Dryer Vent Installation - Do It Yourself
Proper dryer ventilation is a necessity for anyone who owns a dryer. Of course, most people never have to think about their dryer ventilation system. They purchase their home and it comes preinstalled: no thought needed. However, there are times that a completely new dryer vent installation is needed for one reason or the other. Whether it is due to the age of the dryer vent system, or you just never had a dryer vent system, it comes in handy knowing how to do this yourself. Installation is easy and just about anyone can make this happen.
Usually, the first thing you should do is purchase a dryer vent kit. I know, I know: kits are so expensive! Surprisingly, dryer vent kits usually cost no more than $10 USD for a simple installation, and under $50 USD for the most complicated. There is no reason not to have the proper dryer ventilation when they are this inexpensive.
Finding a dryer vent kit is easy. Stop by any retail chain such as Home Depot or Wal-Mart, you will find any number of dryer vent kits. Of course, most dryer vent kits only have a few options in sizes. So, before you go shopping, make sure to take a tape measure the vent hole opening on your dryer. Another avenue of purchasing a dryer vent kit is the Internet. There you can get them cheap and they will usually arrive in only a few short days.
Once you have ordered and received your dryer vent kit, then the first thing you need to do is read the instructions. I know that reading instructions ranks right up there with getting teeth pulled in the excitement category, but it is a necessary evil that must be endured. Make sure you have the proper tools. If you have to cut your own hole for the ventilation system, this may complicate things. However, usually all that is needed for the average installation is a screw driver. Of course, there are going to be times where this gets more complicated if you don't own a screw driver.
Usually, you will want to remove the old dryer ventilation system all at once. Make sure to take a look at how you are doing this. You will be doing the reverse for your new dryer vent installation. Clean all of the connections you can see. Oh yes, unplugging the dryer is usually a good idea. Never stick your arm into the vent hole on your dryer. Never. Ever. This is a bad idea. Just clean the exterior parts as well as you can.
Now you attach the clamps first. Do not tighten them, just rest them where they belong. Then, you get to connect the duct vent. This is pretty explanatory. However, try to make it a short trip for your dryer duct. The shorter, the better. Then you get to tighten the clamps and move the dryer into place. Take a moment to stand in awe at your accomplishment. Now you get to attach the hood outside. Follow the instructions and this is easy.
As is obvious, dryer vent installation is easy and takes very little time. When something as simple as proper dryer ventilation can save the life of someone in your family, it is a shame that more people do not benefit from purchasing a simple dryer vent kit.
