How to Change a Dryer Vent
As the seasons change and the years pass, your outside dryer vent takes a beating. You should learn how to change a dryer vent when the damage starts to affect your dryer's performance. When the exhaust air is restricted, the dryer takes longer to dry your clothes, which results in a higher electric bill. If you change a dryer vent outside, you will save money and extend the life of your dryer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Putty knife
- Replacement outside dryer vent
- Drill
- Caulking gun
- Silicone caulk
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the dryer from the dryer electrical outlet. Pull the dryer away from the wall to give you room to work behind it.
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2
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the clamp that secures the dryer duct work to the inside duct of the outside dryer vent. Pull the dryer duct work off of the outside vent duct and out of your way.
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3
Go outside and remove the screws that mount the outside dryer vent to the wall. Depending upon what type of screw is used, you will need a screwdriver or a socket wrench. Insert the blade of a putty knife between the outside dryer vent flange and the wall. Carefully pull the dryer vent out of the wall using the putty knife to break the seal of the old caulking as necessary.
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4
Use a putty knife to clean away any residual putty or caulking from around the dryer vent hole. Insert the duct pipe of the new dryer vent into the hole and press the dryer vent flush against the wall. Mark the mounting holes using a pencil and remove the dryer vent from the hole.
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5
Use a drill to drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Insert the outside dryer vent into the hole and press it flush against the wall, lining it up with the pilot holes. Secure the outside dryer vent to the wall using the supplied retaining screws.
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6
Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter of the outside dryer vent where it meets the wall using a caulking gun.
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7
Go back inside the laundry room and slide the dryer duct work over the duct pipe of the outside dryer vent. Secure the dryer duct by tightening down the clamp with a screwdriver.
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8
Slide the dryer back into place and plug the dryer back into the dryer wall outlet.
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