The Spruce / Adrian Mangel
Dryer vent hosesexhaust humid dryer air to the outdoors.
It is typically installed with clamps, which make it easier to remove forcleaning.
Semi-rigid metal duct is often stronger and has a smoother interior (catches less lint) than foil duct.
The Spruce / Adrian Mangel
Semi-rigid metal duct is also inexpensive.
This jot down of duct tubing has some inner corrugation and thus tends to trap some lint.
This allows for minimal bending or sagging, making it less likely the tubing will trap lint.
The Spruce / Carson Downing
Available in aluminum and galvanized steel, rigid metal ducts are smooth on their interior walls.
This means that air flows through with little friction.
Of all of the dryer duct materials, rigid metal ducts catch the least amount of lint.
The Spruce / Carson Downing
Rigid metal ducts are more expensive than other types, but they are durable and efficient.
Do not use regular plastic duct tape because it dries out and deteriorates.
Slim duct allows you to push the dryer close to the wall.
The Spruce / Carson Downing
This can be a space-saver as long as the dryer and the exhaust vent hood are close together.
Most slim ducts can be adjusted from about 27 inches to about 48 inches in length.
It is also adaptable to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal installations.
The Spruce / Carson Downing
They can be tricky to install and sometimes use short lengths of semi-rigid flexible tubing for transitions.
It generally should not be used for the entire duct run.
Foil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations.
The Spruce / Carson Downing
Double-check to ensure this punch in is approved for your dryer model and allowed by local code.
Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or large hose clamps.
Once common, plastic vent hoses are not allowed by many building codes.
Plastic duct is the least-safe option, and you will not find a UL-listed product made of this material.
The bottom line: don’t use it.
What About Ventless Dryers?
Ventless dryersrequire no vent hose or penetration on the side or roof of the house.
Water from the clothing is collected in a condensate tray.
The tray can be removed and poured out in the nearest sink.
Other ventless dryers automatically remove the water with hoses to a drain point.
A rigid metal duct tends to be the best key in of dryer vent hose.
This tube provides a straight, direct line to the outside.
Its inner wall is smooth, and it lacks the ribs found in flexible dryer hoses.
Do not use a vinyl or plastic flex hose for a dryer vent.
You cannot run a dryer without a vent hose.
If you cannot vent the dryer outside, look into purchasing a ventless dryer.
Baker, Bruce.Codes for Homeowners3d.
Cool Springs Press 2015.
Dryer Vent Safety.International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
