My dryer vent broke and fixing it will cost a fortune because it runs above a finished ceiling. Do the clothes dryer lint traps they sell at hardware stores work?

A. Lint traps that use a water reservoir to trap lint particles are marketed as a replacement for conventional dryer vents. They cost around $15 and can be found at local hardware stores and home improvement centers. These devices do a fairly good job of trapping lint, but shoot hot, moisture laden air into your home which will increase your air conditioning bills in the summer and might even cause a mold problem. The hot exhaust also contains chemicals used in detergents and fabric softeners. While a lint trap is an economical solution to a broken vent, it's not an ideal solution. ... more