Dryer Vent Installation Tips

Dryer vent installation requires the understanding of how your dryer exhaust system works. Forced heat produced by natural gas or electricity is blown on your laundry as it tumbles in your dryer. This moist heat must escape through the dryer exhaust ducts to the vent outdoors.

An improperly installed dryer vent system will restrict airflow and your dryer will work harder to do its job. The dryer vent pipe should be made of rigid or semi-rigid material about 4 inches in diameter. The old flexible vinyl or foil type no longer meets current safety codes.

Dryer lint will build up in the dryer exhaust duct over time. To reduce lint build-up, the dryer duct should be very smooth inside. Pieces of ductwork should be connected with metal duct tape, not screws that protrude to the inside which can catch and trap lint.

By law, all clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors. If you have a gas dryer, the dryer vent system is responsible for removing gas by-products, like carbon monoxide, from your home.

The dryer duct should be installed with as few turns as possible and the shorter the run, the better. The longer the dryer duct, the harder the dryer works to force the hot air to the vent outside.

Use straps to support the duct so that there are no low points for lint to collect and build up. Use a level to set horizontal sections with a slight fall to prevent moisture from collecting.

Lint builds up in even the best of dryer exhaust ducts over time; however, the tips provided above will help prevent lint from building up in one specific spot, causing a blockage. Remember that annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended to properly maintain the system, extend the life of your clothes dryer, save energy and prevent fires.

A properly installed dryer vent system of the correct dryer exhaust material will improve the efficiency and safety of your clothes dryer. A dryer vent installation expert will install the best dryer exhaust system for your clothes dryer. If you are not sure if your dryer exhaust system meets current UL safety standards then it would be a good idea to have a dryer vent specialist do a complete inspection.

Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer vent installation, repair and maintenance. A DVW technician will perform a complete inspection of your dryer vent system and explain their recommendations if corrections or repairs are necessary. Dryer Vent Wizard has a vision of making 1 millions dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.