How much does it cost to clean a dryer vent?

Dryer vent cleaning cost

The average cost of dryer vent cleaning is $80 to $185. Roof dryer duct cleaning costs $150 to $250. Dryer duct cleaning with bird nest removal costs $120 to $250. Dryer Vent Wizard services cost $60 to $240 to clean dryer vents. A professional dryer vent inspection costs $30 to $60.

• Dryer vent cleaning prevents fires, boosts dryer efficiency, and extends the dryer’s lifespan.
• Homeowners should clean dryer vents once a year.
• Cleaning dryer vents takes 30 to 60 minutes on average.

Average cost of dryer vent cleaning

The following table shows the average cost of dryer vent cleaning.

Cost data is based on 1,184 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Dryer vent cleaning prices by service

Dryer vent cleaning prices range from $60 to $275, depending on the company. The following table shows a dryer vent cleaning price list to compare different services.

Dryer Vent Wizard cost

Dryer Vent Wizard services cost $60 to $240 on average to clean a dryer vent, depending on the duct length and location. All workers are certified dryer exhaust technicians. These specialists offer residential and commercial services to inspect, clean, repair, or install new dryer vents.

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Dryer duct cleaning cost factors

The total cost to clean a dryer vent depends on the duct conditions, additional services, and the size, type, and location of the dryer vent:

• Vent location – Roof vents are harder to clean and cost more.
• Vent length and type – Long vent and wire-coil vents take longer to clean.
• Turns – Cleaning difficulty increases with multiple 90-degree vent turns.
• Obstructions – Bird nest removal costs $120 to $250 and typically includes dryer vent cleaning.
• Bird guard – Installing a bird guard costs $30 to $100 on average.
• Package deals – Cleaners may offer discounts when combining cleaning with other services or signing up for annual dryer vent maintenance. Air duct cleaning costs $300 to $700 on average.
• System monitors – Lint Alert alarms cost $170 to $250 installed and monitor the dryer exhaust system for clogging.
• New installation – Dryer vent installation costs $200 to $500 for installing a new dryer vent or rerouting existing ductwork to a new location.
• Location – Cities and metropolitan areas typically have higher labor rates than small towns and rural areas.

Roof dryer vent cleaning cost

Roof dryer vent cleaning costs $150 to $250 on average. Roof vents take more time to clean because of the difficult access. Plus, these vertical vents are more prone to mold due to roof leaks.

Dryer vent inspection cost

A dryer vent inspection costs $30 to $60 on average, depending on the vent location. 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.

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DIY dryer vent cleaning kit cost

A dryer vent cleaning kit costs $15 to $50 on average. Standard dryer vent cleaning kits have brush lines up to 12 feet long, while some are longer than 20 feet. Most kits include a vacuum hose attachment and rotary brush that extends through the dryer vent line.

How to clean a dryer vent yourself

1. The cleaning process starts by unplugging the dryer unit. If the dryer runs on gas, switch off the gas supply valve.
2. Move the dryer one foot away from the wall.
3. Unscrew the vent clamps to detach the dryer vent hose from the wall.
4. Remove the other end of the dryer vent hose from the dryer.
5. Use a small vacuum-cleaner attachment to vacuum out the dryer vent.
6. Vacuum out the openings at the back of the dryer and in the wall.
7. Reattach the dryer vent.
8. Go outside, remove the exterior vent cover, and pull out lint buildup.
9. Replace the vent cover.
10. Clean out the lint trap inside the dryer and vacuum around it.

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Clogged dryer vent symptoms

Signs of a clogged dryer vent include the following symptoms:

• Laundry room temperatures rise unusually after drying clothes.
• No air comes out of the outside dryer vent when the dryer is on.
• The outside of the dryer unit is very hot after running.
• Drying clothes takes longer than usual, increasing energy bills.
• The lint trap is excessively full even after drying a small load.
• Lint is collecting around the dryer hose and its connections.
• The dryer emits a burning smell while running.
• The outside dryer vent cover won’t open.
• No lint appears on the lint screen after running the dryer.

Dangers of a blocked dryer vent

A blocked dryer vent creates these dangers:

• Clothes dryer fires lead to costly cleanup for fire and smoke damage.
• Toxic carbon monoxide can leak from gas dryers and build up indoors.
• The dryer overheats and creates electrical damages and minor electrical work costs.
• Mold grows inside blocked lines with trapped moisture.
• A pest infestation can happen when excess lint buildup pushes open the outside vent cover.

Causes of a clogged dryer vent

The most common causes of clogged dryer vents are:

• Crushed or bent vent ducts
• Bird nests or pest infestations inside ducts
• Long vents with multiple bends collecting debris
• Failure to clean out the dryer lint trap with every load
• Blocked exterior vent flap or cover
• Buildup from excess use of liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets
• Improper vent installations with screws that trap lint inside ducts

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Is dryer vent cleaning worth it?

Cleaning a dryer vent is worth it for the following benefits:

• Longer dryer lifespan
• Lower electric bills
• Less home fire hazards
• Faster-drying clothes
• Water-damage prevention
• Stopping carbon monoxide leaks from the dryer
• No humidity in the laundry room

How often should dryer vents be cleaned?

Most homes need dryer vent cleaning once annually to avoid fires and produce better indoor air quality. The U.S. Fire Administration advises most people to clean vent pipes every 3 months for maximum fire safety.

Clean dryer vents less often if:

• Dryer usage is 2 weekly laundry loads or less.
• The dryer is less than 10 years old.
• The length of the dryer vent is less than 10 to 15 feet.
• The dryer duct is a straight pipe or has only one bend.
• The home is free of pet hair.

How long does it take to clean a dryer vent?

Dryer vent cleaning takes 30 to 60 minutes on average or up to 2 hours for ducts with excessive lint buildup, large obstructions inside, or hard-to-access vents.

Who cleans dryer vents?

CSIA-certified dryer exhaust technicians clean out dryer vents. These contractors work for dryer vent and air duct cleaning companies, appliance-repair businesses, or full-service HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies. Traditional plumbers don't have training in dryer vent cleaning.

Can you safely run a dryer without a vent?

Running a dryer without a vent violates most building codes and dryer warranties because it creates these dangers:

• Lint blockages catching on fire
• Mold growth in the dryer room
• Carbon monoxide buildup inside the home
• Dryer parts overheating

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Hiring a professional for dryer vent cleaning

Use this checklist when hiring a dryer vent cleaning company:

• Compare three or more quotes from experienced dryer vent cleaners.
• Choose cleaning companies with these credentials:
• Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET) by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
• Certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
• General contractor’s license
• Select licensed, insured, and bonded cleaning service providers.
• Review past ratings on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Verify that estimates include materials, labor, and equipment costs.
• Don’t pay in full upfront.
• Beware of the cheapest bids that signal low-quality cleaning.

Questions to ask dryer vent cleaners

• How long have you been cleaning dryer vents?
• Can I see a list of references?
• Will you measure the airflow at the exterior vent opening before and after cleaning?
• Is your vacuum designed specifically for duct cleaning?
• What precautions do you take to keep my home clean?
• Do you have a labor guarantee?
• Can I see proof of your liability insurance, licenses, and bond guarantees?
• What extra costs can apply?
• Are all cleanup costs included in my estimate?
• What types of discounts do you offer?
• Will you clean the lint trap, outside vent flap, and inside the dryer cabinet?
• When can you start and how long will the job take?

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