Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost Guide 2025

How much does dryer vent cleaning cost? Here's everything you need to know about pricing — from average costs to what factors affect your quote.

Average dryer vent cleaning costs

Most homeowners pay between $100 and $200 for a standard cleaning. Here's the full breakdown.

Service Type Price Range Average Cost Notes
Standard residential cleaning $100 – $200 $140 Ground-level, wall exit, under 20 ft
Complex or long vent run $150 – $300 $220 Roof exit, 2nd floor, 20+ feet, multiple turns
Roof vent access $175 – $300 $230 Requires roof access, extra safety equipment
Vent inspection only $50 – $100 $75 Camera inspection without cleaning
Vent repair / reroute $150 – $500 $300 Crushed duct, disconnection, code compliance
Bird nest removal + cleaning $125 – $275 $185 Includes nest removal, cleaning, and guard
Commercial / multi-unit $100 – $200/unit $150/unit Volume discounts often available

Pro tip: Get your quote before the fall season (October–January) when demand peaks. Many companies offer spring and summer discounts of 10–20% off standard pricing.

What affects dryer vent cleaning cost?

Six key factors that determine your final price.

Vent length & complexity

Short, straight runs (under 15 ft) cost less. Longer runs with multiple bends and elbows take more time and equipment. Every 90-degree turn adds to the difficulty.

Exit location (wall vs. roof)

Wall-exit vents are the simplest and cheapest to clean. Roof exits require ladders, safety equipment, and more time — typically adding $50–$100 to the cost.

Vent material & condition

Rigid metal vents are easiest to clean. Flexible foil or vinyl ducts (not up to code) are harder and may need replacement. Crushed or damaged ducts add repair costs.

Access difficulty

Easy access behind the dryer is standard. If the dryer is in a tight closet, stacked, or the exterior vent is behind landscaping or fencing, expect a higher quote.

Number of dryers / vents

Multi-dryer homes or commercial properties with multiple vents usually get volume pricing. Each additional vent typically costs $75–$125 when cleaned at the same visit.

Level of buildup

Regular annual cleaning is straightforward. Vents that haven't been cleaned in 3–5+ years may have severe blockages requiring extended cleaning time or specialized equipment.

DIY vs. professional: cost comparison

Is it cheaper to clean your dryer vent yourself? Here's a side-by-side look.

DIY cleaning

$20 – $60
  • Lint brush kit ($15–$30)
  • Leaf blower or shop vac (if owned)
  • Can clean visible lint near dryer
  • Can't reach full vent length (20+ ft)
  • Can't inspect for blockages or damage
  • No camera verification
  • Risk of pushing lint deeper into vent
  • No guarantee vent is actually clear

Professional cleaning

$100 – $200
  • Industrial rotary brush systems
  • High-powered commercial vacuum
  • Full-length vent cleaning (any length)
  • Camera inspection included
  • Identifies damage, disconnections, hazards
  • Before/after airflow verification
  • Licensed & insured — liability covered
  • Written report for insurance/records

Is dryer vent cleaning worth the cost?

At $100–$200, professional cleaning pays for itself many times over. Here's how.

$238M

Annual fire damage prevented

Clogged dryer vents cause 15,970 home fires per year, with $238 million in property damage. A $150 cleaning is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.

30%+

Energy bill reduction

A clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder and run longer. Cleaning can reduce drying time by 30–50%, saving $120–$240/year on energy bills alone.

5–10 yrs

Extended dryer lifespan

Overworking your dryer due to poor airflow wears out motors, heating elements, and thermostats. A $600–$1,200 dryer replacement is far more expensive than annual cleaning.

The bottom line: Spending $100–$200 on annual dryer vent cleaning prevents an average of $120–$240 in wasted energy, reduces fire risk by up to 34%, and can add years to your dryer's life. It's one of the highest-ROI home maintenance tasks you can do.

Frequently asked questions about cost

The national average is $100–$200 for a standard residential dryer vent cleaning. This includes a ground-level wall-exit vent under 20 feet. Complex jobs with roof exits, long runs, or severe blockages can cost $150–$300. We provide free upfront quotes with no surprises.

The main factors are vent length, exit location (wall vs. roof), number of bends/turns, material type, access difficulty, and level of buildup. A short, straight wall-exit vent is a quick job. A 30-foot vent with 4 elbows exiting through a 2-story roof takes significantly more time and equipment.

Most home warranties and insurance policies do not cover routine dryer vent cleaning. However, some home warranties cover dryer vent repairs if the vent is damaged. Many insurance companies offer discounts or require annual cleaning for policy compliance — check with your provider.

You can clean the short section behind the dryer (the transition hose) and the lint trap area yourself. For the full-length vent that runs through walls and exits the home, professional equipment is needed. DIY kits ($20–$60) only reach 6–12 feet and can push lint deeper, creating worse blockages. Professional cleaning reaches the entire vent and includes inspection.

The NFPA recommends at least once per year for most households. If you have a large family, pets (pet hair clogs vents faster), or do more than 6 loads per week, every 6 months is recommended. Annual cleaning at $100–$200/year is far cheaper than the alternative risks.

Standard cleaning is all-inclusive for most homes. Additional costs may apply if: your vent duct is damaged and needs repair ($100–$300), you need a pest guard installed ($30–$75), or your vent needs to be rerouted ($200–$500). A good technician will identify these during inspection and quote them separately — never pay for surprise add-ons.

Yes — multi-vent and multi-unit properties typically receive volume pricing. Each additional vent cleaned at the same visit is usually discounted 20–30%. Property managers with 10+ units can negotiate bulk contracts. Contact us for a custom quote.

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