How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost? (2024 Guide)
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost? (2024 Guide) and hope the blog can help you.
Dust and dirt often build up in dryer vents, so they warrant regular cleanings. A dryer vent cleaning cost averages $139, but it can be as low as $102 or as high as $179.
Highlights
- The typical range for dryer vent cleaning costs is $102 to $179, with a national average of $139.
- Cost factors associated with dryer vent cleaning include service type, problem type, vent location, vent material, vent length and number of bends, project complexity, labor, vent cleaning company, cleaning frequency, and geographic location.
- Some signs that dryer vent cleaning is needed are increased drying time, increased energy bills, burning smells, overheating, and visible lint buildup.
- While a homeowner can purchase dryer vent cleaning tools and do the job themselves, a professional will already have the proper equipment and is skilled at navigating ductwork without damaging it or leaving any debris behind.
Need dryer vent cleaning?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from dryer vent cleaning services near you.
Once hot air dries clothes in a dryer, it must be vented out through a dryer vent. A dryer’s exhaust system consists of a pipe or hose attached to the dryer that runs to the exterior of a home. Over time, dust, lint, and dirt can accumulate in even the best dryer vent pipe and must be cleaned out. A dryer vent cleaning will remove this built-up debris, so a dryer can continue to function efficiently and effectively.
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, dryer vent cleaning cost ranges from $102 to $179, or $139 on average. What is dryer vent cleaning? It’s when a trained professional uses a vacuum to remove any built-up dust or dirt in the vent duct. These pros could also use a brush to knock any clogs of debris loose. The actual cost of a dryer vent cleaning depends on many factors detailed in this cost guide, along with tips on how to hire the right professional for a dryer vent cleaning.
Factors in Calculating Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost
Dryer duct cleaning prices are not always cut and dried, but rather depend on a variety of factors. Some of the factors affecting dryer vent cleaning cost include the type of dryer vent cleaning service, the particular issue with the vent, the location and material of the vent, the complexity of the project, the cost of labor, the specific company used, the frequency of cleaning, and the home’s geographic location.
Service Type
While a general dryer vent cleaning costs $102 to $179, there are several other types of services for dryer vents, all with varying costs. Cleaning the dirt and debris from the air ducts connected to a home’s forced-air system costs $270 to $490. Inspection of a dryer vent to make sure everything is in good working order costs $30 to $60 on average, but this is oftentimes included in the cost of a general cleaning. The cost to reroute or install a new dryer vent is $200 to $500. Most dryer vents have a bird guard installed on the outside pipe to prevent birds and other animals from getting inside the pipe—this feature costs $30 to $100 on average to install. Two additional services that can amplify a dryer’s air system are lint alert monitoring and disinfectant fogging. Lint alert monitoring gives off an alert if a dryer becomes too hot or engulfed with lint and costs $170 to $250. Disinfectant fogging is a solution that is placed in a dryer’s air system to prevent bacteria and mold and costs $50 to $100.
Problem Type
The most common problems a dryer vent experiences that require cleaning are a clogged pipe, wet lint accumulation, or a bird nest. Homeowners can expect to pay $100 to $200 to have a clogged pipe cleaned. If a clog is ignored, it can lead to increased electricity bills or even create a fire hazard. Cleaning out wet lint will cost $100 to $300. When condensation and moisture build up in a dryer’s exhaust system, lint can become wet and stick to the sides of a vent pipe. Birds are known to build nests in the exterior portion of dryer vent pipes. Hiring a professional to remove these nests costs anywhere from $150 to $400. To prevent a bird, a squirrel, or other types of pest from building a nest in a dryer vent pipe, homeowners can have a bird cover or screen installed.
Vent Location and Material
The location of a dryer vent does play a role in the average cost of dryer vent cleaning. Dryer vents are typically easier to access in basements and on first floors. A dryer vent cleaning in these locations will cost $80 to $150. Access is typically more difficult for second-floor dryer vents, which translates to a higher cost of $110 to $185. For vents located on the roof, homeowners can expect to pay $130 on average for a cleaning. The cost could increase from there, as rooftop vents are more prone to damage and debris buildup.
