How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
Updated
Short answer
Cleaning the dryer vent yourself costs $15 to $40, which is a brush kit with flexible rods that spins on a drill, and takes 30 to 60 minutes. A vent cleaning service charges $100 to $200. The kit handles a straight run of duct to an outside wall. The service handles the long runs, the roof vents and the ducts packed so tight the brush won't get through, and it brings a vacuum that pulls from the outside while brushing from inside.
Cost breakdown
| Item | DIY | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15 to $40 | included |
| Tools you may need to buy | none | included |
| Labor | your time | $100 to $200 |
| Total | $15 to $40 | $100 to $200 |
The DIY cost is the brush kit, which is reused every year. A vacuum, a screwdriver and a drill are tools most homes have. The service price covers the visit, the heavier equipment, and usually a check of the duct's condition and the outside vent flap.
What drives the cost
- The duct run. A short straight duct to an outside wall is the easy case for the kit. A long run with bends, or one that goes up through the roof, is where the service earns its price.
- How packed it is. A vent cleaned every year yields a handful of lint. One that's gone years can be blocked solid, and the service's vacuum and longer rods get through where the kit stalls.
- The duct material. Flexible foil duct that's crushed or kinked behind the dryer often needs replacing with rigid metal, which adds a part to either job.
- Gas or electric. A gas dryer means a gas connection to handle when the dryer is pulled out, and some owners pay the service for that reason alone.
- Skipping it. A clogged vent costs more in longer drying cycles and a hotter dryer every month, and a lint fire costs everything.
DIY vs. pro
This is a moderate job that most owners can do with the kit, and the money favors it: $15 to $40 once against $100 to $200 a year. How often to clean your dryer vent is once a year, or every 6 months for a large household or a long duct, and each cleaning after the first costs nothing.
Call the service for a vent that runs through the roof, a run the brush can't reach the end of, a duct that's packed solid, or a gas dryer you'd rather not disconnect. The service also spots a crushed duct or a vent that ends in the attic instead of outside, both of which are fire risks worth paying to find.
FAQ
How much does a dryer vent brush kit cost?
$15 to $40, and it's reused every year. It needs a drill to spin the rods.
How much does professional dryer vent cleaning cost?
$100 to $200 for a visit, with heavier equipment that handles long runs and roof vents.
Is professional dryer vent cleaning worth it?
For a long, bent or roof-mounted run, or a vent that's badly packed, yes. For a short straight duct, the kit does the same job for a fraction of the price.
How often should I pay for dryer vent cleaning?
Once a year if the service is your method, and every 6 months for a large household or a long duct. The same schedule applies to the kit.