Ultimate Guide to The Best Dryer Vent Covers
“All our reviews of dryer vent products are from experienced professionals that have over two decades of experience in the industry. Our articles are not written by bloggers whose only goal is clicks and profit.”
- Totally Clean
- February 27, 2024
Choosing the right dryer vent exhaust cap for your appliance is essential to your dryer’s efficiency, monthly utility bills and safety of your home and family. Replacing or installing a new dryer vent cover isn’t as straightforward as it seems. There are many different types of dryer vents to choose from that solve a variety of different problems.
As a homeowner you need to identify and understand the difference between the various types of vent caps on the market and choose the best one for your home. If you choose the wrong type of vent cap or hoses for your interior or exterior it can become a fire hazard, overheat your dryer, allow animals and insects in, restrict air flow and allow cold air in your laundry room.
Dryer vents work by expelling heat from your dryer through flame retardant ducting that exhausts to the exterior or interior of your home. Some vents have flaps, louvers and guards that keep out birds, mice and insects. Many exhaust vents with pest guards on the market are major fire hazards if you do not clean the lint out of the guards after each load.
If you are planning on replacing your dryer vent or installing a new cap, then read on to select the right dryer vent for your home.
- BEST OVERALL WALL VENT: InOvate Dryer Wall Vent
- BEST LOUVERED VENT: Deflecto Supurr Louvered Vent Cover
- BEST ALUMINUM VENT: Funmit Outdoor Stainless Steel Louvered Vent Cover
- BEST PEST CONTROL VENT COVER: Deflecto Wide Mouth Pest Control Cover
- BEST PERISCOPE VENT: Heartland Periscope Outdoor Dryer Vent
- BEST DRYER TRANSITION DUCT HOSE: AC Infinity Aluminum Transition Hose
- BEST INDOOR DRYER EXHAUST VENT: BetterVent Indoor Dryer Vent Kit
How to choose the right dryer vent cover
When choosing the right dryer vent cover, you need to determine if you need a vent cover for indoor or outdoor, where your dryer vent terminates on the exterior, the material the dryer vent is made of, the size of ducting, safety, and ease of installation.
Outdoor Dryer Caps
Dryer vents should always exhaust to the exterior of the home. An outside dryer vent is the safest and most efficient way to expel the heat and lint your dryer produces. Outdoor dryer vents attach to the outer walls of your home and connect to the dryer ducting that runs in between your walls and joists. They are typically located on the side of the house or on the roof.
Your drying appliance creates heat to dry your clothing, and the damp air needs to be vented properly through the transition hose that connects the dryer, the ducting in the walls, and the outside dryer vent cap. Depending on where your dryer vents are located on the exterior of your home is a factor when choosing a dryer vent cover replacement.
Indoor Dryer Caps
Unfortunately, some home builders overlook the home’s design and forget to route the clothes dryer vent ducting. Therefore, you are left to exhaust the lint and heat inside your home. This type of indoor venting is extremely discouraged, and you should hire a contractor to see if they can find a way to exhaust the dryer heat to the outside.
If it is not possible, a few indoor dryer vent kits that will work are fairly safe. When you have an indoor dryer vent, you must take the time to maintain it very regularly to avoid moisture damage and lint escaping that could become flammable.
Location of Termination
During the planning process of adding a new dryer vent cap outside or inside, a homeowner should know where the dryer exhausts on the interior or exterior of the home. There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a dryer vent cap for your home.
Side of House
Typically, a well-constructed home will have the dryer vent system installed with galvanized steel ducting that terminates on the side of the home. This is the best way to route a dryer vent. If your dryer vent is exhausting to the exterior of the home and on the side of a house, then you will want to choose a dryer vent cap that is either plastic or metal.
The dryer vent cap may need some sort of pest guard on it to prevent mice, birds, and other animals from burrowing in the ducting. If you choose a pest guard to put over your dryer vent, then make sure you can easily remove the pest guard and clean it out regularly. If you do not, it will become a fire hazard. Make sure the pest guard is removable!
