Which appliance typically does NOT require a rigid venting system?

An electric clothes dryer typically does not require a rigid venting system because it operates without combustion gases that need to be expelled from the home. Unlike gas appliances, which produce combustion exhaust that must be safely vented outdoors, an electric dryer primarily generates heat through electrical resistance and uses airflow to help remove moisture from clothes.

It relies on a simpler ventilation system, often using a flexible duct to direct moist air outside, which allows for a more straightforward installation compared to rigid venting systems required for gas appliances.

In contrast, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, and gas furnaces rely on rigid venting systems to ensure that harmful gases such as carbon monoxide are properly expelled to maintain safety and efficiency.