By Timothy Dale | Published Nov 29, 2023 1:58 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Flexible Explosive-Proof Ventilation Duct
Electric or gas dryers have become a staple appliance in most modern homes thanks to their convenient and efficient ability to rapidly dry wet clothing, towels, and other laundry items. It’s the combination of heated airflow and tumbling clothes that make fast work of drying clothes. However, the air inside the dryer needs unobstructed ventilation to the outside to avoid potential fire hazards from a buildup of lint, as well as to prevent other issues. Cracked, broken, or missing dryer vents can lead to moisture accumulation, water damage, mold growth, and sometimes carbon monoxide exposure.
Dryer vent installation costs an average of $80 to $1,000 according to Angi and HomeAdvisor. The broad range in dryer vent prices is due to local labor rates, vent material and length, and the installation location. These and other factors drive the overall cost to install a dryer vent in the home. For example, if the dryer is located directly beside an exterior wall, then dryer vent hose installation or replacement is relatively inexpensive. However, the new dryer vent may need to be installed through the roof, which can increase the cost of installation.
Before hiring a professional, it’s important for a homeowner to understand the various factors that can impact the cost, such as the dryer vent location, material, type, and length, in addition to local labor rates.
The best dryer vents are typically made out of PVC or plastic, though there are metal dryer vents made of rigid aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. The type of vent material can affect the cost of the installation, so it’s helpful for homeowners to evaluate which material is ideal for their home before starting this project.
Another factor to consider is the type of dryer vent. Dryer vents can be differentiated based on the size and rigidity of the product. Dryer vent hoses for tight spaces will have a slimmer or thinner profile to fit the space. Slim dryer vents cost about $100 to $200 to install, while the wider semi-rigid dryer vents cost about $200 to $250.
Semi-rigid dryer vents are one of the most common choices for short dryer vent needs. This type of dryer vent is typically made out of flexible plastic or aluminum that allows the vents to bend around or through obstacles.
Rigid dryer vents are another available option and cost around $250 to $300 to install. As the name implies, this type of dryer vent is made up of straight, rigid ducts and joints that carry the exhaust from the dryer to the exterior of the home.
After determining the best material and type of dryer vent, the installer will need to measure how long the vent hose should be to reach the exterior of the house. The cost to install a dryer vent hose ranges from about $12.50 to $15 per linear foot. Most houses need about 8 feet of dryer hose, which costs about $100 to $120, while the maximum recommended 35-foot length would cost about $280 to $300.
Professional installers will keep in mind several key dryer safety regulations to prevent future fire hazards. Dryer vent ducts are not to exceed 35 feet in length from the dryer to the wall or end of the roof. Additionally, the maximum length of the duct needs to subtract 2.5 feet if there’s a 45-degree bend since airflow is restricted around corners. If there’s a 90-degree bend in the ductwork, then 5 feet should be subtracted.
The labor involved for installing a dryer vent will generally range in cost from about $20 to $35 per hour. A standard installation project will only take about 2 to 4 hours, so the labor cost will work out to about $40 to $140 before the cost of materials. However, if the job is not a standard installation, then the completion time and cost can increase.
When the contractor comes to assess the home, they will usually provide a quote for the work. This is a great opportunity to discuss how long the job will take, the labor rate, and the installation plan for the project. Homeowners can work with the contractor to determine the best option for installing the new dryer vent and find out the expected labor cost ahead of time to help ensure the job stays on budget.
One of the most important factors to consider for dryer vent installation cost is where the vent will be installed in the house. If the dryer is located right next to an exterior wall, installation is usually cheaper, and the job may even be easy enough for an advanced DIYer to complete. However, a dryer that is positioned in the center of the home will be much more difficult to vent to the outside, which can increase the time and cost of the project.
Beyond the initial cost factors, a dryer vent hose installation project can have additional costs depending on certain conditions that may or may not apply. For instance, homeowners can consider the cost differences between an interior and exterior vent, and the difference between a new vent installation or a simple dryer vent replacement. Vent rerouting, customizations, and any add-on features could also increase the cost of the dryer vent hookup.
Not all dryer vents lead to the outside of the home. If the dryer is located in a condo, apartment, or a similar location that makes it difficult to run a vent to the outside, then the installer may suggest an inside dryer vent.
