If your dryer has been running slower or your clothes aren’t drying thoroughly, built-up lint in the vent system is likely the culprit. Regular dryer vent cleaning is essential for safety, performance and appliance longevity. But how much should you expect to pay for professional vent maintenance? Costs vary widely based on several factors that influence the time, labor and materials involved.
Pricing Based on Vent Length
The length of your vent run from the dryer to the exterior vent cap is a primary determinant of cleaning price. Longer vent lines require technicians to maneuver cleaning equipment for an extended period, driving up costs. Common prices per linear foot range from $2 to $5, resulting in the following potential costs for vent lengths:
- 25 Feet – $50 to $125
- 50 Feet – $100 to $250
- 75 Feet – $150 to $375
- 100 Feet – $200 to $500
Extra Cost for Multiple Bends
Every turn or bend in your vent system increases airflow resistance and makes cleaning more difficult. Consequently, additional fees are common for vents with multiple elbows. Costs typically range from $5 to $25 per bend, with higher prices for 90-degree bends instead of 45-degree angles.
Additional Costs for Specialty Vents
Non-standard dryer vent configurations also command premium cleaning fees due to specialized tools, supplies and time needed. Examples include:
- Rigid Metal Vents – $25 to $50 more
- Flexible Vents – $25 to $75 higher
- Accordion or Hidden Vents – Up to $100 extra
- Insulated Vents – Roughly $50 to $100 more
Other Factors That Impact Vent Cleaning Cost
- Number of dryers on one vent line – Each additional dryer increases price by around $50 to $100.
- Vent location – Hard to reach vents in attics, crawlspaces and outdoors typically cost 10% to 30% more.
- Severity of blockage – Heavily clogged vents with compressed debris require additional cleaning time and effort, driving up costs.
- Additional services – Some companies charge extra for vacuum sealing vent openings and lint trap filters or replacing damaged components.
- Accessories – Optional add-ons like new foil duct tape and replacement clamps can increase costs by $25 to $100+.
- Geographic location – Vent cleaning prices vary widely among different cities and regions due to market rates and cost of living.
In summary, countless variables influence dryer vent cleaning expenses. But estimates will largely be based on factors like vent length, number of bends, type of ducting, severity of blockage and vent location. Getting multiple competitive estimates is wise, and selecting a professional company with fair prices.