How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
By Nina Kulenkampff
The national average cost of dryer vent cleaning is $129, including labor and materials. The lower-end national average cost is $114, whereas the higher-end average cost is $152.
Several factors determine the amount you will pay. These factors include the amount of debris in your dryer vent and the labor costs in your area.
Dryer vent cleaning costs:
|
National average cost |
$129 |
|
Average low-end cost |
$114 |
|
Average high-end cost |
$152 |
Prices include labor and materials.
Rather than accepting a ballpark figure from the first dryer vent cleaning company you come across, get free estimates from professionals near you. They can give you more accurate pricing for cleaning your clothes dryer ducts and vents, which will help you set your expectations and budget.
To learn more about the costs involved in cleaning dryer vents, read our cost breakdown below.
What's in this cost guide?
Several factors impact how much cleaning or replacing your dryer vent will cost you. Here are some of the variables:
The amount of damage or dirt.
Time costs money. The dirtier or more damaged your dryer vents are, the more effort and time it will take to get them back into shape. This can make it a more expensive project, which brings us to our next point.
Labor costs and minimum service fees.
It's commonplace for dryer vent cleaning companies to charge labor costs. The longer it takes to clean or replace the dryer vents, the more you are likely to pay.
Don't get too excited if you're only getting a technician in to do a small job — they may still charge you a minimum service fee to make it worth their while. The minimum service fee can be impacted by factors such as your location and the complexity of the job.
Vent location.
The location of your dryer vents impacts dryer vent cleaning costs as well. For example, cleaning roof vents would be harder to clean and access than vents you can access in your laundry room. A professional may consider this when determining the price for their services.
Material and equipment costs.
Material and equipment costs come into play when the dryer vent cleaners need to replace parts of the system.
For example, if the vent ducts need replacing, costs will change according to the type of vents needed, their length, and other components that are needed for the installation.
|
National average cost |
$323-$1,011 |
|
Average low-end cost |
$238-$746 |
|
Average high-end cost |
$356-$1,183 |
Prices include labor and materials.
The national average cost to replace a dryer vent ranges from $323-$1,011. With low-to-high average costs ranging from $238-$1,183, it's a good idea to gather quotes from several dryer vent cleaning services.
Now that you have an idea of factors that impact the cost of cleaning or replacing your dryer vents, you may be deliberating DIY-ing this task.
Here are some pros and cons of DIY dryer vent cleaning to help you decide:
Pros of DIY dryer vent cleaning:
- Cost savings. If you know what you're doing and have your own tools and equipment, you can save money on labor and service fees.
- No waiting period. Not all technicians or dryer vent cleaning companies offer same- or next-day services. By doing it yourself, you can avoid the potential waiting period.
- Regular maintenance. You can avoid a clogged dryer vent by routinely cleaning and servicing the vent yourself. It's also a great opportunity for you to check the unit and see whether anything needs a deep clean or if it's time to install a new dryer.
Cons of DIY dryer vent cleaning.
- Safety concerns. DIY vent cleaning can be a safety hazard, especially when it comes to vents that are difficult to access. There's a risk that you might hurt yourself or damage the vent in the process. On top of that, clogged ducts and excessive lint buildup can cause dryer fires.
- Effectiveness. Someone who has training and experience in cleaning dryer vents is likely to do a better, more thorough job of cleaning than you. If you're a trained and experienced technician, this point would not apply to you. However, if you want the ducts cleaned in a timely and cost-efficient way, hiring pros is the way to go.
- Time and effort. Time is money. So, ask yourself how much your time is worth. If your time is worth more than the cost of having the vents cleaned by someone else, you should hire a professional. It would be a fair exchange of value — their time and effort in exchange for your hard-earned dollars.
If you feel the cons outweigh the pros of DIY dryer vent replacement or cleaning, get professionals to do the job for you. Start by downloading the Thumbtack app and get free cost estimates from dryer vent inspection and cleaning professionals.
Take your time to compare estimates and choose the technician or dryer vent cleaning company that fits your needs and your budget best. Getting a tailored quote is as easy as entering your zip code and providing specific details about the project.
FAQs.
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about dryer vent cleaning.
How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?
It's a good idea to inspect your dryer vent hoses for dirt and debris regularly. Tell-tale signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning can include the following:
- Your clothes take longer to dry.
- You notice a burning smell.
- There's excessive lint buildup.
- There's an overall decline in your dryer's efficiency.
How long does it take to clean a dryer vent?
The time it takes for dryer vent cleaning or replacement depends on the damage to the unit or the complexity of the project. As a rough guideline, though, professional dryer vent cleaning takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
If you are doing it yourself with the dryer vent cleaning kit you've put together, it might take you much longer. That is unless you have the training and experience to get the job done in a time and cost-efficient way.
How often should dryer vents be cleaned?
It is advised to check them routinely and have them cleaned once or twice a year. Routine cleaning and maintenance of dryer vents is essential. Not only can it save you money down the line, but it also reduces the risk of dryer fires.
You should also:
- Remove lint buildup from the lint trap after each cycle.
- Regularly check that the outside of the vent isn't blocked by obstructions, such as plants or a bird nest.
- Schedule a professional annual cleaning. Even better: clean it every six months.
What time of year is best for dryer vent cleaning?
Dryer vents can be cleaned at any time of the year. Prompt action is needed when you see or have any issues either with the dryer itself or the vent ducts.
Some homeowners may choose to have their dryer vents cleaned in spring or fall when the weather is fair. This is also the time when they might already be doing seasonal maintenance to prepare their homes for the upcoming summer or winter.
All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
