Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost in 2025

Why You’re Probably Paying More Than You Think

Let’s be real—most homeowners don’t think about their dryer vent until clothes take forever to dry or, worse, the laundry room smells like something’s burning. It’s one of those “out of sight, out of mind” home maintenance tasks… until it isn’t.

Here’s the truth: a clogged dryer vent isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean dryers causes nearly 2,900 home fires each year in the U.S., with millions in property damage and injuries. And most of these could’ve been prevented with a simple professional cleaning that costs less than a dinner date.

So, how much should you actually expect to pay for dryer vent cleaning in 2025, especially if you live in New Jersey? Let’s break it down.

The Average Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost in 2025

Across the country, homeowners spend about $139 to $185 on professional dryer vent cleaning. In New Jersey, you can expect to pay a bit more—around $150 to $225—due to local labor rates and older home structures (more turns, longer duct runs, or roof exits).

Here’s a quick cost snapshot:

Type of Service	Typical Price Range	What It Includes
Basic cleaning	$100 – $150	Standard lint removal (short vent run)
Second-floor or roof exit	$150 – $250	Added labor, ladder work, longer ducts
Bird nest removal	$200 – $275	Obstruction removal + cleaning
Inspection or camera scan	$30 – $60	Optional add-on for airflow and safety
Emergency or same-day	+$50 – $100	Rush service or weekend call

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide (2025 updates)

These numbers might look simple—but the factors that drive them aren’t.

What Affects Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost?

No two dryer setups are the same. A townhouse in Bergen County will differ completely from a colonial in Morris County. Here are the biggest cost factors:

1. Vent Length and Access

Short, straight vents are quick and affordable. But if your vent runs up through a roof or across an attic, you’ll pay more—sometimes double.

2. Type of Dryer & Vent Exit

Gas dryers and rooftop vents take longer to service safely, so pros may charge more.

3. Level of Blockage

If there’s damp lint, nesting material, or debris buildup, cleaning takes longer (and costs more).

4. Local Labor Rates

New Jersey’s average hourly rate for HVAC or duct specialists is around $75–$100/hour.

5. Add-ons & Bundled Services

Bundling dryer vent cleaning with air duct cleaning or chimney sweeping often cuts your total bill by 10–20%.

Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Isn’t Optional?

Think of your dryer vent as the lungs of your laundry system. When it’s clogged, everything suffers:

• Drying takes longer, raising your energy bill.

• Lint builds up, becoming a serious fire hazard.

• Your dryer motor works harder, shortening its lifespan.

ENERGY STAR reports that clogged vents can make dryers use up to 30% more energy per load. That’s money literally blowing out your vent flap.

And if you own a high-efficiency or heat-pump dryer, lint buildup can even mess with sensors and void your warranty.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

If you’re like most New Jersey homeowners, once a year is the sweet spot. But that’s a general rule—some households need it more often.

Laundry Load Frequency	Recommended Cleaning Interval
1–2 loads per week	Every 18 months
3–5 loads per week	Annually
Daily use / pets / large family	Every 6–9 months

Also, if your dryer vent exits through the roof, you’ll want to schedule cleaning at least twice a year—once before winter, and once after heavy pollen season.

DIY vs. Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

Sure, you can find dryer vent cleaning kits at Home Depot for $20 to $40. And if your vent is short and straight (like through an exterior wall), DIY might do the trick.

But here’s where homeowners get into trouble: Most dryer vents are hidden behind walls or crawlspaces. One wrong move and you could push lint deeper, compacting it into a fire hazard.

Professional cleaners use specialized rotary brushes, high-powered vacuums, and sometimes camera scopes to ensure every inch is clear.

It’s not just cleaning—it’s inspection, prevention, and performance optimization.

Real-World Cost Scenarios in New Jersey

To make this practical, here are three examples of what you’d actually pay locally:

1. Small Condo in Paramus (short vent) – $125 45-minute job, one straight vent, no blockage.

2. Two-Story Home in Ridgewood (attic vent) – $195 Two bends, 20-ft run, light lint buildup, roof ladder required.

3. Older Home in Hackensack (bird nest + blockage) – $275 Roof access, heavy obstruction, full clean and cap replacement.

These numbers come straight from recent averages across Bergen and Passaic County service providers in 2025

How to Save Money (Without Cutting Corners)

Everyone loves saving money, but not at the expense of safety. Here are smart ways to lower your cost:

1. Book in the off-season. Avoid emergency calls in summer and winter peaks.

2. Bundle services. Many New Jersey companies offer discounts when combining dryer vent, air duct, or chimney cleaning.

3. Clean your lint trap every load. It’s free and improves efficiency instantly.

4. Inspect your exterior vent flap. Make sure it opens fully and isn’t covered by plants or debris.

5. Ask for visual proof. A good company provides before-and-after photos of your vent interior.

A little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing future blockages—and keeping your energy bills down.

What’s Included in a Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning?

A reliable pro follows a process similar to this:

1. Inspection – Check for lint buildup, airflow issues, or crushed ducts.

2. Mechanical Cleaning – Use flexible rods and rotary brushes to scrub out every inch.

3. Vacuum Extraction – A high-powered vacuum collects all debris and lint.

4. Airflow Test – Verify proper CFM (airflow) before and after cleaning.

5. Safety Check – Inspect the cap, flap, and duct joints for leaks or damage.

If a company rushes through in 15 minutes, walk away. A proper cleaning takes 45–90 minutes depending on vent complexity.

Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Cleaning

Watch out for these warning signs—they usually mean your vent is clogged:

• Clothes take longer than one cycle to dry.

• The top of your dryer feels hot.

• You notice a musty or burning smell.

• Lint accumulates behind or around the dryer.

• The outside vent flap doesn’t open properly.

If you’ve noticed two or more of these, don’t delay—book a cleaning before it becomes a safety issue.

GET YOUR CLEANING SCHEDULE HERE

Why Homeowners in New Jersey Trust Local Pros?

New Jersey homes, especially those built before the 1990s, often have longer and more complex vent systems. Add in humidity, seasonal pollen, and the occasional bird’s nest—and you’ve got a perfect storm for lint buildup.

That’s why choosing a local, licensed, and insured dryer vent cleaning company matters. They understand the regional challenges—tight crawlspaces, roof exits, and local code compliance.

Look for technicians who are NADCA-certified or specialize in HVAC vent cleaning. They’ll use professional-grade equipment that keeps your system running safely and efficiently.

Final Thoughts: Small Cost, Big Payoff

Here’s the takeaway: spending around $150–$200 once a year is a small investment that pays back through:

• Lower energy bills

• Safer operation

• Longer dryer lifespan

And if you already care about keeping your home clean, efficient, and well-maintained, here’s a smart add-on — regular house cleaning.

At Burrini & Daughters Private Home Cleaning, we share the same goal: helping New Jersey homeowners protect their biggest investment—their home. Whether it’s spotless interiors or safe dryer vents, small habits make a big difference.

In Summary

• Average cost: $150–$225 in New Jersey

• Frequency: Once a year (or more for heavy use)

• Fire risk: 2,900+ fires yearly from lint buildup

• Savings: Up to 30% lower energy use after cleaning

Best next step: Hire a trusted local pro, not the cheapest ad online