How much does it cost to install a dryer vent?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Installing a dryer vent is a standard part of the process of putting in a new clothes dryer. Proper installation impacts the efficiency of the appliance, including helping achieve faster dry times. They are also needed for safety reasons, including lint removal. Substantial lint buildup could cause house fires. In many cases, hooking up a dryer vent will be included in new appliance installation. If you have a professional install it, you could incur additional costs but ensure the job is done properly so that the unit is safe and efficient.

The average cost to install a dryer vent ranges between $150 and $250. The average homeowner spends around $200 to install a semi-rigid metal unit, including labor and materials. On the low end of the spectrum, you could spend $100 to install a PVC unit, including the materials and labor. On the high end of the spectrum, you could spend as much as $500 to install a rigid metal unit that requires an additional extension.

Dryer Vent Price

Average Cost for Dryer Vent Installation by Location

You will spend between $100 and $300 to install your dryer vent, depending on whether it is installed indoors or outdoors. An indoor unit can be an option when there is no outside access. This model requires no cutting through walls or other building materials and is much more affordable. However, it is not ideal for all dryers. More commonly, these appliances are vented to the outside. In the table and subsections below, you will see a breakdown of each, including their average price ranges.

Dryer Vent Prices by Material

You should expect to spend between $100 and $300 for your vent, depending on the type of material that you choose. Typically, the more economical the material, the less the project costs. Keep in mind that some types are only crafted out of select materials. For instance, rigid models are exclusively made from either steel or aluminum. Semi-rigid units are typically constructed from aluminum while slim ducts come from steel most often.

PVC Dryer Vent

If you choose to use PVC dryer ducts, expect the project to cost $100 to $150, including parts and labor for installation. They can be a viable option if you’re looking to keep your duct project low-cost. However, PVC may not work for most installations. PVC pipes have a maximum operating temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. After long-term exposure to the heat and moisture going through the pipes, damage could occur, making these the least durable option.

Plastic Dryer Vent

Plastic dryer vents have the advantage of being economical, with an average cost of $150 to $200. Similar to PVC units, plastic can have its drawbacks. They could become damaged due to prolonged heat exposure. Also, plastic tends to become brittle over time and prone to breakage. Therefore, you might want to choose a more durable metal so that you will not have to replace the unit as often or worry about as many potential damages.

Metal Dryer Vent

Expect to pay an average of $200 to $300 to have metal dryer ducts installed in the home. Metal vents typically refer to types made from a rigid metal like aluminum or galvanized steel. They are long-lasting and constructed from the sturdiness of materials. They also have the distinction of being the only type that could be concealed in the home because they can be installed behind walls and under floors. In the tables and subsections below, you will see the costs and more information about common types of metal units.

Galvanized Dryer Vent

Galvanized dryer vent installations are the most affordable, costing between $200 and $225, depending on how much pipe is needed and where the unit is installed. Galvanized metal is a good choice because it offers a more durable finish, but it is often not corrosion resistant. This material is more efficient than flexible tubing and offers a more secure seal, reducing fire risk compared to plastic products. However, it is the cheapest option for metal models.

Aluminum Dryer Vent

An estimated cost of an aluminum dryer vent install is $225 to $250. It is considered the most commonplace of all ductwork. The benefits of an aluminum unit include durability and the capacity to work with most new installations. It offers a more affordable option than stainless steel but a better choice than plastic or PVC. The only exception is an aluminum unit cannot be placed behind walls.

Stainless Steel Dryer Vent

Stainless steel vents have an expensive average price of $275 to $300 installed. With a stainless steel unit, you are choosing a long-lasting product with an attractive appearance. Stainless steel pieces are resistant to moisture damage, including corrosion. This makes them a premium choice for people who want something that can be concealed under the floors or behind walls and lasts for an extended time.

Dryer Vent Duct Cost by Type

You will spend between $100 and $300 on materials and installation, depending on the type you choose. The appropriate type of duct for your home depends on several key guidelines. When installed, venting should promote unobstructed and frictionless airflow. The type of duct selected is independent of any other HVAC systems in the home. The following are standard duct options for residential clothes dryers.

