lugged dryer vents are common on almost all inspections.
The lint/dust that plugs these vents represents a significant fire hazard and should be maintained free of debris. Any homeowner/handyman can do this—-as long as they are accessible. Every persons use of dryers and the types of clothing they dry is different, so determining how often to clean them requires some cleaning “history”. Clean them as often as necessary. If they are clean and the flap works properly and isn’t stuck open they are most likely fine. The line to the vent cap should also be maintained clean—but I will save that for another post.
Some “types” of vent caps are prone to frequent clogging. They should NOT be screened. Screens and grille type covers will clog the vent cap much quicker.
Besides the obvious fire hazard—-plugged dryer vents will make your dryer run longer to dry the clothes. This is a tremendous waste of energy and creates higher energy bills.
Another problem can be location of the vent caps. Can you get to the cap easily to maintain it? Vent caps at the steep roof of a three story townhouse for example will not be accessible to the average homeowner (many inspectors won’t even go on these roofs). These inaccessible vents should either be relocated to more accessible location or some sort of maintenance plan should be set up with qualified maintenance persons to keep the caps clean.
I also am not a fan of louvered-type vent caps—the little louvers bend due to heat and then don’t open all the way which leads to clogging.
Do you know the condition of your dryer vent cap—-or even where it is?
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Hi … The louvers on the cover of my dryer vent which is on an exterior wall of my frame house have deterioated with bits and pieces broken off. I read your article. You said you didn’t like the louvered covers and the grills or screens do not seem to be a favorite of yours. I am wondering what kind you would suggest. (Did I miss that?) All I need is a cover that fits over the vent and flush against the house… no pipes included. The pipe measures 3 1/2 inches across. Any suggestions for types or, any suggestions at all? Please add me to your mailing list. Thanks.
Loise, just get a single flap type cap. They come in a plastic cap attached to a short section of metal pipe or they come in a metal cap attached to a metal pipe. Any time will need to be maintained—just make sure that there is no screen or grille that covers the opening.
Also, all three of the caps in this post are single flap type—they just should not have the screens/grilles installed that you see in the pictures. The bottom one has no screen but needs cleaning.
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Thanks, Charles. Now I just have to find a place in town where I can buy one.
I subscribed. 🙂
Louise, I am sure you can find them at Home Depot or Lowes type stores.
Charles, I bought this at Lowes. I’m hoping it’s going to be easy to install. Right now I have a hole in the side of the house with a towel stuffed in it to keep the ‘critters’ out. I’m new at this ‘game’. 🙂 Thanks for your input.
4″ Imperial Dryer Vent Cap
•Easy-to-install replacement vent cap
•Includes 3″ crimped mounting pipe
•Wide mouth anti-gust hood design
•Single damper prevents back-flow of exhaust air
•Hinged access guard for easy cleaning
•Ideal for dryer and bath fan venting
•UV resistant paintable plastic
Model #: VTL0015
Sounds good—just throw away the “hinged access guard” 🙂
Got ‘er done! Had to make a minor adjustment to the size of the hole in the side of the house but other than that, everything went slick as a whistle. I’ll probably leave the guard on for a while just to see how much lint is coming through. It will most likely end up in the trash later. Thanks again for your advice. Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays to you, your family and your viewers. 🙂
What? No picture? 🙂 Glad it worked out.