How Much Does It Cost to Clean Dryer Vents?

Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Failing to regularly clean your dryer vent can put you, your loved ones, and your home at risk, as the build-up of lint can lead to a fire. The high heat from your dryer can cause the lint trapped in your vent to burst into flames without much warning. Cleanup costs for fire and smoke damage can run between $3,200 and $28,000. Even if a fire doesn’t break out, the electrical system might short-circuit, creating major electrical problem costs.

Dirty dryers are less effective at drying your clothes. You’ll know this to be the case when your energy bills tick higher. And paying out for the cost of a new appliance is much more expensive than a simple cleaning. In addition, a serious build-up of lint can force the outside vent cover open, which can create pest infestation problems.

Average Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost

The location of your dryer will affect the price of the cleaning. 

Basement

Dryer vents located in the basement will likely cost between $80 and $150 to clean.

First Floor

Priced similarly to basement dryer vent cleaning, expect to pay between $80 and $150 for a professional to clean the vents of your first-floor dryer.

Second Floor

The price jumps a bit for a second-floor dryer vent cleaning, given the less accessible location; it will likely cost between $110 and $185.

Roof

Most rooftop dryer vent cleaning companies charge $130 as their average price to clean and inspect rooftop vents and side vents. 

These vents are more likely to develop clogs from debris accumulation and damage from harsh weather conditions. This means that the chance of having additional charges increases when having rooftop dryer vents cleaned. You can switch the location of this vent by deciding to pay for new vents and ductwork.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost Factors

Location of Vent

Easily accessible vents are less expensive to clean than, say, rooftop vents. Dryers installed at a distance from an exterior wall will require cleaning twice every year, as they have longer ducts.

Labor

Most of what you’ll pay for a professional to clean your dryer are the labor costs. The cost of labor can vary, depending on if you hire a professional company or individual contractor, and if they charge an hourly or flat rate. Occasionally, two contractors are needed to handle more complex vent cleanings, such as those on the roof or very long vents. 

Some cleaners may have package deals if you combine the vent cleaning with other services, such as air duct cleaning, or sign up for regular yearly maintenance.

Amount of Debris

Obstructions of any kind, like build-up of lint or a bird nest, increases your project cost, likely between $120 and $250. 

New Ducting or Venting

Expect to pay $175 to $600 to install a new dryer vent or redo any vent work. 

Additional Repairs

If your dryer vent is damaged, expect to pay an HVAC professional $75 to $150 to fix it, depending on the problem.

Common Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

General Cleaning

After your contractor has located the outside dryer cap and checked for any blockages that might exist near the exterior of the vent, such as birds nests, they will use a tubular vacuum with a brush attached to clean and suction out debris. They’ll use a snake brush to scrape away and dislodge any clogs or blockages on the vent walls, and take special care to clear out the bends of the vents where debris lays. 

Wet lint is often the result of an overcrowded machine. It’s difficult to remove and might require the technician to disassemble the vent, clear the clog, and reassemble it again, or replace the vent entirely. 

Once the outside vent has been cleared and cleaned, the contractor will address the back of the appliance. They will disconnect it before thoroughly cleaning the lint trap. After removing old lint and reconnecting the dryer, they will test the dryer to ensure it functions efficiently and safely. 

Air Duct Cleaning

A thorough air duct cleaning will clear all components of the forced air system of your home, removing dirt and debris from your HVAC system. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends a full cleaning every three to five years, though completing one more often might be necessary if there are individuals with respiratory issues in your home. An air duct cleaning should cost between $270 to $490.

Vent Inspection

A dryer vent inspection costs $30 to $60 on average, depending on the vent location. An inspection ensures the vents work properly, and the system is not damaged or restricted. The U.S. Fire Administration and dryer manufacturers advise annual inspections to prevent health and fire risks. Some companies offer free inspections or waive the inspection fee when booking a vent cleaning. 

