How to Spot Dryer Vent Cleaning Scams

We hear the same story every week from homeowners in San Antonio, Schertz, and Cibolo: they called a $39 cleaner and ended up writing a check for $500. Here's how the scams actually work — and how to avoid them.

Scam #1: The bait price

An ad or mailer offers dryer vent cleaning for $39, $49, or $59. The tech arrives, opens the duct, and \"discovers\" you need a deep cleaning, sanitization, mold treatment, or duct replacement — for $300 to $700. You're already committed and the dryer is pulled out. Most people pay.

Reality: A real San Antonio dryer vent cleaning starts around $129. Anyone selling it at $39 is using it as a door-opener for upsells.

Scam #2: The HVAC duct conversion

You called for a dryer vent. The tech inspects your vent in 30 seconds, then spends 20 minutes telling you about \"mold and dust in your AC ducts\" and quotes $600–$1,200 for HVAC duct cleaning.

Reality: Dryer vents and HVAC ducts are different systems. A dryer vent specialist focuses on dryer vents, not HVAC ducts.

Scam #3: The \"impacted vent\" pressure

The tech holds up a small amount of lint, claims your vent is dangerously impacted, and demands payment for emergency repair before they'll reconnect your dryer.

Reality: A real impacted vent is photographed, explained, and quoted in writing. You get time to decide — not pressure at the door.

Scam #4: Fake mold

\"Mold\" found in a dryer vent is almost always lint. Real mold needs lab testing. If a cleaner pivots immediately to mold remediation pricing, end the visit.

Call 210-560-1422 Text Us Photos Request Free Inspection

Scam #5: The no-show insurance threat

Some operators claim your homeowner's insurance \"requires\" their service, or that without it your policy is void. False — no Texas insurer requires use of a specific cleaner.

How to verify a legit cleaner before they show up

Local phone number and physical service area
Real Google reviews — not just a 5-star clump from the same week
Willing to do a free inspection before quoting
Clear written pricing, no surprise add-ons
Sends before/after photos
Doesn't push HVAC duct cleaning, attic insulation, or handyman work
Insured

What to do if you've been scammed

Document everything — invoice, photos, texts, emails
Dispute the charge with your credit card company (don't pay cash)
File a BBB complaint (San Antonio chapter)
File with the Texas Attorney General's consumer protection division
Leave an honest, factual Google review to warn others

Related Dryer Vent Help

Frequently Asked Questions

+What's the most common dryer vent scam?

The $39 or $49 bait price. The company shows up, claims your vent is "severely impacted," and pressures you to pay $300–$700 on the spot.

+Are mailer coupons legit?

Some are, but the cheapest ones (under $59) almost always trigger upsell pressure on arrival. Real local cleaners rarely run those.

+Is HVAC duct cleaning a scam?

Air duct cleaning is a separate service that some companies oversell. If you called for a dryer vent and they keep pushing HVAC duct cleaning, that's a red flag.

+What if they say I have mold in the vent?

Lint isn't mold. If a cleaner shows up and immediately mentions mold remediation pricing, get a second opinion.

+How do I file a complaint?

BBB San Antonio and the Texas Attorney General's consumer protection division both accept complaints. Save the invoice, photos, and any text messages.