Slim Dryer Duct

The average cost to install slim dryer ductwork in your home is $100 to $200, depending on the length of the duct and where it needs to be installed. It also goes by the term flat vent. This type of ductwork fits in tight spaces where traditional types won’t work. The shape of the slim duct is rectangular with a wide and thin size. The benefit of this type of unit is the fact that the option permits you to save space and push the appliance very close to the wall.

Semi-Rigid Dryer Duct

The average cost to install semi-rigid ductwork is $200 to $250. The semi-rigid metal duct is a transition piece with a moderate amount of flexibility. In most cases, this type of unit is manufactured from aluminum. It may also be made from other flexible materials, but that is rare. During semi-rigid duct installation, clamps are utilized to keep the tubing in place and ensure that the venting system is properly installed and functional.

Rigid Dryer Duct

Expect to pay an estimated $250 to $300 for rigid dryer duct projects. Rigid metal ducting is the only option permitted for concealed ductwork projects. Most of the rigid duct tubing is placed behind walls, floors, and ceilings. Elbow fittings are needed to secure rigid duct pieces since the pieces are unbendable. In some cases, you may choose to install rigid ducting outside of the walls or floors because it offers a more durable, secure installation.

Dryer Vent Hose Price by Size

When pricing dryer vent hoses by size, you will spend between $100 and $300, depending on how much tubing you need. To size them, you want to confirm that air flows through the ductwork in an unrestricted manner. Proper venting means you should have as few elbows as possible. These installs should include short and straight tubing. As far as diameter, most hoses have a standard 4-inch size. Maximum length for a hose is 35 feet. The following are the common hoses available on the market and estimated cost for each with installation included.

Cost to Install a Dryer Vent

Of the average $200 it costs to install a dryer vent, approximately $25 to $75 accounts for the cost of materials, while the other $125 to $175 covers the cost of labor. On average, expect contractors to charge an hourly rate of $75 to $100 per hour for installation. Standard installations normally take under two hours to complete. Installation service is available from different contractors. Proper installation is provided through appliance repair companies, HVAC professionals, and general contractors.

Never do any type of dryer vent project on your own. DIY isn’t safe since improper installations could result in a serious issue. If the installation is done wrong, lint buildup could occur along with carbon monoxide exposure. If you never had a dryer in your home, installing a new unit is needed before the delivery of the appliance. Appliance shops don’t typically include the cost of transition duct installation in their dryer installation prices. You will need to pay the extra fees to have any type of vent installation service performed.

Many contractors factor project details into their hourly rates for dryer installation service. They consider the materials needed for the job, the accessibility of the location, and any structural changes required to get the unit installed. As an example, if you want it installed on the roof, the contractor needs to factor in the cost of safety equipment such as harnesses and scaffolding. Make sure that you have someone perform an on-site estimate or describe the installation to them to ensure that you get an accurate estimate.

Dryer Vent Booster Fan Installation

You can expect to spend $150 to $500 on a dryer vent booster fan when you have it installed along with your unit. In installations with more than 35 feet of ducting, a booster fan is recommended. This increases airflow and prevents moisture and lint buildup that can lead to mold growth and create fire hazards and other issues. You can install this fan to assist with venting in other instances; however, it is recommended that there are at least 15 linear feet of ducting from the appliance itself so that the fan does not become clogged with damp lint.

Where to Put a Dryer Vent?

Dryer placement depends on a few factors. One of them is that you preferably want to choose an area that already has either a gas line or electric outlet nearby. Secondly, the area of the home should have a regulated temperature that doesn’t go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They have to work much harder in colder temperatures. Ideally, you want to keep your vent as close to your appliance as possible to reduce the distance it has to travel and thereby reduce the likelihood of lint buildup, clogs, and other hazards. The following are conventional areas to place a vent after installing a dryer in the home.

Through Roof

They are typically used for homes with a clothes dryer on the second floor. To install a vent through the roof, shingles need to be removed with the unit secured with tar and placed under nearby shingles. Vent flashing is nailed to the roof with roof nails. Metal ductwork is typically run through the attic with a hole drilled through the ceiling to connect it to the appliance. Additional costs may be incurred with this installation because of the roofing work required.