Vent Rerouting or Installation

Vents installed in a less than ideal or dangerous location, such as an attic, garage, or crawl space, will need to be relocated. Having your dryer vents rerouted to a different location or having new vents installed costs $200 to $500, on average. 

Bird Guard

Installing a bird guard, which, as the name suggests, stops critters from building a home in your dryer vent, costs an average of $30 to $100. 

Lint Alert Monitoring

You can place lint alert systems on the back of your dryer to monitor its airflow and temperature. If your dryer overheats or amasses too much lint, it will alert you. Expect to pay between $170 and $250 to install a lint alert alarm.

Disinfectant Fogging

Applying disinfectant fog to your dryer will cost between $50 and $100. In this process, a pro will send a solution into the dryer’s air system to reduce bacteria and prevent mold and mildew from growing. Fogging should not be used as a replacement for a proper vent cleaning, only as a supplementary service

Popular Vent Cleaning Companies

There are plenty of local dryer vent cleaners to consider hiring, as well as some major national companies with standardized pricing. 

Dryer Vent Wizard 

Dryer Vent Wizard will check that your system is up to code before cleaning for a fee of $40. Using their findings from the inspection, they will write up an estimate. This estimate shows all the services required to keep your dryer performing efficiently and with minimal fire risk. Generally speaking, their cleaning services run between $120 and $220; they also offer installation and repairs. 

Sears

An authorized Kenmore service provider, Sears offers a “Clean and Maintain” package for $150, which includes checking your washer and dryer for performance, general wear and tear, and leaks, in addition to a general cleaning. The fee does not include repairs.

Coit Cleaning and Restoration

Coit charges between $150 and $350 to clean dryer vents. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their services and will perform a re-cleaning if you are unhappy with their services. In addition to dryer vent cleaning, Coit offers air duct cleaning services.

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

Watch out for these red flags. If spotted, call in a professional as soon as possible.

Clothes Take Longer to Dry

If your clothing and linens are still wet at the end of the dry cycle, there is likely a build-up of lint or debris ]preventing the dryer from pushing out the hot, moist air created during the dry cycle. This makes it harder for the machine to pull in hot air that dries your clothes 

Burning Smell

A burning smell coming from your dryer could indicate that a part—such as a belt or the thermostat—is malfunctioning. It might also suggest lint has settled on the heating element in the dryer cabinet, which can release a burning smell. 

Overheating Dryer

Dryers should only be hot on the inside. If your laundry room feels warmer than normal, or your dryer is hot to the touch, call in a professional to look at the appliance as a clog could be causing overheating issues. 

Lint Appearing Outside

While a small amount of lint will sometimes escape through the outdoor vent, anything more than that indicates a major build-up. The problem won’t go away on its own and will only exacerbate over time, so call in a professional.

What Causes a Clogged Dryer Vent?

By taking all the dangers of a clogged dryer vent into consideration, it is plain to see it can cost you far more than the average vent cleaning price. Know that the biggest cause of a clogged dryer vent is a lack of maintenance—and prevent it.

Being proactive is easy:

• Always empty the smaller lint trap before starting every load. This will pull most of the debris out of the equation before it can drop into the vent pipes.

• Check the length of the exhaust vent at least once a year to verify debris is not building up. If it is, schedule your dryer vent cleaning service to prevent a partial or full blockage of the vent pipes.

Other factors influencing dryer vent functionality include dryer placement, long and winding vents, and installation issues.

Placement of Your Dryer

When the clothes dryer is far from an exterior wall, it requires a longer vent pipe to release hot air. The longer vent pipes can prove harder to clean, especially when they wind around corners and other structures.

Long Vents

Long, winding dryer vents can easily develop restrictions that block airflow. Debris tends to collect at those points, resulting in a blockage. The maximum length of your dryer vent should not exceed 35 feet, and for every 45-degree turn of a vent, you should remove two-and-a-half feet of total length. For every 90-degree turn, you should remove five feet in total length.

