How to Replace Dryer Ducts

When talking about dryer efficiency, some people might give more emphasis on clothes and wonder whether they will be ruined if the appliance doesn't work right. Most people care about paying more for extra energy consumed when dryers don't operate efficiently. Though, there isn't a single person in the world who doesn't give priority to safety issues. All people mostly care about safety hazards since there are over 15 thousand fires annually due to dryer problems, hundreds of injuries and even human loss. Cleaning the dryer vent regularly can reverse these statistics and eventually cancel them.

With dryer vent cleaning, what you achieve is to remove the lint built up every time the appliance is used. Lint is produced by clothes as they dry and will eventually clog the vents. As a result, hot air won't be able to escape outside and will be trapped in the appliance. Overheating causes fires. Flex foil pipes are also flammable. Long dryer vents travelling through attics are not helpful either. Long vents don't cause fire, but moisture. Eventually, you might be dealing with mold problems. So, there are quite a few reasons why dryer vents must be replaced apart from the obvious: when they are cracked. The point is that the longer dryer vents are, the easier they get damaged and the harder dryer vent air system cleaning is.

Replace the ducts to avoid future problems

If you are about to replace the dryer ducts, see if you can install short ones. Not only will they make your life easier during dryer duct cleaning, but they will help the dryer to function better and reduce the time needed for the clothes to dry. It's best to get metal vents of rigid materials since flex ones can be easily crushed behind the dryer diminishing efficiency, blocking air and causing damage. With rigid tubes, you can be sure that airflow won't be hindered and the ducts won't get damaged as easily as flex ones. With the airflow blocked, the dryer cannot "breathe" well, and this increases the possibilities of a fire.

Before you replace the existing vent, see if there is a shorter route outside. If you have to, move the dryer against the outside wall and drill a new hole. At the beginning, make a pilot hole so that you can be sure the outer part is indeed accessible. If you don't have to go through such hassle but simply want to replace the existing vent, start by unplugging the dryer. Then pull the dryer to have enough space to work and remove the screws and, thus, the vent. It's wise to remove lint from the appliance. You must first fit the new collar of the vent and make sure it is properly mounted with seals at the opening section. Secure both ends with screws or metal clamps and you are done. Dryer vent replacement is over.