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How much does dryer vent replacement cost?
We don't publish a price list. Two jobs with the same name can involve very different amounts of work, so dryer vent replacement cost depends on what's being replaced and how hard it is to reach. Estimates are free, and you'll know the scope before you decide.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Length of the run | A longer run needs more duct, more joints and more time. |
| Number of bends | Each elbow adds parts and labor. Too many bends may mean the vent should be rerouted. |
| Access | A run in an open basement ceiling is simpler to replace than one inside a finished wall or a tight attic. |
| Where it exits | A sidewall exit is usually more straightforward than a roof termination. |
| What's being replaced | A transition hose or outside cover is a much smaller job than a full duct run. |
Sometimes only one section needs replacing, not the whole run. When it isn't clear which, we may suggest a camera look inside the vent first, so you pay for the right fix and nothing more.
Outside dryer vent cover replacement for homes
The cover on the outside wall takes more abuse than any other part of the system. It deals with weather, lint, birds and the occasional string trimmer. A damaged cover lets in pests and cold air. A flap that sticks shut traps lint and moisture in the duct. Replacing the cover is often a quick job, and while it's off we check the duct behind it.
Signs the outside cover needs replacing
- The flap is stuck open or stuck shut
- The plastic is cracked, faded or brittle
- Louvers are missing or torn
- Lint is packed around the opening
- Birds or rodents are getting in
- There's a gap between the cover and the siding
FAQs about outside dryer vent cover replacement
Should the new cover have a screen? Fine mesh catches lint and can clog quickly. That's why most dryer vent covers use a flap or louvers instead. We'll recommend a style that keeps animals out without trapping lint.
Can I replace the cover myself? A handy homeowner can often swap a simple sidewall cover. Call us if the duct behind it is loose, stops short of the wall or is damaged, or if the vent exits through the roof.
Will a new cover fix weak airflow? Only if the old flap was the restriction. If drying is still slow afterward, the problem is further back in the duct.
Replacing the duct run
Common reasons to replace ductwork include plastic or thin foil hose behind the dryer, a run crushed when the dryer was pushed back against the wall, and joints fastened with screws that snag lint. When the route itself is the problem, rerouting or relocating the vent may be part of the job. Once the new run is in, periodic dryer vent cleaning keeps it clear. Property managers with several units can ask about dryer vent work for rental properties.
What the visit covers
Birds and debris can block the outside hood completely. Lint is highly flammable and collects in long or crushed vent runs.
Check the run
The connector, wall duct and outside hood are looked at, and airflow is checked.
Clean
Rotary brushes and air move lint out of the whole run.
Clear the hood
The outside termination is cleaned and its flap checked.
Re-test
Airflow is checked again and the dryer is reconnected.
Checked on every visit
- Connector behind the dryer
- Joints and foil tape
- Outside hood, flap and screen
- Vent length and number of bends
- Crushed or kinked sections
- Airflow at the outside hood
Burning smell?
If you smell burning while the dryer runs, turn it off and unplug it until the vent is checked.
Getting ready for the visit
- If the dryer isn't overheating or smelling of burning, you can run an empty load first to compare airflow before and after.
- Clear space around the dryer so it can be pulled out.
- Make sure the outside vent hood can be reached.
When to book dryer vent repair & replacement
- A burning smell when the dryer runs
- The outside flap barely opens when the dryer is on
- Clothes take two cycles to dry
- Lint around the outside vent hood or behind the dryer
- The dryer or laundry room gets very hot