Failure to Clean Out Lint

Over time, lint left in the lint trap can accumulate in the vent duct, blocking airflow to the external vent. Without proper airflow, the dryer can easily overheat (and catch on fire). 

Blockages

Check your pockets; it’s easy to forget what you’ve stuffed in your pockets. Coins, gum wrappers, receipts, and can hit the lint trap and restrict airflow just as easily as lint.

Incorrect Installation

The type of vent your dryer uses indicates the number of elbows and total run length. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent issues. In addition, ensure you install venting four inches away from the wall and give it enough space to function properly.

Nature

Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife like to create nests in dryer vents—especially ones that exit at the roof. Debris from your clothes can quickly create a blockage as it catches on the nesting materials.

If you can actively prevent these problems, you can effectively protect the function of your dryer vents and prevent paying the price of vent cleaning.

Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your dryer vent will prevent dryer fires, but there are additional benefits.

Safety

Cleaning your dryer vents is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your home and family safe. 

Machine Efficacy

Simply put, blocked dryers have to work harder. This results in greater wear and tear and a shorter appliance lifespan. Plus, your utility bills will climb.

Appliance Domino Effect

As the dryer runs for extended periods, the extra heat flows into your home, which will put undue pressure on your AC during the summer. Clean your vents each year to improve the efficiency of your dryer and the entire house.

Lower Energy Bills

Working dryers are energy efficient, saving you money. 

When to Call in a Professional to Clean a Dryer Vent

To reduce dryer vent cleaning costs, many homeowners opt to clean the vents themselves. A dryer vent cleaning kit costs between $30 to $70. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, it’s best to clean your dryer vent and ducts regularly.

A range of experts can provide this service, including plumbers, HVAC technicians, and companies that focus specifically on vent cleaning. Since some dryer ducts can damage easily, the service provider must have the equipment and experience to do the job well.

How to DIY a dryer cleaning service yourself:

1. Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and remove the vent exhaust pipe from the dryer.

2. Vacuum or pull out the dryer and pipe debris.

3. Inspect the interior of the vent pipe for clogs and damage.

4. Check the exterior of your home for any blockages where the exhaust vents outside.

To make this DIY project a success, you must know what to look for and how to tell the vent pipe is cleared of all debris. This can be a time-consuming process.

Rather than just calling a handyperson, it is worth looking for a plumber or local dryer exhaust technician certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. These professionals are familiar with the biggest fire risks and can help you prevent clogs, minimizing your expenses for dryer vent cleaning.

How to Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean

Use these tips to slow lint accumulation and other debris in your dryer vents.

• Switch from dryer sheets to a liquid fabric softener

• Allow the dryer to cool for 15 to 20 minutes between loads

• Move the dryer closer to an external wall

• Replace the flexible vent pipe with a solid metal pipe

Even with these preventative tactics, lint and other debris slowly accumulate inside the vent pipes. Remember to clean your dryer vents at least once every 12 months to remove the debris, prevent clogs and avoid dryer vent cleaning

FAQs

How often do you need to clean your dryer vents?

Clean your dryer vent at least once per year to keep your dryer operating efficiently and prevent fires. If your dryer is located far from an exterior wall, you may need to increase cleanings to twice a year. Doing laundry daily for a large household may require an increase to quarterly cleanings to keep the vents clear of debris.

Who do you call to clean out your dryer vent?

Many professionals can perform this service. Plumbers, HVAC technicians, and specialized dryer vent cleaning companies are all options. It’s important to discuss your dryer’s setup with any potential service providers to ensure they have the proper equipment and experience to handle the task, especially if your vents are long, located on the roof, or you are dealing with a major clog.

What happens if the dryer vent is not connected?

If your dryer vent is disconnected, it will pipe hot, moist air into your living area, increasing the growth of mold and mildew. This could result in having to pay for laundry room renovations and repairs. It will also release lint and debris directly into the area, reducing the air quality in your home. In many areas, you are legally required to vent the dryer outside to abide by local building codes.