Most people don’t think about where their dryer vents are unless they put them in the wrong place. Vents are one of the essential parts of any dryer system and where you install them will have a lot of say on how the appliance works and if it causes issues for you in the long run. 

One of the most important things to remember is that outside is always better, meaning having your dryer vents lead to the outside. Because this means the hot and damp air gets expelled out of your home helping you prevent humidity and dangers in the house. 

What are the most common locations to put a dryer vent?

1. On the exterior wall near the appliance 
2. The outside facing wall of your laundry room 
3. Basement or attic 

Remember: Moist vent ducts are capped at 25 feet, so you need to consider this distance when installing your new dryer. It’s also recommended that ducts be short and straight to reduce debris building up and becoming a fire hazard. 

What are the best dryer vent locations?

• Any exterior wall, as long as it up to code. Some communities may have restrictions on where you can place dryer vents so confirm before installing. 

Exterior walls allow you to vent to the outside and keep the hot air from affecting your home. 

• Through the basement to the outside. Many people choose to set up their laundry room in the basement but you have to watch out for humidity and fire hazards. Make sure you can still vent your dryer to the exterior and prevent humidity from accumulating in your basement. 

Since ventilation is harder in below-ground dark spaces a dryer vent not connected to the exterior can soon turn into a huge home problem. 

• Though the roof to the exterior. Just like with basements, you can set up the laundry room up top but make sure it can let out its ventilation to the outside not the inside of your home. 

• Use a window. This is a last-case scenario type of ventilation solution. It looks a bit DIY and you lose full use of a window but if you must you can ventilate outs a window for a period of time while you professional help for your dryer. 

What you should never use for dryer vents?

• Putting your vent next to an outdoor appliance. Too many risks, moisture from venting the air, heat, and electricity combined is not a great idea. 
• Crawl spaces or tightly locked-in spaces are a huge NO. It creates moist air and possible structure and fire risks.
• Inside garages. 
• Putting ventilation across a home, as we said vents should be short and straight. 

 Make sure you get the right appliance service or take your time to get the job done properly, this lowers all the risks associated with vents and makes your home safer.