Many dryers today come standard with the ability to vent from behind. However, this isn't always ideal for a home. Depending on the configurations of your home and your unique needs, you may want your Samsung dryer to vent from the side. You don't have to toss your perfectly good appliance to the curb and spend your hard-earned money on a specialized dryer. Instead, you can use a high-quality vent kit and a little elbow grease to make your Samsung dryer vent the way you need it to. Before you get started on this project, make sure you have everything you need.
Things You Will Need
-
Before you get started, it's important to plan ahead. While you can change the direction in which your dryer vents, not every direction is an option for every appliance. For example, Samsung gas dryers can vent to the bottom, left or back. However, these dryers should never vent to the right. On the other hand, electric versions of Samsung dryers can vent from any side. Be sure you know what model you have and where you'll vent.
-
While this step isn't always necessary, it can make installation easier and quicker. Before you begin installing the side vent kit, consult your dryer's manual. See how to remove the front assembly, tumbler and drive belt. Each Samsung dryer model is unique, so it's important to follow the directions in the manual. If you don't have access to your printed manual, you can look it up online or buy a physical copy from Samsung.
-
Grab your hammer and chisel to remove the knockout panel from the back of your dryer. Place your chisel as close to the seam of the panel as you can. It can be on the right, left or base of the panel, but never in the center. When you have the correct placement, give the chisel up to three good strikes to knock the panel out.
-
With some models, you may have to remove the duct cover. It's important to consult the directions on your kit to see if you need to complete this step. On all models, you should remove the old exhaust duct so you can replace it with the new parts. Once the old exhaust parts are clear, you can find the guide plate and set it up for your new exhaust duct.
-
The guide plate will be a small plate that was holding the old duct in place. Consult your manual to see exactly what it looks like. You can use your flathead screwdriver to raise the guide plate until it's about at a 90-degree angle.
-
Find the duct front from your kit and insert it into the newly vacant housing. You want to be sure to engage the duct clip before moving on. You can do this by rotating the duct until it fits with the clip. Then, you can attach the appropriate elbow to the new duct. Remember that gas dryers should never vent to the right. Turn the elbow toward the outlet you intend to use. Whether you vent to the left or right, be sure to install the exhaust duct in the elbow.
-
Before you can close the dryer, it's vital that you tape each connection with air duct tape. Missing this step can cause joints to come apart, which can be a serious safety concern.
-
Use your drill and 1/8-inch bit to make a hole in the frame near the exhaust. Then, use your screw and the bracket included in the kit to fasten the duct to the appliance.
-
Once you've completed these steps, you can reinstall the duct cover, knockout panel, front assembly, tumbler and drive belt. Make sure to follow your machine's manual.