The type of professional who installs dryer vents depends on where the vent is being installed. In most cases, a general contractor can tackle this project. Other potential pros to hire include an HVAC technician, roofer, or plumber. A homeowner may be able to install a dryer vent themselves if a hole is already present; otherwise, this is a job best left to a pro.
When I was renovating my laundry room last year, I faced the same dilemma: no dryer vent in the new spot I picked. I learned quickly that choosing the right professional depends on the vent’s location and the complexity of the job. For instance, if you’re dealing with a straightforward exterior wall setup, it’s usually less involved than routing through a roof. According to industry estimates, about 70% of dryer vent installations are handled by general contractors due to their versatility in handling structural modifications. This makes sense since they’re often already on-site for renovations. If you’re unsure who to call, start with a contractor and ask about their experience with dryer vents specifically—it’ll save you headaches later.
Who Installs Dryer Vents?
Q: As part of a recent home renovation project, I decided to move my washer and dryer to another part of the house. The only problem is, there is no dryer vent in the location I had in mind, so I’ll need to have a new one put in place. Who installs dryer vents?
A: Dryer vents are completely essential to a dryer’s function—the best dryer vents capture all the heat and moisture the unit creates, then redirect it outdoors. This prevents the home from getting too steamy while the dryer is running, which by extension keeps mold and mildew at bay. If you move into a home that does not have a dryer vent installed yet, or you’re relocating the dryer, an opening will need to be created in the wall or roof where the air can escape through the vent’s ductwork. If a vent already exists, all that is needed is dryer vent hose installation. Luckily, there are a few different professionals who can perform these tasks. Here’s who installs dryer vents depending on the situation.
I can’t stress enough how vital a proper dryer vent is. Beyond mold prevention, it’s about safety—clogged vents cause thousands of house fires annually, with the U.S. Fire Administration reporting over 2,900 dryer-related fires each year. When I moved my dryer, I was tempted to DIY the hose hookup, but cutting a new vent hole? No way. The science here is simple: dryers produce hot, moist air that needs to escape efficiently. A poorly installed vent can trap lint or let in critters, which is why pros are usually the way to go unless you’re just replacing an existing hose.
In Most Cases, a General Contractor Is the Best Person to Install a Dryer Vent
Most often, a general contractor is the one to call for dryer vent installation. If there is no existing ductwork in the area where the dryer vent is being installed, the contractor will need to cut through both the interior and exterior of the wall where the vent will be located to direct air outside. If the room with the dryer is in the middle of the home or does not have an exterior wall, the contractor may need to cut through more than one wall or go through the floor. They can then feed the dryer vent duct through the hole and secure it in place. This project typically takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Contractors can also help homeowners decide how to make the best use of the space, whether that includes figuring out the best dryer vent hose for a tight space or installing dryer vent elbow or a venting box for the dryer.
When I hired a contractor for my dryer vent, he suggested a flexible aluminum hose for my tight laundry nook, which was a game-changer for fitting everything in. General contractors are great because they’re used to juggling multiple aspects of a project. They can also recommend vent covers that keep out rain and pests—something I hadn’t even considered. A tip I picked up: make sure the contractor uses a rigid or semi-rigid duct instead of those flimsy plastic ones, as they’re less prone to lint buildup and last longer. The cost for this kind of job usually starts around $80 for simple setups, but it can climb if you’ve got tricky walls or need extra ductwork.
HVAC Technicians Can Also Install Dryer Vents
An HVAC professional may be the first person who comes to mind when a homeowner considers who installs dryer vents, and many HVAC companies do indeed offer this service. However, most technicians are primarily experienced with maintenance such as vent cleaning, replacement, and repairs. Dryer vent installation is a little different, as it can involve cutting holes in walls, floors, or even roofs, so homeowners need to be confident that the professional they choose can make these changes without doing damage to the home. Homeowners will want to ask the HVAC technician if they perform dryer vent installation regularly before scheduling their services.
I called an HVAC guy once for a vent cleaning and asked if he could handle a new installation. He was honest—his team mostly did cleanings but could install if the job was simple. That taught me to always double-check a technician’s experience with installations specifically. HVAC pros are awesome for maintenance, but cutting through walls isn’t always their forte. If you go this route, ask for references or photos of past vent installs. Also, since HVAC systems and dryers both deal with airflow, these pros often know the best vent designs to optimize performance, which can cut down on drying times and energy costs—potentially saving you 10-20% on your electric bill.