Roof
Some dryers have outdoor venting that is located on the roof. There really isn’t a roof vent that we recommend because they are all designed for ventilation of kitchen and bathroom vapors. If you have no choice but to route your dryer vent to the roof, then make sure the flap moves freely and no wire mesh is covering the vent. If there is a wire mesh, cut it away so it does not trap the lint being expelled from your laundry machine.
Getting your dryer vent cleaned by a company is expensive when it is located on the roof and presents the biggest risk of roof damage and fires.
Southern Facing Vents or Direct Sun Exposure
Plastic dryer vent covers are discouraged if you are looking for a long-lasting dryer vent cover. Plastic dryer vents do not fare well when there is excessive sun exposure. They will become dried out, brittle, and cracked, resulting in a dryer vent hood that is exposed to the outdoor elements. If you are installing a dryer vent cover on the south-facing side of your home, you should choose a metal or aluminum dryer vent.
Plastic vs. Metal vs Aluminum Vent Covers
As mentioned above, the type of material your dryer vent hood is constructed from plays an important determining factor. We will provide you with a few pros and cons of each type.
| Vent Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Vents | – Economical, reliable performance, easily found in local stores | – Lacks durability, has a short lifespan, frequent replacements can be costly |
| Metal Vents | – Durable over time, can be customized with paint to match home exterior, excellent for preventing pest intrusion and weather protection | – Higher initial cost, can rust which may interfere with functionality, not as readily available in retail stores |
| Aluminum Vents | – Resistant to cracking unlike plastic, more affordable compared to metal options | – Installation can be hazardous due to sharp edges, low aesthetic appeal, flap issues may arise due to bending or clogging with debris |
Size of Ducting
You will run across two sizes of vent covers when making a purchase. The two sizes are 4-inch and 6-inch diameter covers. The larger 6-inch vent cover is meant to only be used with kitchen and bathroom exhaust vents. Only the 4-inch vent should be used with dryer vents.
When deciding which size vent cover to choose, make sure you measure the opening of your current ducting. If your home was constructed with a 6-inch dryer ducting, you may want to consider replacing the ducting with 4 inches. This is the proper diameter to meet local residential building codes. Your dryer needs a 4-inch opening to properly move the airflow from your dryer to the exterior.
Dryer Vent Efficiency, Maintenance and Safety
Selecting an appropriate dryer vent cover is paramount for optimizing appliance efficiency, ensuring safety, and facilitating maintenance. Here’s an in-depth look:
- Efficiency and Safety Analysis: The table below outlines the differences in efficiency and safety ratings across various dryer vent cover types. Adhering to local safety regulations is crucial for compliance and protection.
- Maintenance Best Practices: Regular maintenance is crucial for performance and safety. The frequency and cost of maintenance may vary depending on the type of vent cover, as some are more prone to lint buildup than others.
- Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Opt for a dryer vent cover that either easily detaches from your home’s siding or has flaps/louvers designed for straightforward removal. This design is vital for maintaining and cleaning activities every 6 to 12 months. The ability to remove flaps or louvers is especially important for those intending to clean their dryer vents independently.
| Vent Cover Type | Efficiency Level | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Cover | High | Excellent |
| Plastic Cover | Medium | Good |
| Mesh Cover | Low | Fair |
Safety Considerations
Dryer vents with non-functional louvers or flaps can pose significant safety risks. These components are essential for effectively exhausting moisture and potentially harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, from gas dryers and expelling lint. If the vent covers do not open properly during operation, moisture can accumulate within the dryer and ducting.
This results in clothes remaining damp and poses risks of water damage to interior walls and exterior structural components. Ensuring that your dryer vent cover is functional and facilitates proper airflow is critical to prevent these issues and maintain a safe, efficient drying process.
Incorporating these insights into your decision-making process will guide you in selecting a dryer vent cover that balances efficiency, safety, and ease of maintenance, ultimately leading to a safer and more effective home appliance operation.
Installation Difficulty
Not all dryer vent caps are created equally. Some are easier to install than others. Make sure you choose the right diameter for the ducting you are currently installing. Dryer vents will come with a 4–6-inch collar for your dryer ducting to attach to create an airtight seal so moisture and debris don’t get caught in between your walls, joists, and exterior paneling.
