Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

How to Replace Your Electric Dryer

Caylin Harris

By Caylin Harris
Published August 30, 2024

If you’ve bought a new appliance or just made a big move, hooking up your electric dryer is an easy task to cross off your to-do list. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to replace your electric dryer with a new model. Enlist help to move the old dryer out or for placing the new dryer in.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

How to Install an Electric Dryer

Follow these steps to DIY your electric dryer install.

Caution

While the electric dryer hook-up might not require two people, moving and placing the dryer needs to be done by more than one person. Grab a friend or two to help you safely move your new appliance in place.

Step 1: Prep the New Dryer

Start by carefully removing the dryer from its packaging. Open and lay out all additional appliance pieces and your manufacturer’s instructions. Keep in mind while these steps offer general guidelines, it’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the most accurate details on your appliance.

Step 2: Screw on Dryer Feet

Access the bottom of the dryer by tilting it backwards with help. Attach the dryer feet by screwing them on. Then set the dryer down. 

Step 3: Attach the Power Cord

Depending on the age of your house, you may need a three- or four-pronged dryer cord. A four-pronged hook up has been standard for the last few decades. When you purchase a new dryer, you must purchase or choose the correct dryer cord for your home’s wiring. To figure out the specifics of installing your cord, follow the directions from your dryer’s manufacturer.

It’s a straightforward process that involves connecting a few wires from the cord to the dryer terminal block, matching the colors on the wires and then securing those wires to their terminals. Ultimately, rely on the information in your specific model’s installation guide.

Caution

Make sure that you follow all your state’s electrical codes. If you have doubts or don’t feel comfortable doing electrical work, hire a pro.  

Step 4: Hook Up Your Dryer Vent

Since you’re replacing an existing dryer, there should already be a vent system in place. You’ll just need to connect the dryer to it with a section of ductwork. A few reminders: a dryer should always be vented out of an external wall and the path of the vent should be as short and direct as possible. Your dryer manual will tell you the best type of vent duct for your model.

Take your dryer ductwork, measure it and cut to size. If it’s possible to avoid connecting multiple pieces of venting, that’s always best. But if you do need to make connections, make sure you connect and seal them based on the specifications for your dryer. Connect the ductwork to the dryer and the external vent with hose clamps.

Step 5: Place and Level Your Dryer

With help, move your dryer in place. Using your level, check each side of the dryer to make sure it’s sitting level. If it’s not, adjust the dryer feet until the dryer is sitting level. Once you’re satisfied, plug in the dryer to your outlet.

Step 6: Test the Dryer

Dry a small load while keeping an eye on the dryer’s performance. Make sure it’s drying clothing completely, isn’t making any weird sounds and isn’t vibrating excessively. The drum should be spinning, and the dryer should be heating up properly.