Dryer vent cleaning costs an average of $143
On average, dryer vent cleaning costs most homeowners between $103 and $184 or an average of $143.
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 updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Dryer vent cleaning costs between $103 and $184, or an average of $143 for most homeowners. In some cases, it can cost as little as $75 or reach as high as $329. A quick annual visit clears away lint, keeps your dryer running faster, and cuts the risk of a house fire. Prices fluctuate based on the vent’s location, length, and material, so knowing these details helps you budget before hiring a professional dryer vent cleaner.
Several details nudge your final price up or down—where the vent exits your home, how long the duct runs, and any extra services you tack on during the visit. Here’s a closer look at the cost factors that impact how much you’ll pay for dryer vent cleaning.
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 |
Dryer vents located in the basement cost between $80 and $150 to clean. These vents are the easiest for a professional dryer vent cleaner to access.
Priced similarly to basement dryer vent cleaning, professionally cleaning the vents of your first-floor dryer costs between $80 and $150.
Given the less accessible location, the price increases slightly for a second-floor dryer vent cleaning. In most cases, second-floor dryer duct cleaning costs between $110 and $185.
Dryer vent cleaning companies in your area charge an average of $150 to $250 to clean and inspect rooftop vents and side vents. Rooftop dryer vents are more likely to develop clogs from debris accumulation and damage from harsh weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of additional charges.
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.
Shorter dryer vents are the most economical to service, as they may 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 may require 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.
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.
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 may 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.
You may 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.
If your dryer vent is damaged, expect to pay an HVAC professional between $80 and $1,000 to repair or replace it. Damaged ductwork may also indicate 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.
Along with the primary cost of cleaning dryer vents, you may also opt to bundle related services when hiring a local professional for the job.
Cleaning Service | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Air ducts | $270–$490 |
Vent inspection | $30–$60 |
Vent rerouting or installation | $200–$500 |
Lint alert monitoring | $170–$250 |
Disinfectant fogging | $50–$100 |
A thorough air duct cleaning clears all components of your home's forced air system and removes dirt and debris from your HVAC system. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends a full cleaning every three to five years, though completing one more often might be necessary if there are individuals with respiratory issues in your home. An air duct cleaning costs between $270 and $490.
A dryer vent inspection costs $30 to $60 on average, depending on the vent location. An inspection ensures the vents work properly and the system is not damaged or restricted. 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.
Vents installed in less-than-ideal or dangerous locations, such as an attic, garage, or crawl space, should be relocated. On average, having your dryer vents rerouted to a different location or installing new ones costs $200 to $500.
You can place lint alert systems on the back of your dryer to monitor its airflow and temperature. These alarms will alert you if your dryer overheats or accumulates too much lint. Expect to pay between $170 and $250 to install a lint alert alarm.
Applying disinfectant fog to your dryer costs between $50 and $100. In this process, a pro sends a solution into the dryer’s air system to reduce bacteria and prevent mold and mildew from growing. Fogging is a supplementary service and should not be used as a replacement for proper vent cleaning.
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 may 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.
Planning for dryer vent cleaning costs requires careful consideration of important factors to ensure both safety and cost-effectiveness:
Get quotes from three local 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.
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.
When drying loads start taking longer—or worse, the machine smells hot or shuts off due to overheating—it’s time to call a professional. Extra lint on clothes or in the trap, a musty or burning odor, and a vent flap that no longer opens easily all hint at a clog. Each sign points to restricted airflow, higher energy bills, and a greater fire risk, so don’t ignore them.
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, you may need to increase the frequency of cleanings to twice a year. Doing laundry daily for a large household may require an increase to quarterly cleanings to keep the vents and ducts clear of debris.
You should contact a specialist for thorough dryer vent cleaning. Licensed plumbers, HVAC technicians, or companies dedicated to dryer vent cleaning possess the necessary expertise and equipment to manage every vent configuration, including challenging setups such as roof-installed or extended duct systems. Reaching out to a qualified professional ensures both safety and efficiency throughout the cleaning process.
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.