How much does it cost to install a dryer vent

Flapper vents remain shut and only open when the air from the dryer is pushed out. Rerouting a dryer vent may be another upgrade consideration. The cost to reroute a dryer vent depends on the accessibility of the job. Plumbers can be hired to install a dryer vent. Often, plumbers are contracted to install a washer and dryer and will include venting in their service offerings. Ideally, you want the length to be as short as possible. This prevents poor airflow and lint buildup.

Most professionals recommend installations with a hose length less than 35 feet. Contractors install a dryer vent by drilling an exterior hole and running ductwork from the hole into the back of the dryer.

The other end of the hose will be connected to an exterior dryer cap. These types rely on indoor vent systems or can be completely ventless. Gas dryers still require venting outdoors. The rare exception is ventless electric dryers. There is no minimum length of a dryer vent. In fact, the shorter the hose, the better. Shorter dryer vents improve performance of the appliance. Cost to install a dryer vent varies greatly by region and even by zip code. To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.

FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheat sheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects. Log In. Loading, please wait Password Recovery. Get Local Cost. Get free estimates from air-conditioning and heating contractors near you. Reviewed by Laura Madrigal. Written by Fixr. Sep 9, What's new? Sep 9, This cost guide has been fully updated. Average Cost. Stainless steel metal gas dryer vent system with extension.

Dryer Vent Duct Cost by Type The appropriate type of dryer duct for your home depends on several key guidelines. Semi-Rigid Dryer Duct The semi-rigid metal duct is a transition piece with a moderate amount of flexibility. Rigid Dryer Duct Rigid metal duct is the only option permitted for concealed ductwork projects.

Compare quotes from top-rated dryer vent installers near you. Compare Quotes. Talk to local pros to get quotes for your dryer vent installation.

Get Quotes. Find top-rated dryer vent installers near you. Find Pros. Get free estimates from dryer vent installers near me. Get Free Estimates. Additional Considerations and Costs Permits. You may need a permit when installing a new dryer vent in the home. The reason your local building authority would require a permit is to confirm the work is up to code. Also, technicians used for the dryer vent project should have a valid HVAC license.

Never perform any ductwork on your own. Firstly, you may not perform the work up to code. Dryer vent repair cost depends on the issue. Like installations, only use HVAC professionals to fix the issue.

The contractor inspects hoses and will note any problems like leakage. The contractor could also fix any routing issues such as too much length and too many bends.

FAQs Does a plumber install a dryer vent? How long should a dryer vent be? How do you install a dryer vent? Do new dryers need to be vented outside? How much does it cost to install a dryer vent? How far can you run a dryer vent?

Can you run a dryer without the vent hose? What is the minimum length for a dryer vent? How much does it cost to install a dryer vent in my city? Updated: Sep 9, What's new? Get free estimates on FIXR from trusted air-conditioning and heating contractors in your area. Get estimates Invalid Zip code Find yours. Was this guide helpful to you? Personal Chefs. Home Maintenance. Cost Guides. Project Guides. Questions and Answers. Get the App. If you have a gas or electric clothes dryer in your home, a dryer vent that allows excess moisture to escape as steam is vital for its efficient operation — and, more importantly, your safety.

The duct connecting the back of your dryer to the vent also allows excess lint not collected by the lint trap to escape, drastically lowering the risk of home fires that can occur when lint gets hot enough to spark and ignite. Installation of a new dryer vent, including the duct, will cost more than replacing or repairing an existing duct and vent.

Several factors affect the cost of installing, replacing or repairing a dryer vent. Installation will cost more if the contractor needs to punch a hole in the exterior wall of the home, if the wall to be cut into is made of concrete or brick, or if the home is connected to other houses.

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends that ducts "shall be constructed of minimum 0. Replacing the duct may be necessary if the duct gets damaged or bent to the point where it does not work properly, or if the duct is irreparably blocked by years of lint buildup without regular cleaning. Replacement will cost more if the ducting or vent is hidden behind walls. Sera says that the vent itself — which covers the hole in the side of the building to which the duct is connected, directs the air out and down, and captures any lint or other particles that may make their way through the duct — should not be made of vinyl.

He adds that connecting multiple pieces of ducting with the correct material is also crucial: Foil tape — not duct tape — is the industry standard because it can withstand temperatures up to degrees.

For example, if the vent is in a condo and the vent needs to run to the roof, or if an existing vent needs to be relocated. Laundry rooms against exterior walls translate into cheaper dryer vent installation, while laundry rooms further away from exterior walls require a more labor-intensive and expensive installation.

Installing a new dryer vent should include creating an opening for the dryer vent in an exterior wall or the roof, connecting the vent to the dryer, and connecting the outdoor vent at the exterior wall or roof, which may involve threading the vent through existing ductwork. Plastic or aluminum vents are not recommended because of fire, according to This Old House[ 2 ]. Additional costs:. The maximum length for dryer vents vary by local code. In Seattle, for example, dryer vents should not exceed 35 feet[ 3 ].

Yearly cleaning of the vent, to remove lint buildup and reduce the risk of fire, is highly recommended. Electric not gas dryers can be vented to the inside of a home with an indoor dryer vent kit, but because of the high water content of the exhaust, venting dryers into a basement or other small, enclosed spaces can create serious and expensive mold problems, according to the North Dakota State University Agriculture Commission[ 5 ]. No-vent dryers are available, also eliminating the need for vent installation, but they take longer sometimes hours to dry clothes.

Shopping for dryer vent installation:. HVAC companies, as well as plumbers, can install dryer vents, but many dryer duct cleaning firms and handymen also offer this service. Comments 1. CostHelper News. Get Estimates Now. Get your job done in 3 easy steps. Installing a dryer vent is a code compliant manner to move clothes-dryer air outdoors. DIY considerations The work may not be suitable for DIY because the house frame must be cut open and later sealed closed in order to pass the dryer vent tube to the exterior.

References Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.