You’re standing in your laundry room, staring at a dryer that’s been running for two hours, and the towels are still damp. It’s annoying. It’s also a massive red flag. Most people think they just need a new appliance, but usually, the machine is fine—it’s the vent that’s choked with a decade of denim fluff and dog hair. So, you start wondering who to call to clean dryer vent lines before the whole thing becomes a fire hazard. Honestly, it’s not always obvious. You could call a handyman, but do they have the high-powered vacuum? You could call a carpet cleaner, but do they actually know ductwork?
Fire departments across the US respond to roughly 13,000 home fires every year caused by clothes dryers. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of these fires is a simple failure to clean the equipment. We aren't just talking about the little lint trap you pull out and swipe with your thumb. We are talking about the silver tube snaking through your walls, floor joists, or attic.
The Short List of Who to Call to Clean Dryer Vent Pipes
If you want the job done right, you basically have three main options. First up: Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Companies. These are specialists. They don't fix sinks; they don't mow lawns. They show up with truck-mounted compressors and "snakes" that can navigate a 25-foot run with three 90-degree turns.
Then you’ve got HVAC Technicians. Since your dryer vent is essentially a tiny exhaust duct, many heating and air conditioning companies offer this as a side service. They understand airflow dynamics. They know how backpressure can burn out a heating element. If your vent exits through a complicated roof setup, an HVAC pro is often your safest bet because they’re used to working on rooftops and sealing penetrations.
Finally, there are Appliance Repair Services. If your dryer is throwing an "AF" (Air Flow) error code or smelling like something is scorching, these folks are great. However, a word of caution: some appliance guys only clean the internal lint trap and the back of the machine. They might not have the industrial gear to clean the 20 feet of pipe leading to the outside of your house. Always ask if they "clean the full length of the exterior ducting" before you book them.
Why Your Local Handyman Might Not Be Enough
We all love a good "Jack of all trades," but dryer vents can be tricky. I’ve seen handymen try to clean a vent using a leaf blower. It sounds smart, right? It’s not. All that does is pack the wet, heavy lint into a dense "plug" at the first elbow in the pipe.
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True professionals use a specialized tool called a rotating brush system or a Cobra whip. These tools are powered by a drill or air compressor and spin at high speeds to scrub the interior walls of the pipe. If you have those flexible foil "transition" ducts, a handyman might accidentally rip them open. A specialist knows when to replace that cheap foil stuff with semi-rigid metal, which is much safer and meets most modern building codes.
The Signs It Is Time to Make the Call
Don't wait for a fire. Or a breakdown.
If your clothes are hot to the touch but still wet, that’s the classic sign. The moist air has nowhere to go, so it just steams your laundry. You might also notice the top of the dryer feels unnaturally hot. Some people notice a musty smell—that’s the damp lint sitting in the dark, warm vent and starting to grow things you don't want to think about.
Check the outside flap while the dryer is running. Is it moving? If those little plastic slats aren't fluttering, or if you see lint sticking out of them like a bird's nest, you’re officially overdue. According to CSIA (Chamberney Sweep Institute of America), which also certifies dryer exhaust technicians (C-DET), an annual inspection is the gold standard for safety.
The Hidden Costs of Waiting
Think about your electric bill. A clogged vent can easily add $20 to $30 a month to your utility costs because the dryer has to run twice as long. Over a year, you’ve basically paid for the professional cleaning anyway, but you still have the fire risk.
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And then there's the "hidden" damage. Dryers have a thermal fuse. When the vent is blocked, the internal temperature spikes. Eventually, that fuse pops. When it does, the dryer won't heat at all. Now, instead of just a vent cleaning, you’re paying for a service call and a repair part. It's a domino effect of avoidable expenses.
What a Real Cleaning Should Look Like
When you finally decide who to call to clean dryer vent lines, you should know what you're paying for so you don't get scammed. A legit pro should start by measuring the airflow with an anemometer. They check the "feet per minute" at the exit point.
- Inspection: They should look at the transition duct (the part behind the dryer). If it's plastic or thin foil, they should recommend replacing it with metal.
- The Scour: They feed the rotating brush through the entire length. They should do this from both ends if possible.
- The Vacuum: A high-HEPA vacuum should be attached to catch the debris so it doesn't just blow all over your laundry room or yard.
- Verification: After they finish, they should test the airflow again. You want to see a significant jump in the numbers.
Some companies try to upsell you on "sanitizing" the duct. Honestly? Unless you had a dead squirrel in there, you probably don't need it. Lint isn't alive. Just get the physical blockage out.
A Note on DIY Kits
You've probably seen those $30 kits at Home Depot. They can work. But they can also be a nightmare. If you have a long vent run and you don't secure the rod segments correctly, the brush can unscrew and get stuck deep inside your wall. Now you're calling a plumber or a contractor to cut open your drywall to retrieve a plastic brush. If your vent is shorter than six feet and runs straight out the back wall, go for it. If it goes up through the roof? Call a pro. It's just not worth the ladder fall or the stuck brush.
Choosing Between Local Pros and Big Chains
You’ll find big names like Sears Home Services or Stanley Steemer offering these services. They are convenient. They have insurance. But sometimes, a local "mom and pop" vent specialist is better because this is their entire livelihood. They often have better specialized equipment than a carpet cleaning franchise that just tosses a shop-vac in the van.
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Check reviews specifically for "dryer vents." Sometimes a company has 5 stars for carpet cleaning but 2 stars for vent work because they sent a trainee who didn't know how to navigate a roof vent.
Ask about their insurance. If they step through your attic ceiling, you want to make sure they’re covered. It happens more often than you’d think.
Final Reality Check: How Much Should It Cost?
Price varies by geography, but typically, you're looking at $125 to $175 for a standard residential cleaning. If your vent exits on a second-story roof or is over 30 feet long, expect to pay a "complexity fee" of maybe $50 more. If someone quotes you $49, be careful. That's usually a "bait and switch" where they get in the door and then tell you that your "special" vent requires a $300 deep clean.
Actionable Next Steps
- Locate your exit point: Go outside and find where the air actually leaves your house. If you can’t find it, that’s your first sign that you definitely need a pro to trace the line.
- Check the material: Pull your dryer out a few inches. If you see a white plastic "accordion" tube, go to the hardware store and buy a semi-rigid aluminum duct today. It's a $15 fix that saves lives.
- Search "C-DET certified" technicians: Use the CSIA search tool to find a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician in your zip code. This ensures they actually know the physics of airflow and fire codes.
- Schedule annually: Put a reminder in your phone for every October. It’s right before the heavy laundry season (winter coats, blankets) starts, and it’s the best time to ensure the system is clear.