How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost? [2025 Data]
Dryer vent cleaning costs an average of $144
On average, dryer vent cleaning costs most homeowners between $103 and $185 or an average of $144.
Dryer vent cleaning costs depend on vent type, length, location, potential repairs, and accessibility.
Longer, hard-to-reach, or clogged dryer vents push costs to the top of that range.
Schedule a dryer vent cleaning pro once a year to cut fire risk and keep clothes drying quickly.
Staying on top of lint buildup helps your dryer last longer and avoids surprise repairs.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Dryer vent cleaning costs an average of $144. It can cost as little as $75 or reach as high as $330. A quick annual visit clears away lint, keeps your dryer running efficiently, and cuts the risk of a house fire. Prices depend on the vent’s location, length, and material, so knowing these details helps you budget before hiring a professional dryer vent cleaner.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost by Vent Location
Vents on a basement or first-floor wall are quick work for a tech and sit at the low end of the price range. Roof or second-story vents take extra gear and ladder time, so you’ll pay more. If the dryer is located far from an exterior wall, the longer duct requires more frequent cleanings as well.
| Location | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basement | $80–$150 |
| First floor | $80–$150 |
| Second floor | $110–$185 |
| Roof | $150–$250 |
Cost for Obstructions and Debris
Stubborn blockages—think packed lint or the occasional bird’s nest—bump your bill to an average of $120 to $250. A particularly clogged dryer duct with more debris takes longer and requires more effort to clean than one with less debris.
Vent Length
Shorter dryer vents are the most cost-efficient to service since they require minimal time and effort. However, as dryer duct length increases, so does the complexity of the cleaning service. Longer vents require more labor, thorough inspection, and specialized equipment. Multiple bends and turns can further increase the price, as contractors must spend more time accessing and thoroughly cleaning the entire dryer duct system.
Vent Type
Dryer vent material and layout matter. Rigid metal ducts cost the least to service because pros can brush them out quickly. Flexible plastic or foil ducts snag lint in every crease, so a thorough clean takes longer. If the run snakes through walls or makes tight turns, plan on added labor and a higher invoice.
Labor Cost for Ductwork Pros
Most of what you’ll pay for a professional to clean your dryer is the labor costs. Rates shift depending on the professional you choose and whether they charge by the hour or a flat fee. Tough jobs—such as rooftop vents or extra-long runs—sometimes require a two-person crew, which increases labor costs.
Some cleaners offer package deals if you combine dryer vent cleaning with other services, such as air duct cleaning, or if you sign up for regular yearly maintenance.
Additional Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost Factors
Here are other factors that can impact your overall cost.
New Ducting or Venting
You can choose to invest in dryer vent installation costs to reduce future cleaning expenses for rooftop vents or to replace old ductwork with excessive wear and tear. These projects range from $80 to $1,000 in total, depending on the placement, material quality, and the complexity of the installation.
Repairs
If your dryer vent is damaged, expect to pay an HVAC professional between $80 and $1,000 to repair or replace it. Damaged ductwork also indicates other issues that need addressing. Dryer repair costs $100 to $430, with an average of $180. Like other appliance repairs, the cost depends on the type of repair and the specific requirements.
Add-On Services
Along with the primary cost of cleaning dryer vents, you can also opt to bundle related services when hiring a local professional for the job.
| Service | Average Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Air ducts | $270–$490 | Full cleaning of all HVAC ductwork systems |
| Vent inspection | $30–$60 | Thorough check for damage, inefficiencies, and restrictions |
| Vent rerouting or installation | $200–$500 | Needed if vent location has become dangerous |
| Lint alert monitoring | $170–$250 | Alarms you when there’s too much lint clogging the system |
| Disinfectant fogging | $50–$100 | Used to prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew growth |
Dryer Vent Cleaning vs. Replacement
Dryer vent cleaning is often the more cost-effective solution to address lint buildup and minor obstructions unless the vent is significantly damaged. Dryer vent replacement will become necessary if the vents show severe damage, have multiple punctures, are made of outdated materials, or show signs of significant structural issues.
A professional inspection can reveal whether a thorough cleaning will suffice or whether it is worth investing in a complete replacement as the safer, more long-term solution.
Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Increase Home Value?
Cleaning your dryer vent doesn't directly increase your home's appraised value, but it offers a significant return on investment (ROI) in other crucial ways. Mostly, it's an important safety measure that prevents dryer fires, which are a leading cause of residential fires.
Beyond safety, a clean dryer vent improves the efficiency and longevity of your dryer. A clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear, potentially shortening its lifespan. By ensuring clear airflow, you reduce energy consumption, save on utility costs, and prolong the life of your dryer, ultimately saving you money in repairs or premature replacement.
Budgeting for Dryer Vent Cleaning
Planning for dryer vent cleaning costs requires careful consideration of important factors to ensure both safety and cost-effectiveness:
Get quotes from three local dryer vent cleaning pros so you can compare prices and what each visit includes.
Ask whether bundling this job with duct or chimney cleaning will score a discount.
Schedule an annual inspection (or more frequently if you use the dryer daily) to prevent lint issues early.
Empty the lint trap after every load to prevent buildup between professional visits.
See if the company offers a yearly plan or multi-service contract for lower per-visit rates.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dryer vent cleaning is absolutely worth it. It’s a key safety measure, preventing potential dryer fires caused by lint buildup. Beyond safety, regular cleaning improves your dryer's efficiency, leading to faster drying times and lower energy bills. It also extends the lifespan of the dryer, saving you money on repairs or premature replacement. The average cost of cleaning is a small investment for the significant benefits and peace of mind it provides.
Yes. You should contact a specialist for thorough dryer vent cleaning. Licensed plumbers, HVAC technicians, or companies dedicated to dryer vent cleaning have the expertise and equipment to manage every vent configuration, including challenging setups like roof-installed or extended duct systems. Reaching out to a qualified professional ensures both safety and efficiency throughout the cleaning process.
While it might seem like a quick solution, using a leaf blower to clean your dryer vent is not recommended. Using a leaf blower often pushes lint deeper into the vent or causes it to become more compacted, creating a worse clog. This can also damage the vent material, especially flexible ducts, leading to tears and further fire hazards. For effective and safe cleaning, a specialized dryer vent cleaning kit with a brush or a powerful vacuum with a long hose attachment is preferred, or even better, hiring a professional.
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, increase the frequency of cleanings to twice a year. Doing laundry daily for a large household requires an increase to quarterly cleanings to keep the vents and ducts clear of debris.
You cannot operate a standard dryer without a properly attached vent hose. An unconnected vent forces hot, moist air into your home, which compromises indoor air quality and accelerates mold and mildew growth. This unsafe condition not only raises the risk of fires but also leads to extensive repair expenses, as it breaches local building codes that require external venting.
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