What Is a Dryer Vent and Why Do I Need One?

Soft, warm towels and quickly dried clothes—these are a few of our favorite things. Your home's dryer is essential to keep your laundry pipeline moving. But without a dryer vent, your machine won't work as it should, leading to damp garments.

But what is a dryer vent exactly, and how does it function? This guide explains everything you need to know about dryer vents so you can choose the right style and know when yours needs replacing.

What Is a Dryer Vent and How Is It Used? 

A dryer vent is a tube that runs from your clothes dryer to either the outside of your home or into a water filtration system. It acts as an exhaust pipe funneling out the moisture from the dryer and prevents the machine from overheating.

Venting the dryer's steam outside of the machine helps prevent mold or mildew from developing and reduces the risk of fire.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Dryer Vents

Outdoor dryer vents are the only option for gas-powered dryers because they emit carbon monoxide, which can be lethal if released inside a home. If you have an electrically powered machine or are considering getting one, an indoor dryer vent is a viable alternative. 

An indoor dryer vent captures the steam in a water filtration system—rather than releasing it into the air—which you'll have to manually empty at the end of every dryer cycle. 

Types of Dryer Vents by Design and Material

Dryer vents come in five different materials and designs. Here’s how each option differs. 

Aluminum Foil

These dryer vents have a flexible, accordion-like structure and are affordable and easy to install yourself. However, they contain many ridges that are more likely to trap lint and lead to unwanted buildups than other venting options. The soft material is also prone to getting crushed whenever the machine is moved, which can interfere with its efficacy. 

Semi-Rigid Metal

This style is made from a combination of both aluminum foil and pure aluminum. As a result, it looks similar to aluminum foil dryer vents but has greater durability. For instance, it’s less likely to get squashed if your dryer shifts during a cycle. 

Rigid Metal

This option is made from either galvanized steel or aluminum and is considered among the best picks for dryer vents because its smooth interior keeps lint buildup at bay—and thanks to the strong material, it won’t bend or fold. You’ll pay slightly more for this style, but you’ll spend less in the long run on repairs and replacements. 

Plastic and Vinyl

While technically an option, plastic and vinyl dryer vents aren’t recommended—and, in many cases, are banned by building codes—because they catch lint at a higher rate than any other option and are the most prone to melting or causing a fire. 

Periscope 

Also called a slim duct, this type of dryer vent connects to the continued venting within your walls and allows your machine to be flush against the wall, so it takes up less space overall. Plus, because it’s made of rigid metal, it's smooth inside and won’t catch lint quite as quickly as some alternatives.

Tips for Maintaining a Dryer Vent

You can take a handful of steps to ensure that your dryer vent is in tip-top shape. 

Clean the Vent Several Times a Year

Even the best dryer vents need to be cared for semi-regularly. So how often should you clean a dryer vent? Plan to do this task every three to six months or hire a professional who cleans dryer vents. Models like aluminum foil and semi-rigid vents will need more frequent attention than sturdier alternatives like rigid metal and slim ducts.

Use a Vacuum to Remove Lint

Learning how to clean a dryer vent is easy to do. Start by turning off the gas and electricity, then detach the vent from your machine. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck out the lint. If any debris remains, attach a microfiber cloth to a wire brush and wipe it throughout the interior of your vent.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Dryer Vent

If it’s taking far longer than it should for your clothes to dry or you notice a lot of lint, it may be time to replace your dryer vent. Strange smells while the dryer is running are another sign that you need a new vent. On average, a local dryer repair specialist can replace the vent for $200.