This prevents condensation from building indoors and causing mold.

The duct louvers open and shut as your dryer runs to allow the air to exit.

The vent must be airtight, and attached securely to the dryer.

Dryer vent with duct tubing connected to back of drying machine

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Using vinyl is a fire hazard.

plant the Wall Vent

Measure and drill a pilot hole before committing to a specific location.

Measure and Cut Vent Tubing

There are male and female ends to rigid ducting.

Materials and tools to install a dryer vent

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

check that the male end is going toward the outside vent when connecting.

This helps keep lint from building up at the connections.

However, a correctly installed dryer vent is crucial for the appliance to run safely.

Yellow tape measure determining duct tubing length from back of dryer

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Also, beware of moisture condensing, leading to mold growth or unhealthy conditions.

A 90-degree vent elbow can be especially useful in tight spaces.

However, any 90-degree turn installed in the ducting reduces the full acceptable duct length by 5 feet.

Hole saw drilling vent hole outside on house paneling

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Installing a dryer vent yourself costs an average of $200, and varies depending on the materials used.

How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Dryer Vent?Angi.

Yellow tape measure determining length between dryer and vent opening

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Flexible aluminum ducting connected between back of dryer to vent opening

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Dryer machine turned on to test dryer vent connection

The Spruce / Kevin Norris