If your dryer’s taking two cycles to dry a normal load or the laundry room feels hotter than it should, you’re not alone. Across the U.S., fire departments respond to roughly 13,800 dryer-related home fires each year, with failure to clean as a leading cause. In Colorado Springs, long vent runs in townhomes and roof terminations are common, which means lint builds up faster and airflow drops sooner. This matters for safety, energy bills, and your dryer’s lifespan. You’ll learn who actually does dryer vent cleaning near you, how to vet a pro without wasting time, what a proper service should include, typical pricing in our area, and smart prep that makes the appointment go smoothly. I’ve cleaned and managed vents in homes with 25–35-foot runs—if you get the right person with the right tools, the difference in drying time is immediate.
Quick Answer
In Colorado Springs, dryer vent cleaning is typically handled by dryer-vent specialists, air duct cleaning companies, some HVAC outfits, and a few chimney sweep or restoration pros. Call local companies that specifically list “dryer vent cleaning,” ask if they use rotary brush rods with high-suction vacuums and can service roof terminations safely, and expect pricing around $120–$250 for standard runs and $200–$400 for long or roof vents.
Why This Matters
Clogged dryer vents are a quiet hazard. Nationwide, there are about 13,800 dryer-related home fires annually, and failure to clean is a leading factor. Lint is dry, flammable, and gets superheated; a restricted vent traps heat and pushes the dryer to work harder. If you’ve got a townhome or a second-floor laundry in Colorado Springs, your vent may run 20–35 feet with multiple elbows—prime territory for lint buildup.
Even if it never sparks a fire, clogged vents chew through energy. A typical electric dryer uses about 2–4 kWh per load. When airflow drops, drying time stretches; add 15–30 extra minutes per load and you could be burning an extra 1 kWh each time. At ~260 loads a year, that’s 260 kWh—roughly $30–$40 on local rates, sometimes more. The wear on the appliance is real, too. Overheated dryers trip thermal fuses, destroy heating elements, and shorten motor life.
Common local scenarios: a roof cap with a screen plugged solid; a long, rigid duct snaking through an attic; or an accordion-style foil transition that traps lint behind the dryer. Professional cleaning restores airflow, cuts drying time in half, and removes a fire risk you can’t see until it’s too late.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm you actually need a cleaning
Watch for telltales: longer dry times, a hot or humid laundry room, a burning-lint smell, a dryer that’s hot to the touch, or the outside vent flap barely opening. If your termination is on the roof, binoculars can help you spot lint matting around the cap. Quick check: run the dryer on air-only and feel the exhaust outside—weak airflow means restriction. You might find dryer vent cleaning brush helpful.
- Don’t climb on roofs yourself unless you’re fully equipped and comfortable with heights.
- If you see a screen on the cap, that’s a clog magnet and not code-compliant for dryers.
Step 2: Find qualified pros in Colorado Springs
Look for dryer vent specialists and air duct cleaning companies that list dryer vents as a primary service. Ask for specific methods and qualifications rather than generic promises.
- Ask: Do you use rotary brush rods and a high-suction vacuum? Can you service roof terminations safely?
- Ask: Will you clean from both ends if possible (at the dryer and at the exterior) and provide before/after photos?
- Look for liability insurance and experience with long runs common in townhomes.
- NADCA membership for duct cleaners is a plus, though not mandatory for vents.
Step 3: Get clear, apples-to-apples quotes
Pricing in Colorado Springs generally runs $120–$250 for straightforward, first-floor vents. Long runs (25–35 feet), multiple elbows, or roof access can push it to $200–$400. Quotes should spell out exactly what’s included.
- Confirm: disconnection/reconnection of the dryer, cleaning of the transition duct, full vent from end to end, and roof safety if applicable.
- Ask about add-ons: bird nest removal, cap replacement, camera inspection, or airflow measurement.
- Time: plan 45–90 minutes for most jobs; longer for roof or heavy lint loads.
Step 4: Prep your laundry area for a smooth visit
Clear a path from the entry to the dryer. Pull detergent bins and hampers out of the way. If you’re on a second floor, note stairs and tight turns the tech will need to navigate. You might find dryer vent cleaning kit helpful.
- Know your setup: gas vs. electric, how the dryer is vented, and whether the termination is wall or roof.
- Pro tip: have a UL-2158A listed semi-rigid aluminum transition duct ready if yours is old, plastic, or foil accordion-style—those trap lint and aren’t safe.
- If the dryer is stacked, tell the company in advance; it may require two techs.
Step 5: Verify the quality of the work
After cleaning, airflow should be strong and the exterior flap should open fully. Dry a normal load and note the time—most people see 25–50% faster results immediately.
- Ask for photos or lint collection evidence: before/after shots, debris removed from the cap.
