A dryer vent is the duct that carries hot, moist, lint-laden air from a clothes dryer to an exterior wall or roof cap. It runs from the dryer's exhaust outlet through a transition hose and rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting to a hood with a flap that closes when the dryer stops.
Why it matters to you
Lint that collects in a dryer vent slows drying, makes the dryer run hotter, and is a recognized cause of dryer fires. Long or crushed vent runs make the problem worse.
Practical guidance
Clean the lint screen every load and have the full vent run cleaned at least once a year. Replace plastic or foil accordion hose with metal ducting, and check that the outdoor flap opens when the dryer runs.