What You Need To Know About Installing a Dryer Vent System

What You Need to Know About Installing a Dryer Vent System

Proper dryer vent installation is necessary to acquire the desired outcome and prevent catastrophes.

Dryer vents are not new. They have been an integral part of every household for generations. With time, the setup got updated to assimilate our requirements.

In the early 19th century, England designed the first mechanical clothes dryer. The clothes were dumped in a barrel, which was then rotated over flames.

Later, in the late 20th century, the design was improved with a flexible vent fixed with the dryer to blow out the moisture. Even though the updated design fixed the moisture issue, but its tendency to pose fire hazard remains unchanged.

Dryers hoses made out of metal tubing or flexible vinyl have rigid ducts that are the perfect lint traps. Later on, to improve the safety, experts started recommending rigid/semi-rigid vent’s hose.

Rigid or semi-rigid vents have a smooth interior, which allows lint to easily blow out from the hose, which is only possible with a proper dryer installation.

Planning to install dryer vents? Here are a few tips that you need to look out for installing dryer vents properly.

Tools You’ll Need to Install A Dryer Vent System

No installation can be completed without proper materials and tools. To avoid potential headaches, arranging them beforehand is a wise decision. Here are all the materials and tools you will need to install a dryer vent system.

  • A caulk gun
  • Corded Drill
  • Drill Bit-set
  • A ratchet screwdriver
  • Tin Snips
  • Measuring Tape
  • Safety Glass
  • Work Gloves

Dryer Vent Installation Guide

1.  A proper location for the exhaust duct

The first step towards installing a dryer vent properly is to decide the route of the duct from the appliance outside your house. It is always a wise choice to keep the duct as shorter and as straighter as possible.

Though the scenario is not always that favorable and uncomplicated, just make sure the duct does not exceed 25ft when there is no bend. For each 90-degree bend, deduct 5ft from the duct length.

2.  Precise drill measurement

Precision is the key to proper installation. Using a driller, make a pilot point. Then, check the exterior part of the point to check its position. Now, using a 4-1/4inch drill bit, make holes in the wall as required.

3.  Attach the vent cap

Use the Caulk gun, attach the vent cap, and screw it in with the same number of turns on every side. If there is uneven tightness, the flap won’t seal.

Dryer Vent Maintenance

1. Remove lint from the trap

Before starting the dryer cycle, clean the trap to make sure that the dryer has no lint that can cause fire or capture moisture and reduce performance. Adapting it into your daily habits is a wise choice.

Every 3-4 months, remove the trap and thoroughly clean it with lukewarm water and dish soap to remove the residue. Wait for the lint trap the dry inside-out before you put it back inside the vent.

Don’t forget to examine the trap for any holes or crack on the screen. Replace the lint if it’s damaged to prevent lint build up inside the ducts.

2. Clean Dryness Sensor

Cleaning your dryness sensor annually will save you a lot of money down the road. They can be easily found under the interior part of the drum door or around it.

Clean it with a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Rub the sensor bar gently like caressing it. This will remove all the residues that have accumulated there without causing damage to the sensor.

Sensor cleaning will help the dryer operate more efficiently to dry the clothes quicker, which eventually will assist in saving a lot of energy.

 3. Clean Exterior Vent

Frequently inspect the exterior vent manually for any damage such as leaks, cracks, or signs of nest/infestation.

In colder areas, the outside of your vent can be an ideal place for small animals or birds to live.

If there is any buildup, clean it up/remove them, and if the vent is damaged, get it replaced as soon as possible. 

 4. Call an Expert

Too tired to install or maintain your dryer? Call an expert today for professional installation/maintenance. Not only will it make your dryer efficacious, but also your home safer.