In certain applications, you may opt to purchase a dryer vent without a collar or trim it off. This depends on the construction of the ducting leading to the termination point. We recommend using the collar as an attachment point for your ducting and transition hoses for gas dryers or any type of electric dryers.
Our Top Picks
All of our top picks have been tested and reviewed by professional air duct and dryer vent cleaning professionals. All vents should be flame resistant, constructed to last years, and have protective louvers and flaps to keep out the outdoor elements such as pests and birds.
InOvate Dryer Wall Vent
The best for exterior venting, hands down! Recommended by just about any general contractor or dryer vent installer. This dryer vent cover is the best on the market because of its sleek design, galvalume steel construction, powdered coated finish to match your home’s exterior, and a flap system that magnetically seals your dryer vent opening when not in use.
InOvate addresses all the common issues with this beautifully designed vent cap that will last nearly the lifetime of your home. This vent successfully keeps out pests, birds, insects, rain, and wind with its patented magnetic flap closure system.
InOvate incorporates style, functionality, and quality in every one of its dryer vent products on the market. This vent cover is an all-in-one solution for all your venting needs.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches
Material: Galvalume Steel
Colors: Black, Brown, Taupe, White, Beige
Interior or Exterior use: Exterior Only, Side of House
Hose Collar Attachment: With or Without
Lifespan: 10+ Years
Price: $$$
Pros
- High-quality galvalume steel construction
- Magnetically sealed flap to keep out the elements
- Weatherproof design
- Painted to match the exterior color
- Safest option to prevent dryer fires and lint build-up.
- Lifespan and ease of cleaning
Cons
- Prices are around $40-$50
- Can be a little tricky to install
Deflecto Supurr Louvered Vent
The Deflecto Supurr vent cover is the best in its class of louvered covers. Louvered vent covers are one of the most common exhaust covers on the market and can be purchased at any local big-box retail store. The 4 louvered system is effective at opening and closing when the dryer vent is either on or off. This system is easy to install for most homeowners with its 4-screw bolt-on system.
The price of this vent cover is reasonably cheap but does its intended job of expelling heat and lint from the ducting system. Its traditional design will blend in with your house and make it easy to identify which is your dryer vent or a bathroom vent. The only drawback is that it is made of plastic, needs regular maintenance, and will not last if it is in direct sunlight.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches
Material: Plastic
Colors: White
Interior or Exterior use: Exterior Only, Side of House
Hose Collar Attachment: With Collar
Lifespan: 3+ Years
Price: $
Pros
- Price
- Easy to install
- Does not have a mesh guard, which will cause excessive build-up and the possibility of fires
Cons
- Plastic construction will fail in direct sunlight
- Louvers can get stuck open
- Cannot be painted to match home. It will chip
- Birds can easily get into the opening and nest.
Funmit Louvered Metal Dryer Vent
This should be our #2 choice, but the one thing that knocked this down to #3 was the fact that they installed a mesh screen to keep out bugs and rodents. The Funmit metal dryer vent makes a great vent, but the screen mesh needs to be removed prior to installation so lint does not build up and cause your dryer to overheat and potentially cause a fire.
Otherwise, the metal louvered vent is an excellent choice for your new dryer vent installation. The stainless-steel design looks really good when installed, and the durability will last quite a few years. There are clips on the collar of the vent that will lock into the siding of your home to hold it securely to the wall. The 4 screws that come with it match the stainless-steel vent nicely.
This louvered vent is great if you love the stainless-steel look, but it is not for everyone, as it will not blend in nicely with your home’s colors.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches
Material: Stainless Steel
Colors: Silver
Interior or Exterior use: Exterior Only, Side of House
Hose Collar Attachment: With Collar
Lifespan: 7+ Years
Price: $$
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Will not rust
- Stylish look for modern homes
- 4 louvers that open smoothly
- Decent price
Cons
- Mesh screen that is factory installed (remove this screen if used as a dryer vent!)
- The hose collar will not be able to be removed for more complicated installations.
