How to Replace a Dryer Vent

If it’s taking longer than usual for your dryer to dry your clothes, the problem could likely be your dryer vent and dryer vent house, rather than your dryer. Over time, dryer vents and dryer hoses become worn out and get clogged with lint, robbing your dryer of efficiency. Fortunately this problem can easily be corrected through replacing your dryer’s ventilation system. This guide offers step-by-step instructions for successfully completing this task.

Step 1 - Inspect Ventilation System

Dryers vent exhaust through a ventilation hose that connects to a vent on one of your home’s exterior walls. Check all components of this system for wear and tear. If they look cracked or corroded, they will need to be replaced. Before purchasing new materials, measure the length of your current hose and the size of the vent opening. Use these measurements when purchasing the new ventilation system to make sure all components fit. You can purchase the ventilation system as a kit or you can purchase each piece separately.

Step 2 - Remove Old System

Once you’ve purchased the necessary parts, you can get started by disconnecting your old dryer vent hose from your dryer and from the external vent and dispose. Remove the external vent, making sure to keep the metal collar - you’ll need it to install the new dryer vent. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove lint and other debris from the dryer vent opening for fire safety, and in order to prevent future clogging problems.

Step 3 - Prepare New Vent

Next, place the new vent over the existing opening in your wall. Mark the position of any screws. Using the old metal collar as a guide, cut the new metal collar to the proper length with the tin snips.

Step 4 - Install the Vent

Next, put the new collar inside of the opening for the dryer vent and place the vent over the opening. Carefully secure the vent with screws and seal it to the wall using silicone caulk for extra protection. Be sure to seal it well, as any space left between the vent and the wall of your house will rob efficiency from your dryer, and will also allow entry to rain as well as insects and other unwanted pests.

Step 5 - Attach the Hose

The final step to replacing your dryer vent is to connect the dryer with the exterior vent, thus safely and effectively channeling the hot air outside your house. Start by removing the old hose from the dryer. There is usually a clamp that releases when you squeeze the sides.

Then, insert one end of the new hose around the opening on the dryer. Extend the hose, making sure to keep it straight in order to prevent kinks or twists that will disrupt airflow. Connect the dryer hose to the metal collar of the external dryer vent. You can fix it in place with metal clamps.