The material a dryer vent pipe is made of can impact the cost. Typically, dryer vents are either slim, rigid, or semi-rigid ducts made of foil or aluminum. A vent cleaning could be more expensive if the duct runs a long distance or is difficult to maneuver with the vacuum or brush. Additionally, a vent pipe with many turns, especially 90-degree turns, will be more costly to clean as the process will take longer. The best dryer vent hoses for tight spaces can be more difficult to clean out, as the hose is smaller and has more turns.
Vent Length and Number of Bends
Dryer vents often have at least one turn or bend within the ductwork. Each bend creates a place where lint and debris can accumulate, and depending on the location these areas can be difficult to reach. Homes whose dryer vents have a large number of sharp bends and turns may rack up a higher bill for dryer vent cleaning.
Project Complexity
Dryer cleaning projects can range in complexity, leading to different project costs. This is usually due to the amount of debris in the dryer vent. Lint and dust that have built up and are difficult to remove will increase the vent cleaning cost to anywhere between $120 to $250. Additionally, the presence of bird nests, rodents, or other matter will add to the overall cost.
Labor and Geographic Location
There are very few materials required for a dryer vent cleaning, which means the largest percentage of the cost—83 percent—comes from labor. Homeowners can expect to spend $65 to $150 on labor when requesting a dryer vent cleaning service. The exact price ultimately depends on the length of the cleaning process. So how long does dryer vent cleaning take, on average? Typically, the job can be done in less than an hour by one individual. If the vent is difficult to access or is extensively dirty or damaged, the process could take 2 to 3 hours and may require another person to assist.
Homeowners will also want to keep in mind geographic location when trying to estimate professional dryer vent cleaning cost. In certain areas where the cost of living is higher, homeowners can expect to pay a higher price for dryer vent cleaning services. Additionally, if there are not many companies that perform dryer vent cleaning services in the homeowner’s area, it’s possible the ones available might offer their services at a premium rate. To combat location-specific costs, homeowners can schedule a vent cleaning as far in advance as possible to avoid surge pricing. They can also search “dryer vent cleaning near me” to get a sense of local pricing and services.
Leave dryer vent cleaning to the pros
Get free, no-commitment project estimates from dryer vent cleaning services near you.
Vent Cleaning Company
The price to clean a dryer vent varies from company to company. Many of the best dryer vent cleaning services have standardized pricing that one can expect when hiring them for a cleaning. For example, Dryer Vent Wizard typically charges between $100 and $250 for its vent cleaning services. This is in addition to a free inspection, which ensures the system is up to code prior to the cleaning. The household-name company Stanley Steemer provides dryer vent cleaning for $75 to $175. This service includes a vent inspection along with recommendations on how to improve air quality throughout a home. Sears also offers an air duct cleaning service, which includes an inspection and costs $125 to $225. Another company to consider is COIT Cleaning and Restoration. For $150 to $250, the company will clean the dryer vents and offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on the service.
| Vent Cleaning Company | Cost |
| COIT Cleaning and Restoration | $150 to $250 |
| Dryer Vent Wizard | $100 to $250 |
| Sears | $125 to $225 |
| Stanley Steemer | $75 to $175 |
Cleaning Frequency
How often should dryer vents be cleaned? Experts recommend cleaning dryer vents on an annual basis, but this may not be enough in all cases. If a dryer is located far from an exterior wall, the dryer vent pipe will need to be much longer; therefore, there will be more strain on the pipe. Additionally, in large households that use the dryer often, the pipe will see a lot more dust and lint. In these cases, two cleanings per year is recommended. Homeowners will want to budget for the additional cleaning cost if their situation requires more than just one cleaning annually.
Additional Costs and Considerations
In addition to the aforementioned cost factors, projects might also run into certain scenarios that affect the price. If a new duct needs to be installed, an existing duct needs to be repaired, or a bird nest must be removed, the vent cleaning cost will increase.
New Duct or Vent Installation
If a dryer vent or ductwork is damaged or too worn out to be repaired, it may need to be replaced. Homeowners can expect to pay $175 to $600 for new duct or vent installation. The exact cost for new ductwork depends on the size of the duct and the distance it needs to be installed. Not sure who installs dryer vents? A general contractor or HVAC technician can usually get the job done.
Vent Repair
Complete replacement is not the only option when a vent becomes damaged. In some cases, a vent can be repaired back to good working condition. An HVAC professional can perform this type of work and will likely charge anywhere from $75 to $150.