- Ensure the tech relevels the dryer, reconnects gas/electric properly, and replaces any crushed transition duct.
- No screen should be left on a dryer cap. A damper-only cap is correct.
Step 6: Plan maintenance and prevent re-clogs
Set a reminder for annual cleaning; every six months if you run multiple loads daily or have a long or roof vent. Clean the lint trap every load and the lint screen housing monthly. You might find dryer lint vacuum attachment helpful.
- Consider an airflow check after service to establish a baseline for future comparison.
- If birds are a problem, use a damper-style cap designed for dryers—no mesh screens. Screens are code violations and will clog.
Expert Insights
Professionals in Colorado Springs see a lot of long, vertical vent runs with roof exits. These need more than a shop vac or a leaf blower. A proper setup uses rotary brush rods matched to the duct diameter, a high-CFM vacuum, and sometimes a camera to verify elbows are clear. Cleaning from both ends when accessible is ideal; it dislodges packed lint and reduces the chance of leaving a plug at the termination.
Common misconceptions: “My dryer is new, so the vent is fine.” The vent doesn’t care how new your dryer is; lint and restrictions happen in the duct. “If the exterior flap opens, airflow is good.” Not necessarily—moderate clogs still open the flap but slash CFM and heat up the dryer. “A DIY kit is just as good.” Those kits can help with short, straight runs, but rods break in elbows and loose brush heads can block the line worse than lint.
Pro tips: Replace plastic or foil transition ducts with semi-rigid aluminum or smooth metal—better airflow, far safer. Roof caps with screens are trouble; code prohibits screens on dryer exhaust. If your run is near the maximum length (International Residential Code limits are typically 35 feet, with 90-degree elbows counting as 5 feet each), ask the tech to note equivalent length and consider a low-resistance cap to keep you within spec.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm symptoms: slow drying, hot laundry room, weak exterior airflow.
- Locate the termination (wall or roof) and note access difficulty for quoting.
- Call 2–3 local providers that list dryer vent cleaning specifically.
- Ask about rotary brush + high-suction vacuum and roof safety procedures.
- Get written pricing that includes disconnect/reconnect and both-end cleaning.
- Prepare the laundry area: clear path, move hampers, note gas/electric.
- Replace unsafe transition duct with UL-2158A semi-rigid aluminum.
- Verify strong airflow and a damper-only cap (no screen) after service.
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools for Who does dryer vent cleaning near me in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my dryer vent in Colorado Springs?
Annually works for most households. If you do several loads daily, have a long or rooftop vent, or own a short-lint-trapping foil transition, plan for every 6–9 months. After a major lint removal, set a reminder—clogs return faster on long runs.
What does dryer vent cleaning cost around here?
Expect $120–$250 for a standard, first-floor wall termination. Long runs (25–35 feet), multiple elbows, bird nest removal, or roof access typically push it to $200–$400. Quotes should spell out what’s included so you’re not surprised by add-ons.
Is a roof termination harder to service?
Yes. Roof vents require safe ladder access, roof-walking, and often clearance of lint packed behind a damper or screen. Many companies add a roof fee and send two techs. Confirm they’re insured and equipped for rooftop work.
Can I just use a leaf blower to clear the vent?
It’s risky. Blowers can compact lint into elbows or pack it against the cap, and they don’t remove dense buildup behind the dryer or at fittings. Professionals use rotary brush rods with a controlled vacuum to dislodge and capture lint safely.
Do gas and electric dryers differ for vent cleaning?
The cleaning process is the same, but gas dryers add a safety consideration: proper venting helps prevent exhaust (including small amounts of carbon monoxide) from lingering indoors. Always ensure reconnection and testing are handled correctly.
Will the tech clean inside my dryer, too?
Most standard services focus on the vent duct and transition. Some pros offer an internal dryer cabinet clean as an add-on, which is worthwhile if lint is collecting around the heater or motor. Ask what’s included before you book.
What are signs of a bird nest or pest issue?
Clothes staying damp, a total lack of airflow, twigs or feathers at the cap, and a damper jammed open are typical. Nests are common in roof caps with screens. Removal should be followed by the right cap—no mesh screens—and a full duct cleaning.
Conclusion
Dryer vent cleaning in Colorado Springs is best handled by specialists and duct pros who know long runs and roof terminations. Confirm you need service, call a couple of local providers, and choose the one with proper rotary brush equipment, clear pricing, and safe roof practices. Prep the space, replace any flimsy transition duct, and verify strong airflow when they’re done. Knock it out now and you’ll dry faster, use less energy, and eliminate a hidden fire risk—then set a reminder for next year.
Related: For comprehensive information about Heating and Air, visit our main guide.