How to Replace a Broken Exterior Dryer Vent Hood

Replace the vent hood in your dryer for efficient operation.

A dryer that isn't drying as efficiently as it should may have a problem with the exterior vent hood. The vent hood protects the exhaust of the dryer vent from outside interference, such as birds and other creatures seeking warmth. Replacing a broken dryer vent hood isn't difficult, and you can save money by doing it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• New exterior vent
• Utility knife
• Screwdriver
• Power drill with screwdriver attachment

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity for the dryer to help prevent any accidents while replacing the exterior vent hood. Unplug the dryer from the outlet. If you can't reach the outlet, turn off the power for the dryer at the main circuit breaker.

2. Loosen the clamp connecting the dryer hose to the vent housing. The hose clamp may be either tightened with a screw or a spring clip. Loosen a screw connection by turning it with a screwdriver. A spring clamp can be loosened by squeezing the two tabs together with a pair of pliers and then sliding it down the hose.

3. Cut away any caulk holding the exterior vent in place. Run a sharp utility knife around the edges of the vent to cut the caulk.

4. Loosen the screws holding the exterior vent in place with a screwdriver or a power drill with a screwdriver bit.

5. Pull the broken dryer vent hood off the exterior surface.

6. Place the new exterior vent hood by slipping the exhaust into the hole from the old vent hood.

7. Insert screws into the mounting points on the edges of the vent hood and screw into position.

8. Slip the vent hose over the exterior vent inlet. Secure with the hose clamp.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be helpful to redrill pilot holes with a drill and drill bit when remounting the vent hood.

References

• Inspectapedia.com: Ventilation Systems
• Home Depot: Installing a Dryer Vent
• Family Handyman: How to Install a Dryer Vent