Dryer Vent & Air Duct Cleaning in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR
Clear lint from your dryer vent to reduce fire risk, and get honest advice on whether your air ducts actually need cleaning.
Short answer: Clean your dryer vent once a year, or sooner if clothes take longer to dry. Clean your air ducts only when needed: after construction dust, visible mold on hard ducts, pests, or dust and debris coming out of your registers.
What We Clean
Dryer Vent Cleaning
We clear lint from the full vent line, at the dryer connection and at the outside exit, so air can flow freely. Lint is highly combustible, and a blocked vent also makes your dryer work harder.
From $120 · about 45 to 60 minutes
Air Duct Cleaning
Whole-home cleaning with negative-air HEPA vacuum equipment, brush agitation and air flushing. We inspect first and recommend cleaning only when your system actually needs it.
From $350 · priced by vents and furnace units
Why Dryer Vents Matter
Lint builds up in the dryer and in the vent line, reduces airflow, and can overheat. The National Fire Protection Association estimates U.S. fire departments responded to about 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year (2010 to 2014), and the U.S. Fire Administration lists failure to clean as the leading factor in dryer fires, at about one-third.
Fire safety guidance is simple: clean the lint filter before or after every load, and clean the vent line once a year or more often if drying takes longer than normal.
Signs your dryer vent needs cleaning
- Clothes take longer than usual to dry, or need two cycles.
- The dryer or laundry room feels unusually hot.
- Laundry smells musty or burnt.
- Lint collects around the outdoor vent, or the flap does not open when the dryer runs.
- It has been a year or more since the vent was cleaned.
Do Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning? An Honest Guide
The EPA does not recommend routine air duct cleaning, only cleaning as needed, and it notes duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems. We do not make health claims about it. We do recommend cleaning when:
- You have substantial visible mold growth on hard-surface ducts (wet or moldy insulation cannot be cleaned and must be replaced).
- Pests such as rodents or insects have been in the ducts.
- Dust and debris are clogging the ducts or blowing out of your supply registers.
- A remodel left drywall dust or sawdust in the system.
The EPA also notes that no chemical biocides are registered for use in internally insulated duct systems, so we will explain any treatment before it is applied. Read the full EPA guidance on air duct cleaning.
How We Clean
- 01
System Inspection
We inspect the ductwork, plenum and blower area for dust, debris or signs of moisture.
- 02
Seal Registers
Supply and return vents are covered to create a closed negative-pressure zone.
- 03
HEPA Vacuum Hookup
A high-powered HEPA vacuum is connected to the main trunk line.
- 04
Rotary Brush Agitation
Brushes dislodge stuck debris, pet hair and dust from the duct walls.
- 05
Compressed-Air Flushing
Air is pushed through each branch toward the collection vacuum.
- 06
Return Duct Cleaning
Main returns, where dust tends to collect, get extra attention.
- 07
Dryer Vent Lint Extraction
Lint is cleared from the dryer vent line, working at both ends.
- 08
Reinstall & Airflow Check
Registers are wiped and reinstalled, airflow is checked, and you receive a service report.
Pricing
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer vent cleaning, standard | $120 to $180 | Typical residential exit. About 45 to 60 minutes. |
| Dryer vent, roof exit or very long run | $180 to $240 | Specialized access or length required. |
| Whole-home air duct cleaning | $350 to $650 | Based on the number of vents and furnace units. Includes negative-air vacuum hookup and trunk line brushing. |
Duct and dryer vent services are done at your home. Call to confirm availability for your address, or see our service areas.
Water Damage, Sewer Backup or Mold in Your HVAC?
Fix the moisture source first. Our emergency restoration division is available 24/7.
Dryer Vent & Air Duct Questions
How do I know my dryer vent is clogged?
Common signs are clothes taking longer than usual to dry, a dryer or laundry room that feels unusually hot, laundry that smells musty or burnt, and lint around the outdoor vent flap or a flap that does not open. Failure to clean is the leading factor in home dryer fires.
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
At least once a year, and sooner if drying times get longer. Homes that run many loads or have a long vent run may need it more often.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
Standard residential dryer vent cleaning is $120 to $180. Roof exits and very long runs that need specialized access are typically $180 to $240. We confirm your price before we start.
How long does it take, and do you come inside my home?
A dryer vent service takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Our technician works inside at the dryer connection and outside at the exterior vent, using air and rotary brushes to clear the line.
Is air duct cleaning worth it?
Sometimes. The EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning, only cleaning as needed. It can make sense after a remodel that left construction dust, when there is substantial visible mold on hard ducts, when pests have been in the ducts, or when dust and debris are clogging the system or coming out of your registers. We inspect first and tell you honestly if it is not needed.
How much does air duct cleaning cost?
Whole-home air duct cleaning is $350 to $650, based on the number of supply and return vents and furnace units. Pricing includes negative-air vacuum hookup and trunk line brushing.
Can you help after water damage, mold concerns or a remodel?
For construction dust after a remodel, yes. If your HVAC system was exposed to standing water, a sewer backup or suspected mold, call our restoration team at (360) 696-4140 or visit benchmarkcleans.com, since the cause needs to be fixed first.
Do you inspect and test the system?
Yes. Each duct service includes an internal camera inspection and an airflow check, and we can reconnect or seal disconnected ductwork we find.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your home and we will confirm your price and appointment.