A dryer vent installation project usually happens during new-home construction, dryer relocation, and ductwork replacement jobs. The cost of the project can vary significantly depending on whether the installer needs to put in a new dryer vent or if they are just replacing an existing dryer vent.
Sometimes the homeowner may need or want to move the location of the dryer. A professional installer can reroute the ductwork for the dryer vent quite easily. Generally, this project will cost about as much as installing or replacing a dryer vent, with an average cost of about $80 to $200 for the project.
However, if the contractor determines that an outlet needs to be moved or a new electrical outlet for the dryer needs to be installed, this can increase the cost by $200 or more. Similarly, if the contractor needs to install a gas line to accommodate the new location of the dryer, this can add to the overall cost of the project. Homeowners often spend about $200 to $800 for a new gas line installation.
There are several customizations and add-ons the homeowner can invest in during the installation project or even after the dryer vent has been installed. One option is to put in an exhaust fan to boost airflow through the dryer vent. This addition is useful for homes with long dryer vents to prevent lint, dust, and other debris from settling and building up in the ductwork.
Some homeowners prefer to add a heat diverter to the dryer to direct the heat from the appliance back into the home. This customization feature is only suitable for electric dryers, but it can reduce heat loss in the winter and help heat the laundry area.
Another helpful add-on is a vent alarm. This device helps prevent fires by detecting restricted airflow in the ventilation system. If the alarm goes off, then it’s important to clean out the ductwork as soon as possible. Dryer vent cleaning costs average $139 and are worth it to prevent a house fire. Finally, plastic or metal vent guards are also useful for keeping pests out of the dryer vent.
Knowing the types of dryer vents available can help homeowners decide which vent is best for their needs. This information is also useful when trying to put together a budget for the project. Homeowners can choose from three dryer vent types including rigid, semi-rigid, and slim.
The most durable option is rigid dryer venting. This type of dryer vent is generally made with rigid plastic or metal ducts that run straight through the floors, walls, or ceiling. The ductwork can change direction with the aid of rigid joints, similar to HVAC ductwork. The ducts carry air from the dryer to the exterior of the home to release the exhaust outdoors.
While rigid dryer vents are the most durable choice, they are also the most expensive up front. Homeowners who are planning a dryer vent installation project can expect to pay about $250 to $300 for rigid dryer vents. Finally, the longer the vent run, the more costly the job.
Just one step down in terms of durability from rigid dryer vents are semi-rigid vents. These vents are designed for flexibility and convenient installation. The semi-rigid ductwork is typically made of aluminum, PVC, or flexible plastic, allowing the installer to bend the dryer vents to fit around and through various obstacles in the home.
Homeowners who are interested in installing semi-rigid dryer vents will likely pay about $200 to $250 for this job. The flexible ductwork can reduce the time that it takes to complete this installation and may also provide a suitable option for decreasing the length of the vent run. This can have the added effect of lowering the overall cost of the installation by reducing the cost of labor and materials.
Slim dryer vents are essential when the walls, floors, or ceilings do not have a lot of space for a new ductwork run. This type of dryer vent has a slim or flat profile that fits comfortably into tight spaces throughout the home, allowing the installer to complete the dryer vent installation without negatively impacting any other systems in the house.
Additionally, if a slim dryer vent can fit inside the wall, then the installer may be able to avoid cutting open the wall, which reduces the cost of repairs. Homeowners usually pay about $100 to $200 for a slim dryer vent installation. However, it’s also important to note that the slim profile will become clogged with lint, dust, and other debris faster than a standard vent, so homeowners can use a one of the best dryer vent cleaning kits frequently to reduce the risk of fire.
There are many reasons to install a dryer vent. The most obvious is that a dryer is designed to function optimally with a dryer vent. When a dryer vent is not installed or the dryer is using a broken, cracked, or loose dryer vent, then it can reduce the efficiency of the appliance. More importantly, the lack of a dryer vent can increase the risk of fire, mold growth, and carbon monoxide exposure.
A good reason to install a new dryer vent is to increase the overall efficiency of the dryer. Cracked, loose, leaky, or clogged dryer vents prevent the dryer from expelling the air effectively to the outside of the home. This causes the dryer to work harder than necessary, reducing the efficiency of the appliance.