Through Floor

Projects through flooring are commonplace for homes with crawl space access. To install the vent, professionals drill a hole through the flooring and then pull the tubing through the opening. The tubing is then extended through the wall to exhaust outside of the home. You should not vent to the crawlspace. However, you can vent it through the crawlspace to the outside using various types of ducting.

Through Wall

This is the most common and usually most affordable option for installing your dryer vent. When installing a unit in the wall, the contractor needs a rigid metal duct. Holes to accommodate the ductwork are made through the wall and routed to the vent in the wall. It will turn at a 45- or 90-degree angle with the use of an elbow fitting to go through concrete walls. A vent through a foundation wall or a concrete wall may require a masonry bit to cut through the material. Once the piping is through the wall, any gaps are filled in with caulk.

Under Deck

A dryer vent under deck materials could pose a potential safety hazard. These models under the deck could lead to issues with lint buildup and increase your home’s fire hazard risks. In addition, venting under the deck could damage the wood and cause issues such as mold and warping. To avoid these common pitfalls, an extension must be included at the time of installation. If you have to use this installation method, rely on a trained professional to do the job.

Through Soffit

In the majority of cases, HVAC professionals recommend venting through a wall in lieu of a soffit. In fact, soffit is the last place professionals want to vent a dryer. However, you can vent it with a specialized cap as a way to prevent lint from becoming trapped. The attic also needs to have good ventilation if you plan to use a soffit for venting purposes. Keep ductwork as short and straight as possible for efficiency purposes. If this is challenging for a soffit installation, an alternative should be considered.

Through Window

If you have limited options to exhaust the dryer fumes out of the home, a window vent provides a viable option. This could include installing a vent through the basement window. To complete this installation, usually, the window pane must be removed and replaced with acrylic sheeting. The hood is attached to the sheeting with flexible hoses running from the hood to the appliance. Hose clamps are needed to keep the ductwork in place.

Through Garage

Dryer venting done through the garage is not likely recommended by most HVAC professionals. The reason is lint may be ejected into the garage and any materials stored in the garage could get damaged from prolonged heat and moisture exposure. Never vent a gas dryer through a garage due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, you could use extensions to have the vent pass through the garage to the outside of the house.

Through Drywall

Dryer vent jobs through drywall require similar steps as ductwork performed on other types of wall materials. Holes are drilled through the space as a way to run the tubing behind the wall. Once the ductwork is installed, the drywall can be repaired and painted. You may pay a little more for refinishing the wall once the installation is complete, but it will offer a more finished look than an exposed unit.

Basement

Basement dryer vent projects are a commonly requested service offering. Unlike other installations, a basement unit install is more likely to require vertical routing instead of horizontal routing. An elbow cap may be needed to make sure the basement vent reaches the outside wall. This is sometimes where slim fit installations are used to offer the telescope-style installation that saves space and ensures that the unit connects properly and securely.

Under Mobile Home

Dryer vents can be placed under a mobile home, but an extension is very important during installs. The reason that the unit should not go directly under the mobile home is that this could lead to lint buildup. The extension should lead the hose to the skirting of the mobile home. The opening should have a ½ inch screen in place to help catch lint and other debris. You will want to clean this screen and clear debris away from it regularly.

Dryer Vent Replacement Cost

The average cost a contractor charges for dryer vent replacement is $75 to $100. There are several reasons you could require replacement. For one, if your current venting system isn’t up to code, you may need to install a new version. Another reason for replacement is if you notice the appliance isn’t working efficiently. This could mean the tubing has become damaged over time. Another reason for replacing units in brick walls and other areas of the home is if you want to upgrade to a high-performance material like metal. The cost is typically lower than new installations, as long as no structural changes are required. For instance, the installer is less likely to have to drill out new holes to make the replacement.