Bird Nest Removal and Other Pest Control
Birds are notorious for building nests inside dryer vent pipes. Homeowners will typically pay between $150 and $400 for a bird nest removal from a dryer vent. Birds are not the only animals that will build their home in a dryer vent: Squirrels, mice, and other rodents can climb inside if the vent is not properly covered. To avoid this issue, homeowners can seal the exterior side of the dryer vent with a cover or bird screen.
A dryer vent that is clogged with lint can become warped or separated from the vent cover, leaving it open to the elements. This has the potential to become a cozy environment for insects to nest. A dryer vent cleaner will charge between $120 to $250 to clear pests from the vent, or they may recommend calling one of the best pest control companies, such as Terminix or Orkin, for this job.
Types of Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
When a homeowner requests a dryer vent cleaning service, they most often want just a general cleaning; however, there are many other types of dryer vent cleaning services available, such as the following.
| Service | Cost |
| Air duct cleaning | $270 to $490 |
| Bird guard installation | $30 to $100 |
| Disinfectant fogging | $50 to $100 |
| General cleaning | $101 to $176 |
| Lint alert monitor installation | $170 to $250 |
| Vent inspection | $30 to $60 |
| Vent rerouting/installation | $200 to $500 |
Air Duct Cleaning
While the air ducts are not directly connected to the dryer vent, many homeowners choose to have them cleaned along with the dryer vent if it’s a service the company offers. Air duct cleaning costs anywhere from $270 to $490. During this process, dust and dirt are removed from all the ductwork in a forced air system. How often should HVAC ducts be cleaned? Experts recommend a complete air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years to remove allergens from a home.
Bird Guard Installation
A bird guard can be installed on the exterior portion of a dryer vent pipe to prevent birds and other creatures from getting inside the pipe. This installation costs anywhere from $30 to $100. Birds, squirrels, mice, and other pests are known to build nests inside dryer vent pipes. A bird guard prevents these intruders from getting inside the pipe and is perforated so dryer exhaust fumes can still escape.
Disinfectant Fogging
Disinfectant fogging is a service commonly done alongside a dryer vent cleaning. For $50 to $100, a disinfectant solution is added to the air system in a dryer. This solution helps to reduce bacteria and mold growth in the dryer. A homeowner might request this service if the dryer is taking a long time to dry clothes or has an unpleasant mildew smell.
General Cleaning
A general dryer vent cleaning costs between $101 and $176. During a general cleaning, the dryer lint cleaner will first locate the outside dryer cap and inspect it for any blockages, such as bird nests or debris. A tubular vacuum with a brush attachment is used to fully clean out the vent pipe from the outside of the home. A snake brush is then inserted to brush away any clogs or stuck-on dirt and dust. The brush is flexible so it can navigate bends in the vent pipe. In the case of stubborn lint that will not budge with either of the previous devices, the vent pipe may need to be disassembled to remove the clog. After the vent pipe is completely cleaned from the outside, the contractor will move inside and clean the pipe where it connects to the dryer.
Lint Alert Monitor Installation
Homeowners can have a lint alert monitor installed for between $170 and $250 to alert them when the dryer vent requires cleaning. A lint alert monitoring system is placed on the back of a dryer, monitoring airflow and temperature. If the dryer vent is clogged or overheating, the monitor will set off an alert. In most cases, the issue can be solved by scheduling a cleaning for the dryer vent pipe.
Vent Inspection
For a dryer vent inspection, homeowners can expect to pay $30 to $60 on average. This service is often included as part of a general dryer vent cleaning or can even be complimentary in some cases. A dryer vent inspection ensures the pipe is not damaged or restricted. Experts recommend an annual dryer vent inspection to avoid any potential fire hazards.
Vent Rerouting or Installation
The cost to have a dryer vent rerouted or a new vent installed ranges from $200 to $500. A dryer vent may need to be rerouted if the dryer is moved to a different location or if the vent itself is in a bad location, such as an attic, garage, or crawl space. A new vent pipe is necessary when a brand-new dryer is installed.
Do I Need Dryer Vent Cleaning?
Some homeowners may wonder “Is dryer vent cleaning necessary?” While it is not a commonly discussed task, it is certainly maintenance that’s necessary to keep a home safe and sound. The following are some situations that can often be corrected by regularly cleaning a dryer vent pipe.
Think you need to clean your dryer vent?
A pro can help. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from dryer vent cleaning services near you.