Properly venting your clothes dryer can prevent potential fire hazards, inhibit mold and mildew growth, and make your machine more efficient. If you vent your system correctly, it will safely expel moisture, lint, and heat from your home, and your clothes will dry more quickly. Read how to effectively vent a clothes dryer in the step-by-step guide below, and watch the video above for tips from This Old House’s Richard Trethewey.
Understanding Dryer Venting Basics
Take a minute to learn the fundamentals of dryer venting before you dive into the installation process. Proper venting serves the following purposes:
- Improves energy efficiency: A well-vented dryer operates more efficiently, and may lower energy costs.
- Prevents moisture buildup: Expelling moist air prevents mold and mildew growth.
- Reduces fire risk: The vent prevents fire hazards by preventing lint accumulation.
Look for rigid metal ducts when you’re choosing the right vent material, as these provide better airflow and are more resistant to fire. They’re also more durable than other types.
Planning Your Dryer Vent Installation
The best dryer vent route is the shortest and most direct path outside. Keep the tips below in mind when you’re planning your installation:
- Avoid venting into attics, crawl spaces, or enclosed areas.
- Make sure the vent terminates at least three feet away from any building openings.
- Minimize bends and turns to reduce lint accumulation and improve airflow.
Gather the following items to take accurate measurements:
- Drill and appropriate drill bits
- Exterior vent cover
- Foil tape (not duct tape)
- Metal shears
- Rigid metal duct pipes and elbows
- Tape measure
Step-by-Step Dryer Vent Installation
Follow the steps below to install your dryer vent properly.
- Measure and mark the correct location for the vent hole on both the interior and exterior walls.
- Drill a pilot hole through the location you’ve marked to achieve proper alignment.
- Cut the vent opening using a hole saw. Start from the outside if you have vinyl siding.
- Measure and cut the rigid vent pipes to the appropriate length. Allow for slight overlap at connection points.
- Assemble the vent pipe sections, and seal all seams with foil tape so that your elements fit securely.
- Install the exterior vent cover so that it seals against the outside wall.
- Use an elbow to connect the interior portion of the vent pipe to the dryer.
- Secure all connections with foil tape and adjust the dryer’s position.
Special Considerations for Dryer Vents in Different Home Types
Venting a dryer can be challenging if your home has a unique layout. Below are tips for approaching various types of homes.
Venting in Multi-Story Homes
Consider the options below if your laundry room is on an upper floor.
- Ductwork through interior walls to an outside wall
- Using a condensing dryer that doesn’t need external venting
- Vertical venting through the roof (consult professionals for installation)
Basement Dryer Venting
If you’re venting from a basement, avoid long horizontal runs that collect lint and moisture. Use a condensate pump if the vent needs to rise significantly to reach an exterior wall. Invest in a dryer booster fan if your vent runs longer than 25 feet.
Maintaining Your Dryer Vent System
Maintain your dryer vent system diligently to keep it running safely and efficiently. Consider the maintenance tips below.
- Clean the lint filter after every use for efficient airflow.
- Inspect the exterior vent cover regularly for blockages or damage.
- Schedule professional vent cleanings annually, or more frequently if you use your dryer frequently.
Correctly maintaining your dryer vent will help your system to perform optimally and minimize risks. Keep an eye out for the variables below, which could indicate vent system issues:
- Lint or debris start to collect around the dryer or exterior vent.
- There’s excessive heat in the laundry room while you use the dryer.
- You smell musty odors on clothes after they’re dry.
- Your clothes are taking longer to dry.
Identifying and resolving these issues quickly will prevent potential safety hazards and keep your dryer functioning efficiently.
Troubleshooting Common Dryer Vent Issues
You may encounter some problems with your dryer vent even if you install it correctly. If you notice moisture accumulating in your vent pipe, take the following actions:
- Make sure the vent pipe slopes slightly downward toward the exterior.
- Insulate the vent pipe if it passes through unheated spaces.
- Install a secondary lint trap to catch excess moisture.
Install a pest-proof vent cover with a spring-loaded flap to prevent animals from entering your dryer vent. Inspect the exterior vent regularly for signs of damage or nesting. Consider adding a fine mesh screen too, and make sure to clean it frequently to avoid lint buildup.
Resources
Trethewey recommends keeping the dryer vents as short as possible to prevent lint from accumulating and clogging the vent. All of the pieces he used to install the vent, including the duct tape, the rigid pipe, elbows, and the duct cover, are available at home centers.