Replace Dryer Vent Cover

In some cases, you may only need to replace the dryer vent cover, which has an average cost of $50 to $150, depending on the type of cover and the complexity of the installation. Basic covers could be as cheap as $10, or you could find premium covers for as much as $50 or more. Then, you will also have to pay a small cost for installation. A cover is used to protect the air from coming back into the home and keep out debris, birds, and other potential hazards. It is also designed to allow excess lint to escape and keep your system flowing freely. If you install a cover along with a vent, it only adds a small cost to the project for the cover itself and a few minutes of labor to finish the installation.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost

The cost to have a dryer vent cleaned is around $100 to $220. The cleaning price can sometimes be combined with the cost of air duct cleaning. Some contractors offer cleaning services as an add-on option. It is a part of your home’s routine maintenance. Service professionals remove a portion of the lint by hand before using a powerful vacuum to suction out the rest inside the hose. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use the dryer. In households with one or two people, once a year may be enough to remove the lint buildup. However, if you have a larger family and use the appliance often, increase service appointments to two to three times annually.

Gas vs Electric Dryer Vent

Gas and electric dryers have different venting requirements. For one, an indoor vent for a gas appliance is not possible. An indoor unit would release carbon monoxide into the space. Outdoor units are a must for gas model. In comparison, electric appliances don’t require venting to remove carbon monoxide from the air. Instead, they use venting systems to reduce the amount of heat and moisture released into the air. Electric models can rely on both indoor and outdoor venting systems. Notably, newer electric models have been released using a ventless operating system. Instead of pushing the air out through the unit, a ventless dryer cycles the hot air through a heat exchanger and collects excess moisture in a chamber. Once the chamber is full, the water is drained out.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Dryer Vent Extension

Dryer vent extenders cost $10 to $20, depending on the type of extension you need. This would be factored into your contractor’s final cost for the project. An extension is an upgrade needed in areas that make standard installation challenging. For instance, an exterior installation would be required if placement falls under any decking materials. It is important only to use extensions when necessary because these can create extra space for lint buildup.

Dryer Vent Guard

You can get a guard for about $10 to $15, which will be installed once the ductwork is complete. Guards are a great way to protect your unit from all kinds of potential blockages and hazards and come in several different styles. They look like a small cage placed around your dryer vent hood. These guards protect against any type of pests, including rodents from entering your home. Screens are typically removable to allow for each lint cleaning.

Dryer Vent Heat Keeper

Heat keepers cost less than $15 to add to your installation. They are an upgrade to utilize the heat from your dryer to warm a room. Any extra heat and humidity is vented back into a room when used with flexible ductwork. Two modes are offered: winter mode to add heat to a room and summer mode to exhaust the heat out.

Dual Dryer Vent

At a minimum, a dual dryer vent system will cost $80 to $100 in addition to the standard install price. They are required when you have two or more dryers installed in the home. A dual duct kit includes a y-shaped adapter to connect to both appliances. The pipe is then connected to a single unit that will be vented to the outside. These connections sometimes require higher quality materials or more frequent cleaning because of the two appliances.

Dryer Vent Flapper

Dryer vent flaps replace standard hoods and cost around $25 for metal versions. Flappers are used to prevent cold and hot air from outside coming into the home. Flappers remain shut and only open when the air from the appliance is pushed out. You can find these in several materials and styles to ensure that you get a finish that fits your home and does not stand out too much. These are generally included in the installation and will be added to your material costs unless they are installed separately.

Reroute Dryer Vent

In most cases, rerouting costs $75 to $100 as long as no structural changes to the home are needed. This project is done if the vent doesn’t route to the outside or if you find the hoses have too many bends. The cost to reroute a unit depends on the accessibility of the job. There are several reasons to reroute your vent, but it is essentially about creating the shortest connection between the appliance and the exterior of the home.

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 project should have a valid HVAC license.
• DIY. Never perform any ductwork on your own. Firstly, you may not perform the work up to code. Secondly, if you don’t put in the dryer vent system correctly, you could have issues with fire hazards, carbon monoxide exposure, high utility bills, and poor appliance performance.
• Repairs. 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.
• Siding. The cost and time involved in the project increase when siding is involved in installing a dryer vent. Installing a unit on rigid siding costs more. Installation on vinyl and other flexible materials is generally easier and does not take as long or require as much labor. On wood or brick, the installation will be more time-consuming and labor intensive, increasing the costs.