How much does it cost to install a dryer vent?

To begin planning a dryer vent installation will require contacting a few professional installers to request quotes on the project. This is not a DIY project simply because it involves creating an opening in the exterior wall of the building, which is something that should be undertaken only by a knowledgeable and experienced contractor or carpenter. For this discussion, we will consider the "average" costs of installing an all-new dryer vent in an exterior wall of a home. This is a project with average costs of $150 to $500 including materials and labor.

In addition to creating a suitable opening through which the venting is installed, a contractor may need to run adequate lengths of metal duct work if the dryer is not positioned near an exterior wall. While many consumers opt for the flexible foil hoses, the most efficient option is the rigid dryer vent pipe because it is more durable, impervious to tearing, and will make cleaning a much easier project in the future. This is also the only material that can be put to use in ducts exceeding six feet in length.

Cost breakdown

The average costs and materials associated with this project include:

• A metal dryer vent - A high-quality model with a removable screen and a spring-loaded damper along with the appropriate weatherproof seal will cost $30;
• New duct work - This will include the use of only flexible aluminum and metal duct work due to the durability and safety. The pieces required will include the short, straight duct that slips into the in-wall or surface mounted receiver unit, a foam gasket ¹ at this entry point, and high-quality metal dryer vent hose to fit the space. The hose will cost $28 per 25-feet, and the connecting ducts and seals should cost no more than $25; and
• Creating an opening in exterior wall - This is something that can vary widely in total costs due to the many different materials from which homes are built. For example, an average home using wood framing, plywood ², and vinyl ³ or metal siding will be far less expensive a project than a home constructed of stucco ⁴ or logs. The average carpenter will charge between $20 and $35 per hour, and this might be the best way to go for a complex installation, but many contractors specializing in dryer vent work can handle this part of the project too. According to DIYorNot.com the average professional will require $57 per hour and need roughly 2 hours to tackle the "average" installation.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Installing a booster fan for vents that must run more than forty feet, or for systems that run vents through attic spaces and roofing;
• Upgrading and installing electrical supplies adequate to the needs of a dryer:
  • Electrical wiring to code - Electricians average from $75-$250 per hour for the installation of a 220 volt receptacle. This might cost a bit more if the electrical panel also needs to be upgraded. For instance, adding a 220 volt receptacle along with a 220 volt circuit can average between $300 and $800;
  • Opting for an interior vent kit (which captures all of the moisture and dust created during the drying process) if creating an opening in a wall or roof is too difficult or costly. This is only a possibility for electric dryers; and
  • Arrange for an annual cleaning of the duct work. Many installers or contractors specializing in dryer vents will also provide clients with annual maintenance on the systems too. This is important since a clogged ventilation system is not only a fire hazard, but also causes the equipment to run far less efficiently. In fact, Dryer Vent Wizard estimates that a clogged venting system costs the owner between $18 and $24 in additional electrical supplies every month.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

³ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

⁴ Stucco: A type of durable plaster finish made of aggregates, a binder, and water (traditionally Portland cement, sand, and water) used on masonry, walls, ceilings, and decorative moldings