Even if only the dryer vent tubing needs to be replaced, this can be enough to boost the efficiency of the appliance while reducing the cost to operate the dryer. Additionally, this fix can help the dryer to dry clothes faster and more efficiently by ensuring that the airflow is quickly and effectively directed through the proper channels.
The drying process naturally allows lint, dust, and other debris to be released into the dryer vent. Most of this debris should be trapped in the appropriately named lint trap, which is essentially a screen that can be removed and emptied after each cycle. However, a small portion of the lint, dust, and other debris may slip through the lint trap and into the dryer vent.
Old dryer vents can have lint, hair, and other flammable materials built up on the inside of the ductwork. The longer this debris accumulates, the higher the risk of a fire starting due to the heat of the dryer. Homeowners are encouraged to learn how to clean the dryer vent to reduce this risk, but it’s also a good idea to completely replace the dryer vent if it has become too clogged with debris over the years.
One of the main reasons to have a functional dryer vent is to carry hot air from the dryer to the exterior of the home. If the existing dryer vent is cracked, loose, or otherwise leaking air into the home, this can increase the surrounding temperature and bring a risk of mold and mildew growth. If mold growth is suspected, homeowners will want to speak with a professional from one of the best mold removal company such as ServiceMaster Restore or ServPro to remediate the problem.
However, the situation can be significantly worse if the moisture is being released unknowingly inside the floors, walls, or ceilings. The enclosed space will work as an incubator, increasing the spread of toxic mold throughout the home. To avoid this issue, replace old, worn, or broken dryer vents with a new dryer vent installation.
Electric dryers do not produce carbon monoxide, so if the home has an electric dryer, then carbon monoxide expulsion is not a priority. However, if the home uses a gas dryer, then it is essential to ensure that the dryer vent is in good condition. Otherwise, the dryer may release carbon monoxide gas into the home with every use.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can go completely unnoticed without a working carbon monoxide detector. As the gas escapes the dryer vent, it will build up in the house, putting residents of the home in danger. Homeowners can prevent this risk by installing a new dryer vent or hiring the best dryer vent cleaning service (such as Window Gang or Stanley Steemer) if it is still in good condition.
DIY dryer vent installation is possible for advanced DIYers if the dryer is located next to an exterior wall and they have all the tools necessary to install a dryer vent kit. This simpler positioning is the easiest installation job of all to get the short stretch of vent hose from the dryer to the exterior. As long as the DIYer has significant experience drilling through exterior walls and sealing the gaps to prevent moisture and pest problems, then they may be successful at this project.
However, most homeowners prefer to leave dryer vent installation to a professional installer. This is also the most common choice for new construction when all mechanical and electrical jobs are subcontracted out. A professional HVAC contractor can install the dryer vent in a wall, put in a floor dryer vent, or even run the dryer vent up through the roof of the home.
Experienced installers are familiar with the best type of vent and ductwork to use in the homeowner’s area and within their house. They also have the knowledge to run the vent efficiently and safely to avoid as many obstructions as possible while ensuring it’s properly sealed and attached. Since the safety of the home’s occupants is on the line, dryer vent installation is not a job to take lightly.
The cost of replacing a dryer vent can be as low as $80, but it can range up to $1,000 depending on the location of the dryer, the dryer vent material, the dryer vent type, and the difficulty of the installation. With this in mind, homeowners often look for ways to reduce the overall dryer vent installation cost.
Homeowners who take the time to learn more about the appliances and home systems that keep the home functioning properly are better informed when they need to hire a professional. Similarly, when hiring a professional contractor, it’s recommended to research the company, workers, and past projects to get a better idea of the level of skill, professionalism, and quality of work to expect. Dryer vent service technicians can answer many questions to help homeowners feel confident.
When making changes to an existing appliance or planning a new renovation project for the home, it’s important for homeowners to have a basic understanding of the steps and costs involved with the job.
Homeowners may wonder who installs dryer vents from among all the different types of service professionals. Typically, homeowners will rely on a general contractor for this work for new construction, but they can also hire HVAC technicians on their own. It’s also possible that carpenters, some roofers, and some plumbing professionals can install a dryer vent depending on where it’s being installed.
Ideally, there should be at least 6 inches of clearance between the dryer and the wall. If the dryer is in a closet, then there should also be at least 1 inch of space between the sides of the dryer and the walls.
Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.
Negative Duct © 2024 Recurrent. All rights reserved.