Roofers Can Install Dryer Vents if You Want to Route the Vent Through the Roof
If the dryer will be located on the top floor of the home, the vent will probably need to be routed through the roof as opposed to an exterior wall. This is a more complex project that should be carried out by an experienced roofer. The roofer will need to drill a hole through the ceiling and the roof that opens up to the outside, run the dryer vent pipe through this new opening, then seal the hole in the roof with flashing and an outdoor dryer vent cover to prevent leaks. The additional roofing work, as well as any safety equipment like scaffolding, will increase the installation cost, which may be as high as $1,000.
Routing through the roof sounds intense, and it is. My neighbor went this route, and the roofer had to use special flashing to prevent leaks, which jacked up the cost. Roof installations are pricier because of the extra labor and materials—think waterproof seals and weather-resistant covers. A pro roofer once told me that a poorly sealed roof vent can let in enough water to ruin your insulation over time, so don’t skimp here. If your dryer’s upstairs, ask the roofer about vent pipe insulation to prevent condensation, which can mess with your dryer’s efficiency and lead to mold issues.
Some Plumbers May Be Able to Install Dryer Vents
Since plumbers are often called in to install washers and dryers in a home, some plumbers will also install dryer vents. If a homeowner is having water lines routed for a washer, it may make sense to find a professional who can perform both of these services at once. Homeowners will want to confirm with the plumber that they have experience with this particular project before hiring their services.
When I had my washer hooked up, the plumber offered to handle the dryer vent too, which saved me from coordinating with another pro. It’s convenient, but not all plumbers are vent experts, so I made sure to ask about their experience first. A neat trick I learned: if you’re getting both washer and dryer installed, bundling the services can sometimes knock a bit off the total cost—maybe $20-50 depending on the plumber. Just ensure they know the right vent size and duct material to avoid any airflow issues down the line.
Dryer Vent Installation Requires a Pro Touch
While some homeowners might consider dryer vent installation to be a simple project they can do themselves, it’s usually a good idea to leave this job to a qualified professional. If the home has already been fitted with a dryer vent, a DIYer could take on dryer vent replacement without too much trouble. But creating a new hole in a wall or the roof is risky business. A mistake as small as using the wrong dryer vent size could make the home vulnerable to pests, water damage, and even fires. Rather than leaving it up to chance, homeowners will want to consider having an experienced contractor, HVAC technician, roofer, or plumber take care of dryer vent installation.
I’m all for DIY projects, but after watching a friend botch a vent install and deal with a pest problem, I’d say leave it to the pros unless it’s just swapping a hose. A tiny mistake, like a misaligned duct, can let in rodents or cause lint buildup, which is a fire waiting to happen. Pros have the tools and know-how to get the measurements right. Plus, they often warranty their work, which gives peace of mind. If you’re set on DIY, at least invest in a quality vent kit—those $20 ones at the hardware store are worth the small splurge to avoid headaches.
Installing a Dryer Vent Could Cost as Little as $80 or as Much as $1,000
Depending on the complexity of the project, the price for a dryer vent installation can fall within a wide range. A straightforward installation where the dryer will back up to an exterior wall usually falls around $80. Homeowners can expect to add about $50 to $150 to this price if the exterior wall is made of a dense material like stone or brick that is more difficult to cut through. Jobs where the ductwork needs to be routed through the floor, roof, or multiple walls will cost between $500 and $1,000, with roof vent installation being the most expensive.
The cost range is wild, I know. My simple exterior wall vent cost me $100, but a buddy with a roof setup paid closer to $800. If you’re budgeting, factor in the wall material—brick or stone can bump things up because it’s tougher to cut. Also, longer duct runs mean more materials and labor, so get a detailed quote upfront. A cost-saving tip: if you’re renovating, plan your dryer’s location near an exterior wall to keep things cheap and simple. And don’t forget to account for future cleanings—those can run $50-100 a pop but save you from costly repairs.
Regularly Cleaning a Dryer Vent Can Help You Avoid an Unnecessary Replacement
Once the dryer vent is installed, homeowners will want to use the best dryer vent cleaning kits or regularly schedule professional cleanings. Most experts recommend having the dryer vent cleaned once or twice a year. Not only will this keep the dryer at peak performance, but it is also an important safety measure since dryer vent hoses that are clogged with lint and other debris are a significant fire hazard. Vent cleaning is also a great opportunity to check for punctures in the dryer vent ducts and repair or replace them if necessary.
I learned the hard way that skipping vent cleanings is a bad idea—my dryer started taking forever to dry clothes, and it turned out the vent was half-clogged with lint. Regular cleanings aren’t just about performance; they’re a safety must. The National Fire Protection Association says lint buildup is a leading cause of dryer fires, so I set a reminder to clean mine every six months. A decent cleaning kit costs about $30, and it’s super easy to use—just don’t forget to check the exterior vent cover for blockages too. If you go pro, shop around; prices vary, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.