Q&A /   Clothes Dryer Venting  DEAR TIM: My husband wants to
vent our clothes dryer directly into our garage in an attempt to
keep our cars warmer in the winter months. I think dryer vents
should be directed outdoors. Can you settle this clothes-dryer-
vent debate? Where would you vent the dryer and what are the top
things you would avoid when installing a clothes-dryer vent?
Cindy R., Redondo Beach, CA  DEAR CINDY: I get asked so often to
referee these marital debates, I am thinking of buying a white-
and-black striped shirt. Your husband should be congratulated
for thinking of a way to use the waste heat from the clothes
dryer, but his proposed method will cause some secondary effects
that could end up costing you time, trouble and money. This may
also be a building-code violation in your area, as it is not a
good practice to have penetrations in the wall between a house
and the garage.  Along with all of the heat that would pour into
your garage, you also get scads of water vapor. If you have ever
seen a clo