- Like any louvered vent, this style of vent is prone to sticking open when lint gets in it.
Deflecto Wide Mouth Pest Vent
When you are having issues with mice and birds getting into your dryer vent, then you may want to consider the Deflecto Wide Mouth Pest vent cap. Very similar to other traditional vent styles, but the main feature of this cover is that it has a removable pest hard on the bottom of the vent. Dead rodents in your vents are the worst!
This removable cover will keep out mice and birds but will require more maintenance than the others we have listed above this one. There is also a flap that will close to keep cold air and insects out of your home.
Any dryer vent with some mesh or guard over the exhaust port will need to be attended to every few weeks, depending on the frequency in which your family does laundry. If you go with this option, set yourself a bi-weekly reminder to clean out the lint build-up or risk damage to your dryer, your ducting, and the exterior of your home due to moisture build-up.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches
Material: Plastic
Colors: White
Interior or Exterior use: Exterior Only, Side of House
Hose Collar Attachment: With Collar
Lifespan: 3+ Years
Price: $
Pros
- Keeps out birds and mice
- Cheap
- Easy to install
Cons
- Plastic construction
- Plastic grate will break quickly
- Constant maintenance cleaning out the mesh
Heartland Energy Saving Dryer Vent
One of the more interesting dryer vent designs is the periscope by Heartland. They claim this dryer vent helps you save energy in your home by preventing cold air from coming in and preventing pests. The truth is that this periscope vent does do everything that the company claims, but it isn’t very stylish, and it needs to be cleaned out regularly by hand.
We moved this down to 5th on our list because of the look. Some customers love it. This vent is completely a choice of style when choosing this cap.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches
Material: Plastic
Colors: White
Interior or Exterior use: Exterior Only, Side of House
Hose Collar Attachment: Without a collar to attach hose.
Lifespan: 5+ Years
Price: $$$
Pros
- Unique design
- Keeps pest out of the home
- Easy to install because there is no collar to attach the hose. Can be a con for certain installations.
Cons
- Price is pretty high for other better alternatives on the market
- This plastic is oil-based and will become yellow over time
- Lint is fighting gravity and requires a lot of maintenance
Looks like a miniature toilet on the side of your home.
AC Infinity Aluminum Ducting Transition Hose
When choosing a dryer vent transition hose that runs from the back of your dryer to the vent cap, you will want to make sure it is not made of foil. Those types of cheap transition hoses you find in your local big box store catch lint on the walls much quicker and are not up to code. They are a clear and present danger. We do not understand why it is even legal to sell them.
The AC Infinity transition hose is made of fire-retardant aluminum that can withstand the high temperatures of your dryer appliance. With its patented 4-layer design, this transition hose is resistant to kinks, bends, tears, and cuts. This tubing has a nice black finish on it and is well-built. Coming in at 8 feet, this will surely be enough hose to connect the dryer to the outdoor cap.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches x 8 FT
Material: Aluminum
Colors: Black
Interior or Exterior use: Interior- Only use as a transition from dryer to ducting.
Hose Collar Attachment: NA- Slips over ducting.
Lifespan: 10+ Years
Price: $
Pros
- High-quality aluminum
- Steel wire construction for durability
- Thermoplastic insulated to be fire resistant
Cons
- It is still flex ducting and will catch lint in the ridges quicker
BetterVent Indoor Dryer Vent Kit
Sometimes contractors forget to install dryer ducting, or it just wasn’t possible during the build. When you have no other option, you will need to exhaust your dryer vent indoors with BetterVent’s indoor dryer vent kit. With this indoor dryer vent cover, you will be able to capture all the lint and moisture from your dryer with this patented system. It simply connects to your dryer vent transition hose, and you are able to do laundry.
The filters inside this dryer vent cover will capture the lint and moisture. This vent will require constant maintenance and cleaning to be able to be used safely and efficiently in your home. If you have no other means of exhausting your dryer vent, then this is pretty much your only option.
We do recommend trying in any way possible to exhaust your dryer to the exterior of your home.
