NADCA Begins Development of New Dryer Exhaust Systems Standard
NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association has begun development of a new American National Standard focused on the assessment, cleaning, and correction of dryer exhaust systems.
The project, BSR/NADCA DES-202x, The NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning, and Correction of Dryer Exhaust Systems (DES), was published September 4, 2026, through the American National Standards Institute’s Project Initiation Notification System (PINS).
Why does this matter?
Dryer exhaust systems are addressed today through a mix of building codes, appliance and product standards, certifications, manufacturer guidance, and safety information. But according to the project notice, no consensus standard has been identified that brings together the full service process including assessment, cleaning, corrective measures, post-cleaning verification, and documentation.
The proposed NADCA standard is intended to help fill that gap by establishing minimum requirements and accepted practices for servicing dryer exhaust systems.
Its scope is broad. The standard is expected to apply to systems serving vented dryers in residential, multifamily, commercial, and institutional occupancies. It will address service practices while continuing to recognize applicable building codes, manufacturer installation instructions, appliance service requirements, and requirements of authorities having jurisdiction.
For service providers, consumers, industry suppliers, authorities having jurisdiction, and others with an interest in dryer exhaust system safety and service practices, development of a consensus standard creates an opportunity for greater consistency in terminology, expectations, and documentation across the industry.
Why speak up now?
The ANSI standards-development process is designed to include participation from directly and materially interested parties.
Publication of the PINS notice is an early step in that process. ANSI’s notice provides a 30-calendar-day period during which interested parties may contact the sponsoring standards developer for more information or submit comments regarding the project.
That means this is a good time to get involved if the development of this standard could affect your work, your organization, or the people you serve.
Interested? Here’s what to do.
If you are directly or materially interested in the proposed dryer exhaust systems standard:
- Review the project announcement in the September 4, 2026 edition of ANSI Standards Action.
- Consider how the proposed scope relates to your work or area of expertise.
- Contact NADCA if you would like additional information about the project or would like to provide comments.
- Respond by October 4, 2026, which is 30 calendar days from publication of the PINS announcement.
Comments and requests for additional information may be directed to:
Kim Wieland
NADCA - The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association
kwieland@nadca.com
ANSI Standards Action, September 4, 2026 (see page 4)
What happens next?
The PINS announcement marks the beginning of the standards-development process, not the publication of a finished standard.
As development continues, NADCA will provide additional information about opportunities for stakeholder participation and future milestones in the ANSI process.