally at a minimum in the laundry room, a convenient pass through terminal is provided and is sufficient to carry a maximum of 15 amps.

Five Steps to Know How Efficiently Your Dryer is Exhausting

1. Step One
   Confirm that the duct has been completely cleaned and in like-new condition.
   
   
2. Step Two
   Disconnect the new or existing exhaust hose from where it connects to the exhaust port on the back of the dryer. Favoring the middle to outside radius of the first bend, carefully poke a ¼" hole in the hose, close to where the exhaust port connects.
   
   
3. Step Three Insert SmartTap fitting into the exhaust hose through the hole you just made. Place the felt washer over the fitting on the outside of the flex hose, followed by the curved washer. Finger tighten the nylon thumb-nut to ensure that no air can escape, then connect one end of the clear vinyl tubing to the tap fitting and reattach the exhaust hose to the dryer’s exhaust port.
   
   
4. Step Four Move the dryer back into place and plug the alert module into the nearest power outlet. Important Note: Cut the length of the clear vinyl tubing to minimize any sag or droop in the tubing to prevent condensation buildup. Insert tubing over hose barb on LintAlert.
   
   
5. Step Five [Calibration]
   Clean the dryer’s lint screen. Begin a drying cycle with NO clothes in the drum and at your usual temperature setting. While the dryer is running, press and hold the LintAlert button for about 6 seconds, until all five LEDs progressively light up and you hear a chime tone. After about 2 seconds, the first green LED is illuminated and the logo lens, “LintAlert,” is steady blue. This means the LintAlert is in a normal monitoring mode.

Indicator Quick Key

For a detailed schematic of all LED signal meanings, be sure to review the operational flowchart.

Light Meanings During Calibration

(Error Codes)

means no pressure was observed, either due to dryer not ON, tubing not connected or LintAlert was plugged in with tubing connected and dryer running.

means too much pressure was present, likely the exhaust duct was never cleaned or there still exists blockage of some sort.

means calibration was successful and after 2 seconds the first LED will illuminate.

Light Meanings While LintAlert is in Monitoring Mode

Dryer is not ON, tubing is detached, or there was a recent calibration.

Normal exhaust pressure (system clean with a recent calibration).

Exhaust system is approximately 20 percent blocked.

Exhaust system is approximately 32 percent blocked.

Exhaust system is approximately 45 percent blocked.

Exhaust system is approximately 60 percent blocked. Maintenance is needed.
This critical state is accompanied by an audible alarm which can be muted.

Clogged Dryer Vent Syndrome

Proper dryer venting is much more important than most homeowners realize. Considering the stakes involved and the frequency of residential dryer fires, the topic of dryer venting deserves more attention than it gets.

Take a look behind just about any dryer and you'll see what I mean. In most cases, one may find the flexible duct hose having multiple bends and crushed against the wall. Add to that picture some lost socks, an empty fabric softener box and a considerable accumulation of lint dust and you've described a rather dangerous condition.

Besides the danger of fire, these annoying conditions prolong drying times, waste energy and contribute to additional lint build-up. Poor quality workmanship, improper terminations and long duct runs add to the dilemma.

Fact!  These Five Conditions Promote Lint Build-Up In Your Dryers' Exhaust Duct.

	Duct Run May Be Restrictive or Excessive New construction trends are placing laundry rooms in nontraditional areas of the house, further away from exterior walls than in the past. These locations require longer dryer duct runs and more elbow fittings in order to reach an outside wall.
	Bird and Rodent Nests in the Vent Hood In some parts of the county, birds and rodents build nests within the exterior termination hood.
	Flex Hose Crushed or Kinked Excessively The transition hose behind the dryer tends to get crushed or kinked excessively when the dryer is moved back, either inadvertently or by vibration. This kink or partial blockage drastically reduces the unit’s ability to efficiently vent the air.
	Incorrect Vent Hood with Screen-Like Features It's not uncommon to find an exhaust termination hood or vent that is not specifically for dryer venting or that has some sort of lint catching grill or screen feature. Even so, dryer specific vent hoods require an inspection and regular cleaning, as they too get debris buildup.
	Condensation within the Conduit Duct Running the exhaust system through an un-insulated area like a crawl space or attic in cold northern regions may cause condensation within the pipe. Condensation within the pipes attract and promote accumulation of lint to the duct walls.

Summary

A clean, unobstructed dryer vent improves the safety and efficiency of your dryer. As the dryer vent becomes obstructed and filled with lint, drying time increases and causes the dryer itself to overheat. Likewise, this prevents the adequate removal of air and moisture from the dryer, and a typical 40 minute cycle turns into an hour and 40 minute cycle, resulting in a waste of energy, additional clothes fibers lost and the frightening possibility of a fire. Clothes dryers are one of the most expensive appliances in your home to operate. The longer they run, the more money they cost you.

Additional Information:

- Instruction Manual (PDF)
- Five Steps to Know How Efficiently Your Dryer is Exhausting
- Indicator Quick Key
- Clogged Dryer Vent Syndrome