Clean or replace a leaky dryer vent
1 of 2
A leaky single-flap vent
Check that the flap (or flaps) is closed, the vent is flush
against the house, and the area around the vent is properly
caulked.
2 of 2
An airtight louvered vent
The vent flaps are completely closed and the flange is
caulked to stop air infiltration.
If cold air comes into your laundry room through the dryer vent, you should be able to stop it fairly easily. The vent should have a flap (or flaps) at the end to stop
air infiltration (see photos). Go outside and make
sure there’s a flap and that it’s not stuck open. If the flap
works well, check the caulking. If it’s cracking and peeling
away, it’s probably allowing cold air to leak in. Cut away the
old caulking, make sure the vent is flush against the siding,
and apply new latex caulk.
If the flap doesn’t close on its own, try cleaning it and then
spray silicone on the pivot point. If the flap still won’t close,
replace it. A new vent costs about $5 at home centers, and
installing it will only take about 15 minutes.
Start by cutting away the caulking around the vent on the
siding with a utility knife, remove any screws and unclamp
the duct leading to the dryer. Slide the old vent out of the
wall, slip in the new one and reattach it to the duct. Caulk
around the vent flange.
