How Much Does Dryer Vent Installation Cost in 2025?
Dryer vent installation costs an average of $200
Dryer vent installation costs can be as low as $80 or reach $1,000 in some cases, with an average cost of $200.
Key factors include material choice, vent length, and project complexity.
Dryer vent installation directs warm, moist air outdoors, reducing mold risk and energy costs.
Proper installation safeguards against fire hazards and promotes dryer efficiency.
Working with a professional ensures code compliance and long-term peace of mind.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Dryer vent installation costs range from $80 to $1,000, with an average of $200 or between $140 and $600. That works out to an average of $12.50 to $15 per linear foot. Factor in your location, vent length, and duct material early so you can set a realistic budget and keep the project safe and on track. Since this project requires cutting into your home’s exterior, hiring a professional helps ensure code compliance and protects against risks such as mold or higher energy bills.
Dryer Vent Installation Cost Factors
Several important pricing factors can impact how much your dryer vent installation costs, including the material and type of dryer vent, as well as whether it vents to the outside or inside of your home.
Interior vs. Exterior
If venting outside isn’t feasible, a pro can install an indoor vent box for $100 to $175. If you are adding a clothes dryer to your home for the first time, include the price of adding a vent in your total dryer installation cost.
Material
Dryer vent installation costs depend on the type of vent and the material you choose. PVC is the most budget-friendly option, while metal is the most expensive.
| Material | Average Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|
| PVC | $125 |
| Plastic | $175 |
| Metal | $250 |
PVC
PVC ducts average $125. They’re affordable and quick to install, but heat can make them brittle, so they don’t last as long as metal.
Plastic
Plastic dryer vent installation costs an average of $175. Like PVC, plastic vents can turn brittle after long exposure to heat and moisture. However, they last longer than PVC, although not as long as metal. Plastic dryer ducts are a good middle-of-the-road option.
Metal
Metal dryer vent installation costs $250. These dryer ducts are made of lightweight, rigid metal like aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. These tough, rigid dryer vents are a great option if you need a longer-than-usual vent and want to conceal it, as they can run through walls and under floors. They're also considerably more robust and longer-lasting than PVC or plastic.
Duct Type
The three main types of dryer ducts are slim, semi-rigid, and rigid. The cost depends on the type of dryer vent you need. While you may prefer one type over another, depending on your home's setup and your dryer's location, you may not get a choice. Remember, clothes dryer vents must allow unobstructed and frictionless airflow to work properly. Your dryer vent installation pro will advise you on the best type for your needs.
| Duct Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Slim | $150 |
| Semi-rigid | $225 |
| Rigid | $275 |
Slim
Slim dryer ducts cost an average of $150. The price depends on the duct’s length and the accessibility of the installation site. Slim ducts—or flat ducts—are a popular choice for use in tight or compact spaces.
Semi-Rigid
Semi-rigid dryer vent installation costs an average of $225. These ducts are often aluminum and have straight, rigid sections connected by a flexible section to allow you to bend the duct around corners
Rigid
Rigid dryer ducts cost $275, on average. This is the only duct type allowed for concealed installations. Rigid vents are rectangular and wider than they are tall. Elbow joints are necessary to connect sections of rigid duct for maneuvering around corners. Pros can install and conceal them beneath floors, behind walls, and above ceilings, as well as install them unconcealed. Rigid vents are the most durable type of dryer duct and are commonly made from galvanized or stainless steel.
Cost per Linear Foot
Dryer vent installation costs between $12.50 and $15 per linear foot, all-in. A standard eight-foot hose costs between $100 and $120, while a 35-foot hose (the maximum permissible length) costs $280 to $300.
The most efficient duct installation requires the shortest possible length of straight tubing. If the eight-foot option isn't long enough, consider a 12-foot duct at $130 to $150 or a 20-foot duct at $200 to $220 before you jump to 35 feet.
Shorter ductwork also saves you money in the long run, reducing your annual dryer vent cleaning cost. It also creates fewer spaces where dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate to form clogs and potential fire hazards.
