How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

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The dryer vent is the opening in the wall of the home that is connected to the dryer to get rid of all of the warm air so that the dryer does not overheat.

Dryer vent cleaning is vital to home safety because it can prevent dryer vent fires.  If a dryer were to malfunction due to the accumulation of lint and dust, it can not only become a fire hazard, but it can also lead to unnecessary repairs.

Dryer vent hole by Ken_Mayer, on Flickr
Dryer vent hole” (CC BY 2.0) by  Ken_Mayer

How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?

On average, most professional dryer vent cleaning jobs are going to cost anywhere from $60 to as much as $175 for a standard single-family home.  Since this is a fairly straightforward job and most will charge a straightforward price, consider getting an exact quote from licensed contractors in your area by using HomeAdvisor.com.  Simply explain your job and watch the quotes come in.

Sears Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning, for example, charges $99 for a first-floor dryer vent, $139 for a second-floor vent and $169 for a roof-mounted dryer vent.

Factors that affect the price

The location.  A first-floor dryer vent will be much easier to access and easier to clean when compared to the second floor or roof mounted dryer vent.

The number of vents

A lot of dryer vent cleaning service firms charge per vent.  The more vents need to be cleaned, the higher the cost of the overall repair.  However, the more vents there are, the lower the cost will be per vent.  Some dryer vent cleaning companies charge $150 per vent but will decrease the price the more vents need to be cleaned in a single task.

Vent accessibility

Most vents can be accessed with ease, while others require a more laborious process.  Many service providers charge up to $150 for a hard-to-access vent.

Cleaning procedure

A dryer vent cleaning process that involves a profound and deep-level cleaning can cost more than a standard cleaning process.  The more difficult a cleaning job is, the higher its cost will be.

Dryer vent cleaning overview

Dryer vent cleaning involves cleaning clogged vents to improve the airflow and enhance the machine efficiency.  With some providers, the process begins with a preliminary reading of air flow at the dryer vent exit, followed by a cleaning process using their equipment.  The method may include cleaning the entire vent from the dryer to the external part of the home.  Afterward, the dryer will be reassembled and checked to ensure proper operation.

In general, most dryer vents can be cleaned within an hour.  If there is too much lint buildup or the presence of birds or other critters, the job can take a longer time to finish.

What are the extra costs?

Some dryer vents may require more than cleaning, especially those that are broken and need to be repaired. Many service providers also offer other services such as dryer vent repair, which can cost between $100 and $300, depending on parts, labor and trip charges.  Bird removal is also offered for a fee.

While it’s optional, some providers may recommend a dryer safety alarm, a device that alerts you when it’s time for a cleaning.  These alarms often cost $40 to $80.

A screen, in some cases, may be necessary to prevent birds from accessing your vent.   These screens, when installed by a professional, will cost about $5 to $10.

Tips to know:

Dryer vent cleaning extends the life of the dryer, making it last longer and helping homeowners to save on repair bills.

Clothes dryers are among the most costly appliances to operate.  They need to have proper ventilation in order to function efficiently.  Dryers that are poorly ventilated, especially due to clogging, lead to higher energy expenses, which can increase by up to $300 a year.

Poorly vented dryers can result in wet clothes, which can cause mildew and mold damage to the home as well as wear and tear on the dryer.

Some dryer vent cleaning companies have a type of video inspection equipment that can reveal how dirty a dryer vent is.  With this tool, homeowners can be sure that their unit is efficiently and thoroughly cleaned.

To reduce the amount of debris from clogging your vents, consider using a fabric softener from time to time.  Also, allowing your dryer to settle for up to 20 minutes after each cycle can also help eliminate potential clogs as well.

The US Fire Administration recommends the dryer vents should be cleaned at least once per year.

Signs your dryer vent needs to be cleaned

Your clothes are coming out of the dryer much hotter than normal.

It’s taking a lot longer to dry your clothes or they are still damp, even after 40 to 50 minutes.

The laundry room’s temperature rises when the dryer is in use.

The lint filter is building up faster than normal and needs to be cleaned more often.

A musty smell comes from the clothes after a cycle.

How can I save money?

Take advantage of coupons offering discounts to customers who combine a number of services.  Be sure to check out Groupon or even the company’s official website to see if any options are available.

Cleaning your dryer vent can actually save you money as most of the time, if your dryer vent was clogged, it could be raising your utility bills, often by more than $30 per month.

Doing this job on your own isn’t that hard as there are dryer cleaning kits available online to make the process as easy as possible.  On Amazon, for instance, the highest rated cleaning kits retail for $15 to $35 and can be used multiple times.

When choosing a contractor, always ask for a proof insurance, ask for their license and check online reviews to see what others are saying.


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