Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost Calculator

Most pros charge a flat rate for vent runs under 10 feet, then add $10-$15 per additional 10 feet beyond that. A 10-foot vent run might cost $90-$100; a 35-foot run to a roof exit can push $150-$200 just for the cleaning portion. Building codes typically cap dryer vent length at 35 feet equivalent (with deductions for each 90-degree bend), so excessively long vents may also indicate a code violation worth addressing.

Each 90-degree elbow in the duct run adds brushing difficulty and reduces the effective allowed duct length under IRC codes. Most technicians add $10-$20 per elbow beyond the first. A vent with four bends is both harder to clean and a fire risk - each bend collects lint more aggressively than a straight run. According to NFPA data, dryers cause approximately 16,000 home fires annually in the U.S., with failure to clean the dryer vent listed as the leading contributing factor.

A standard sidewall exit is the easiest scenario - the technician can access both ends of the duct and run a brush through efficiently. Roof exits require the technician to work from the rooftop, which adds time, safety equipment, and typically a $20-$80 surcharge. Rooftop vents are also more prone to bird nesting and debris accumulation, often requiring extra clearing time.

Light annual lint buildup is the baseline that most flat-rate quotes cover. A compacted blockage from several years of skipped cleanings, a bird or rodent nest, or a crushed duct section all add time and cost. Nest removal alone can add $50-$150, and if the obstruction has damaged the duct lining, a partial reroute or replacement may be needed. The NFPA recommends cleaning at least once per year - homeowners who wait 3-5 years between cleanings routinely face the higher end of removal costs.

A video camera inspection threads a small camera through the duct after cleaning to verify the vent is clear, confirm the damper opens properly, and check for crushed or disconnected sections behind walls. Most companies charge $40-$75 as an add-on; some mid-tier packages include it. For vents that run inside walls or through unconditioned attic space, the inspection is worth the extra cost - a disconnected duct section venting hot humid air into an attic or wall cavity is an expensive problem to discover after the fact.