Questions to Ask a Dryer Vent Cleaning Company

Most dryer vent complaints we hear in San Antonio come from homeowners who hired a $39 bait-price company and got upsold to $400 on the spot. These questions filter that out before they show up.

Before you book

1. "Do you offer a free on-site inspection before you quote?"

Good companies inspect before they price. They open the duct, look at the condition, and quote based on what's actually there. Phone-quoters are guessing — or baiting.

2. "What's your full price for a standard cleaning?"

You should get a single, clear number. Expect $129 and up in San Antonio. If they hedge, ask again.

3. "Are you insured?"

General liability is required. If they say "yes" — ask for the certificate.

4. "Do you clean from both ends?"

The right answer is yes: from the dryer connection and from the exterior exit. Cleaning from only one side leaves half the lint behind.

5. "What equipment do you use?"

You want to hear: rotary brushes on flexible rods, HEPA-filtered vacuum, inspection camera. "Shop vac and a leaf blower" is the wrong answer.

6. "Will you send me before and after photos?"

Reputable cleaners always document. If they refuse, walk away.

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

7. "Are there any common add-on charges?"

You're checking for honesty. Legit add-ons exist: bird nest removal, repair of damaged duct, replacing a broken exterior hood, roof access. They should name them upfront — not surprise you at the door.

8. "Do you push air duct or HVAC duct cleaning?"

A specialist focused on dryer vents won't try to convert your visit into a $700 HVAC duct job. If their lead service is air duct cleaning, your dryer vent is the upsell — not the focus.

9. "How long will it take?"

Expect 45–75 minutes for most San Antonio homes. Roof exits and 2-story routes take longer. If they say "10 minutes" — that's not a real cleaning.

10. "What service area do you cover?"

Make sure they actually serve your neighborhood — Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, Schertz, Cibolo, Converse, New Braunfels, etc. Companies that drive in from far away tend to rush.

Red flags to walk away from

$39, $49, or $59 phone-quoted "specials"
Aggressive pressure to bundle HVAC duct cleaning
Refusal to provide written quotes
No physical address or local presence
Insists on cash only
Won't text or email before/after photos

Related Dryer Vent Help

Frequently Asked Questions

+What's the most important question to ask?

"Do you offer a free inspection before you quote a price?" If the answer is no, or they insist on a flat upsell over the phone, look elsewhere.

+Should they be insured?

Yes — general liability at minimum. Roof work in San Antonio also calls for personal coverage.

+Should I ask about equipment?

Yes. The right answer involves rotary brushes on flexible rods plus HEPA vacuum capture. "We use a shop vac" is not a professional answer.

+What price should I expect to hear?

Standard cleanings in San Antonio start around $129. Anything under $59 is bait pricing — the real number always comes out after they arrive.

+What's a red flag?

Refusing to send photos, vague pricing, pressure to add air duct or HVAC duct cleaning, or a $39 phone quote.