I have a Kenmore Elite gas dryer that is about 6 years old. Right now the dryer vent comes out the back of the dryer, but the exhaust has to make 2 90 degree turns before it goes into the outlet in the wall. At the bottom on the side there is an exhaust sized circle that looks like the exhaust could go out if the hole were punched out. Is this the case and if so, how hard would it be to do? This would eliminate one 90 degree turn in the exhaust and would allow me to push the dryer a couple of inches closer to the wall, which is an issue right now.

Not hard to do. Just punch it out and put duct tape on the unused hole.

[QUOTE=esquire1]Not hard to do. Just punch it out and put duct tape on the unused hole.[/QUOTE

This may sound like a stupid question, but how do I punch out the circle?

Just "punch it out" is easier said than done on some machines. You can take a hammer and hit it until it comes out, but sometimes the whole side gets bent because the circle is still attached too well. Look at it closely and make your decision if you want to try.

As to the hookup. You will need an elbow inside the dryer to turn the duct, then a straight section to come out of the side and then you go on as you need. The kicker is that internally you have to hook things together very well. The extra elbow is extra leakage, which can lower your dryer efficiency and create a fire hazard if enough lint escapes. I use good quality aluminum REAL duct tape and a couple SHORT screws to hold things together in there. I use a piece of sheet metal and screws to close the hole on the back. Be careful and use common sense.

Not stupid at all. You can use a flat screwdriver and punch through the connecting tabs that haold the "circle" in place. Once you break loose 2-3 of them you can twist it off