Dry Clothes Faster with a Dryer Duct Booster

Updated: Mar. 03, 2024

Suck out damp dryer exhaust fast

Man installs a dryer duct booster fan
Clothes won't dry as fast if the exhaust duct is long or has lots of turns, but you can boost dryer performance considerably with a duct booster fan.

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Cut the duct and install the dryer vent booster fan

Dryer vent booster fan

Cut the duct at a convenient location 10 ft. or more from the dryer, hang the booster from a joist or stud, then tape the duct to the inlet and outlet with metal tape.

If it takes forever for your clothes to dry, the problem could be the dryer duct. A dryer vent duct that’s too long reduces the airflow and wastes energy. Most dryer manufacturers recommend a maximum duct length of about 25 ft. But the catch is that every bend in the pipe is equivalent to about 5 ft. of straight pipe. It adds up quickly.

Dryer duct boosters can increase the airflow in a duct and help overcome this problem (search for “dryer duct booster” on the internet or check with appliance dealers). They switch on automatically when the dryer kicks on, using an electric fan to speed up the airflow through the duct, which increases air flow through the dryer.

Mount the booster to the wall or ceiling at least 10 ft. from the dryer and in the path of the existing vent. Connect the vent to the booster and plug it in.

Required Tools for this Dryer Vent Booster Fan Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Corded drill
  • Tin snips

Required Materials for this Dryer Fan Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • Dryer duct booster
  • Metal duct tape