Product Specs
Hose Size: 4 inches
Material: Plastic
Colors: White
Interior or Exterior use: Interior Only
Hose Collar Attachment: With Collar
Lifespan: 5+ Years
Price: $$$$
Pros
- Works indoors
- Easy to clean filters
- Easy installation
Cons
- Price
- Venting indoors is never a good idea
- Excessive maintenance and cleaning
- Hold moisture, mold might form.
Our Verdict
Coming in at our number one overall pick is the InOvate dryer vent cover. This cover checks all the boxes in style, construction, longevity, and practical use. It is the best for deterring birds and mice, and with its patented magnetic closing flap, it will surely expel or heat and lint efficiently.
If you are looking to install a dryer vent on a budget, then getting the Deflecto plastic louvered vent cap will surely take care of all your needs. It is a timeless classic that works great. Just be sure to check for birds nesting inside your ductwork, and if it becomes an issue, install a bird guard and clean the lint off of it regularly.
How We Chose the Best Dryer Vents
Totally Clean has been in business for over a decade. We have installed and cleaned thousands of dryer vent cover types over the years. This component of your home is oftentimes overlooked by building inspectors and is usually not up to code.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to dryer vent covers, but we know that not all of them are created equally for each home. We only install InOvate dryer vent covers because they keep the animals out and freely let air flow and lint from building up.
We chose covers based on the many factors that we mentioned in this article and kept those in mind for all different types of homes and budgets. Whenever possible, only choose a dryer vent that will meet your needs. Our list is based on our experience and customer feedback.
FAQ About Dryer Venting
Yes! It is not only against building code to not have one installed on the exterior of your home, but it is also important to have a dryer vent cover installed to keep out external elements such as weather and pests.
You want to install an external termination cover or cap on the exterior of your home. Dryer vent covers should be made of metal, aluminum or plastic to adhere to local building codes. Exterior exhaust caps also keep out weather elements, keep your home air tight, and keep pests and rodents out of your home.
Yes, if your dryer vent ducting is adhering to residential building codes. Dryer vent covers are 4 inches in diameter to comply with the CFM requirement of dryer appliance manufacturer recommendations. It is always best practice to measure the diameter of your exhaust ducting if you plan on replacing your dryer vent cap.
The best dryer vent covers are made by InOvate dryer wall vent. They are durable, rust resistant, use magnets to seal the louvers when not in use, keep pests and birds out and also they are powdered coated to match the color of your home.
If possible, choose a dryer vent ducting that is made of rigid sheet metal. Aluminum foil transition hoses and ducting deteriorate and get damaged easily which results in drying issues. Foil ducting also collects dust in the ridges and has an increased risk of dryer fires. It is against building codes in many states to have foil ducting.
Ways to keep mice out of your dryer vent:
- Replace aluminum or plastic exhaust ducting.
- Use rigid metal ducting and seal all gaps with aluminum tape.
- Clear debris and vegetation away from the exterior exhaust vent.
- Make sure your exterior dryer vent cover is not too close to the ground.
- Clean your dryer vent louvers so they seal and close properly when not in use.
When choosing a dryer vent cap for your home, stick with metal dryer vents. Dryer vents constructed of metal will last longer, won’t get damaged as easily, and withstand damaging UV rays. Plastic dryer vents only last a few years and get broken easily resulting in higher replacement and maintenance costs.
When your dryer vent is blocked and clogged with lint or a bird nest then:
- Laundry cycles take longer.
- Clothes will remain damp.
- Utility bills go up.
- Clothes may be extremely hot to touch.
- Increased risk of a dryer fire with the excessive heat build up.
No, it is not okay to vent a dryer indoors because:
- Increased humidity and potential for mold growth.
- Lint will get all over and it is flammable.
- Gas dryers emit carbon monoxide and could harm your family.
- Increase potential for a house fire.
- Indoor dryer vent covers are not good and need constant maintenance.
Yes, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if your dryer is powered by natural gas. When the dryer vent gets blocked or clogged, the fumes cannot escape safely to the exterior of your home. Therefore, the poisonous gasses are released into your home causing serious health risks or death.
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