5 Different Types of Dryer Vent Hoses and How to Choose One

Reviewed by Deane BiermeierFact checked by Jillian Dara

Dryer vent hoses exhaust humid dryer air to the outdoors. There are four common dryer vent hoses and tubes to choose from, plus a fifth dryer hose that you should always avoid. If none of those work, you might be able to go ventless—but you'll need a special kind of dryer for that.

Semi-Rigid Metal Duct

Pros

• Simple installation

• Less ribbing than foil

• Inexpensive

Cons

• No wall concealent

• Short runs

• Crushes easily

Semi-rigid metal (usually aluminum) duct tubing is flexible and similar to foil tubing but quite a bit more rigid. Like foil duct tubing, semi-rigid duct tubing should be used only for the transition ducting running from the dryer outlet to the main duct, and it cannot be concealed in walls or floors. It is typically installed with clamps, which make it easier to remove for cleaning. Semi-rigid metal duct is often stronger and has a smoother interior (catches less lint) than foil duct.

Semi-rigid metal duct is also inexpensive. This type of duct tubing has some inner corrugation and thus tends to trap some lint. Semi-rigid tubing should be used for the entire duct run—dryer outlet to exhaust vent hood— only if the duct run is quite short and direct (less than 8 feet), only if it is exposed rather than hidden, and only if your local code allows such use.

Tip

If using flexible duct tubing, cut it down to the shortest length necessary to make the transition between the dryer outlet and the rigid duct or vent hood outlet. This allows for minimal bending or sagging, making it less likely the tubing will trap lint.

Rigid Metal Duct

Pros

• Long runs

• Durable

• High volume

Cons

• Expensive

• Tricky installation

• Not flexible

Rigid metal ducts are the only suitable duct material for concealed duct installations—that is, ductwork that runs inside walls, floors, or other enclosed areas.

Available in aluminum and galvanized steel, rigid metal ducts are smooth on their interior walls. This means that air flows through with little friction. Of all of the dryer duct materials, rigid metal ducts catch the least amount of lint.

Rigid metal ducts are more expensive than other types, but they are durable and efficient. Building codes generally allow for runs as long as 35 feet, compared to the 8-foot maximum for flexible transition tubing.

Adjustable metal elbows, also with smooth walls, can be used to transition between the rigid vent and the dryer outlet on one end and the vent hood on the other end. This configuration—with a smooth-walled vent running from the dryer all the way to the vent hood outlet—makes for the very best installation.

Working with rigid metal ducts and adjustable collars can be a bit tricky, however, so some homeowners will opt to have the installation done by a professional.

Warning

Always use metal duct tape to secure the joints; don't use screws, because they can catch lint. Do not use regular plastic duct tape because it dries out and deteriorates.

Slim Duct

Pros

• Dryer flat against wall

• Saves space

• Difficult to damage

Cons

• Complex to install

• Expensive

• Less volume than rigid ducting

Slim duct, sometimes called a periscope duct, is a telescoping rigid aluminum tubing used to make transition ducting in tight spaces. It has a wide rectangular shape except for the two ends connecting to the dryer and the vent outlet, which have round collars.

Slim duct allows you to push the dryer close to the wall. This can be a space-saver as long as the dryer and the exhaust vent hood are close together.

Most slim ducts can be adjusted from about 27 inches to about 48 inches in length. It is also adaptable to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal installations.

Slim ducts are a bit more expensive, but they offer a good option where wall clearance is a problem. They can be tricky to install and sometimes use short lengths of semi-rigid flexible tubing for transitions.

Aluminum Foil Duct

Pros

• Inexpensive

• Simple to install

• Flexible

Cons

• Punctures easily

• Collects lint

• No in-wall concealment

Made of flexible aluminum foil with an embedded spiral wire for reinforcement, this type of duct is appropriate for transitioning from the appliance to the main rigid duct that runs to the outdoor vent hood outlet. It generally should not be used for the entire duct run.

Foil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations. Double-check to ensure this type is approved for your dryer model and allowed by local code.

Transition ducts cannot be concealed inside walls or other building cavities and usually have a maximum allowed length of eight feet. Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or large hose clamps. Metal tape can also be used to secure the flexible aluminum duct, too, but clamps make it easier to remove the tubing for cleaning.

Aluminum foil duct is inexpensive and relatively easy to work with, but its ribbed walls can trap lint, a potential fire hazard.

Tip

The best way to ensure a duct is safe for your installation is to look for a product that is listed, or certified, by a national testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Building codes often specify "listed" or "L and L" (listed and labeled) duct for all new installations.

Plastic or Vinyl Duct

Flexible plastic (usually vinyl) ducts are similar to aluminum foil ducts but have a thin plastic wall rather than metal foil. Once common, plastic vent hoses are not allowed by many building codes.

If the duct becomes blocked with lint, the duct can become very hot and potentially catch fire. This hazard has resulted in numerous house fires. Plastic duct is the least-safe option, and you will not find a UL-listed product made of this material. The bottom line: don't use it.

What About Ventless Dryers?

While it's preferable to vent the dryer exhaust outside of the home, a ventless dryer is an option when venting is not possible.

Ventless dryers require no vent hose or penetration on the side or roof of the house. Water from the clothing is collected in a condensate tray. The tray can be removed and poured out in the nearest sink. Other ventless dryers automatically remove the water with hoses to a drain point.

How to Choose a Dryer Vent Hose

Dryer vent hoses are relatively inexpensive, so buying the type that's best for your home makes sense—not buying the cheapest one. Some considerations:

• It is generally best to choose tubular rigid metal duct tubing for as much of the duct run as possible. This type provides the greatest air volume and offers few, if any, inner obstructions to catch flammable lint.

• A slim metal duct is the next best choice where wall clearance is an issue. It, too, has smooth walls that won't trap lint. The air volume may be slightly poorer than with a tubular metal duct.

• Semi-flexible metal duct is a good choice for the transition ducting that runs from the dryer outlet to the rigid metal duct, as it can be bent to form fairly smooth elbow and curve shapes.

• The worst choices are flexible vinyl or plastic duct and foil hoses. Both tend to trap lint. Between the two—plastic or foil—foil is preferable because it is nonflammable. Plastic duct hoses can easily melt if heat buildup becomes too great.

Tip

It is a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning your dryer vent regularly—annual cleaning is best. There are a variety of inexpensive accessories that allow you to use brush out the inside of dryer vents and vacuum them free of trapped lint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of dryer vent hose?

A rigid metal duct tends to be the best type of dryer vent hose. This tube provides a straight, direct line to the outside. Its inner wall is smooth, and it lacks the ribs found in flexible dryer hoses.

Can I use flex hose for dryer vent?

You can use a flex hose for a dryer vent as long as it's either an aluminum flex hose or a metal foil flex tube. Do not use a vinyl or plastic flex hose for a dryer vent.

Can you run dryer without vent hose?

You cannot run a dryer without a vent hose. Venting a dryer into the home without a vent house or an outlet to the exterior is contrary to many local codes, creates moisture, circulates lint, and is potentially dangerous. If you cannot vent the dryer outside, look into purchasing a ventless dryer.

How to Clean Your Dryer Vent Ducts

Read the original article on The Spruce.