They’re also typically easy routine maintenance projects to tackle.
There are differenttypes of dryer vents, including flexible or rigid, though a rigid dryer vent is ideal.
What is a Dryer Vent?
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With most dryers, you cannot blow this air into your house interior.
The air is moved from the dryer to the exterior with a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid tube.
Blowing moisture-laden dryer air directly into the home promotes mold and mildew.
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So, dryer vents are critical and must be vented to the exterior.
Tip
Ventless dryersare an increasingly popular option.
Ventless dryers take longer than vented dryers: up to twice as long.
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But users report that the dried clothes feel softer.
Not only that, the vent carries this moist air from the dryer to the home’s exterior.
On the back of every dryer is a 4-inch diameter metal vent that expels the water-laden air.
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Coiled metal wire gives these ducts their cylindrical shape.
Since these ducts are metal, they are inflammable.
Classified as a transition duct, this product cannot be used within wall assemblies.
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Prices are usually competitive and large home centers may have several options to choose from.
It also is a transition duct that must be used outside of wall assemblies.
The difference is that the metal is semi-rigid and less prone to crushing.
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As a transition duct, it must be kept out of the wall assembly.
Best for: To make the dryer venting nearly invisible, choose a rigid metal duct.
Some codes do not allow these vents.
Best for: None.
Clear Out the Tube
With a vacuum, clear out the tube of all lint and debris.
If you cannot reach all areas, purchase a new tube.
Clean out the dryer’s lint filter.
The most difficult part is cutting a hole in the side of the house.
This can be accomplished with a jigsaw, multi-tool, or reciprocating saw.
Reattach with new spring or plastic clips.
For small repairs, purchase aluminum foil tape to patch the hole.
Do not use any other tape for this repair.
If the tube has several punctures or if the hole is large, purchase an entirely new duct tube.
Duct tubes are inexpensive, usually $10 to $20.
Dirty or Clogged Vent Tube
Lint and other debris in dryer duct tubes is hazardous.
Most likely, your dryer is missing its lint filter.
Or if you have a filter, the filter fabric might be imperceptibly torn away.
Purchase the correct lint filter.
On the exterior of your home, examine the plastic or metal grille covering the louvered vent exit.
The grille should be firmly attached.
Reattach or buy a new grille and attach that one.
With dryer vents, first go outside and check the louvered flaps at the end of the vent line.
Except when the dryer is running, the flaps should always be in a down and closed position.
But dryer lint can get stuck in the flaps and keep them open.
Remove the lint by hand or with a shop vacuum, then wrap up the flaps.
A dryer that is vented horizontally has less chance of condensation building up.
A vertically vented dryer will increase your fire risk.
Bends in a dryer vent should be avoided whenever possible.