Labor
Expect to pay $40 to $140 for two to four hours of installation labor for standard installations. Most pros also charge a minimum service fee equivalent to one to two hours of labor. Long, more complex ductwork costs more to install than simple, short dryer vents. The labor rate shifts with your exterior material. Cutting through vinyl or metal siding costs less than working on stucco or log walls.
In most cases, your local dryer contractor can handle the job from start to finish. If you must hire a specialty contractor to cut or repair the opening in your home’s exterior, they will charge separately.
Cost by Location in the Home
The location of your clothes dryer also helps decide the project price. Installations near exterior walls are quicker and less expensive, as they require less time and piping. Hollow walls and those made of lighter materials cost less than running a vent through solid walls, floors, and roof spaces.
Vent and Duct Replacement Costs
When estimating dryer vent replacement costs, expect basic materials to run between $10 and $25. A standard dryer vent replacement costs between $100 and $300, including materials and installation.
Unless you are relocating the exterior dryer vent, the overall project costs less because your contractor will not need to cut into the exterior of your home. Your home warranty may also cover some replacement costs.
Other Repairs
Most dryer vent installations don’t require any additional repairs or modifications, but you may need to consider added costs in some scenarios. There may be instances where you’ll need to budget for the price of replacing drywall or the cost of siding repairs.
In most cases, your dryer contractor can handle the job from start to finish. If you must hire a specialty contractor to cut or repair the opening in your home’s exterior, they will charge separately.
Dryer Vent Replacement vs. Repair
If damage is minor and confined to one spot, a small repair may be all you need. In many cases, though, swapping in new ductwork costs less than trying to patch the old vent. If you have clogged or broken ductwork, it may be easier to install a new dryer duct rather than trying to repair it. Ask your dryer vent pro for recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Budgeting for Dryer Vent Installation
When it comes time to replace an old dryer vent or install a brand-new dryer duct, there are effective strategies to keep your total costs in check:
Get detailed estimates from at least three local pros to compare pricing and levels of service.
Evaluate the pros and cons of various types of dryer vents, considering their initial cost and anticipated lifespan.
Pay for annual inspections and dryer vent cleaning to identify potential damage and minimize the risk of clogged ducts.
Ask your dryer vent contractor about guarantees or warranties on their work if the dryer duct requires repairs in the future.
Choose the shortest, simplest route for your dryer vent to reach outside your home.
Opt for an exterior-venting dryer duct whenever possible.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dryer vent allows warm, moist air from inside the clothes dryer unit to escape to the outdoors. Without one, the warm air and moisture remain in your home, leading to mold, rot, and higher cooling bills over time. This project requires cutting a hole in the exterior of your home, so you should hire a professional contractor or carpenter to perform the work.
Use rigid metal when the duct runs behind walls, under floors, or through ceilings—it’s durable and clears lint efficiently. Semi‑rigid metal works well for short, visible sections that need a little flexibility. Your installer will match the material to the layout, but steer clear of flexible foil or vinyl hoses, as they can trap lint and increase the fire risk.
In tight spaces—a compact laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom—a slim or periscope duct lets the dryer sit close to the wall and still vent efficiently. This approach permits the dryer to sit close to the wall while ensuring efficient airflow. Slim vents offer a wide, rectangular design that fits perfectly in confined areas and can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. If allowed by local codes, surface-mounted ductwork further enhances accessibility and safety.
Plan on hiring a dryer vent cleaning professional to visit your home once a year to keep airflow strong and reduce fire risk. Large households or extra‑long vents may need a check every six months. Regular service sweeps out lint, spots damage early, and helps the dryer run more efficiently.
Qualified professionals for dryer vent installation include HVAC installers who deliver unmatched expertise for safe, secure installations. Experienced handypersons, plumbers, and roofers also perform these projects when the job is simple or when the vent pathway is clearly accessible. An HVAC installer guarantees a proper, code-compliant installation. For complex installations involving concealed ducts or challenging routes, always choose a specialist with a solid track record.
The maximum allowable dryer vent length is set at 25 to 35 feet by local building codes. Any 90-degree turn in the vent layout reduces this maximum by five feet. This exact measurement ensures efficient airflow and minimizes lint buildup, thereby enhancing safety. Adhere to your local code requirements to guarantee a proper and safe installation.
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