What’s the Best Way to Vent My Dryer Out of My House?

Our Answer

First of all, congratulations on taking on these projects on your own.  There's a lot I'm sure you're capable of doing.  Keep in mind, though, that working beyond your skill set can end up being more expensive in the long run.  Opening up ceilings may be a little out of your league for you (and most homeowners, for that matter), considering you could hit wiring and make an electrical mess – or get hurt. 
In terms of the best way to redirect the dryer vent: As a rule of thumb, the shortest, straightest path out is best  If you vent up through attic, you'll notice it takes longer for clothes to dry because your dryer isn't strong enough to push air up efficiently.  And remember that every 90-degree bend in the ducting is the equivalent of 15-feet of straight ducting in terms of the energy needed to push air through – so any bend greatly reduces efficiency and potentially your dryer's performance.