Yes, dryer vent cleaning is absolutely worth it.
Professional cleaning costs $100-$200 but prevents house fires, reduces energy bills by $120-$240 annually, and extends your dryer’s lifespan by years.
Given that dryers cause nearly 16,000 home fires per year due to lint buildup, the safety benefit alone justifies the investment.
Lint is highly flammable, and clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of dryer fires. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that failure to clean dryer vents causes approximately 15,970 home fires annually. Professional cleaning eliminates this dangerous lint buildup and significantly reduces your fire risk.
A clogged vent forces your dryer to run longer, sometimes requiring two or three cycles for loads that should dry in one. This inefficiency costs the average household an extra $10-$20 per month in electricity or gas—$120-$240 per year. Clean vents restore normal drying times and eliminate this waste.
When vents are clogged, your dryer works harder and experiences excessive heat, causing premature wear on heating elements, motors, and other components. Regular cleaning helps your dryer last its full 10-15 year lifespan instead of failing after just 5-8 years.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule professional cleaning immediately.
Standard recommendation: Every 1-2 years, but yearly cleanings are better for staying on top of maintenance.
More frequent cleaning needed if you:
DIY maintenance (do between professional cleanings):
Professional cleaning required for:
Professional technicians use specialized rotary brush systems and high-powered vacuums that reach areas impossible to access with consumer tools. They clean the entire vent run from dryer to exterior, ensuring complete lint removal.
A $100-$200 annual investment in dryer vent cleaning:
The service pays for itself through energy savings alone, while the safety benefits are priceless. Schedule your dryer vent cleaning today and make it part of your annual home maintenance routine.