Is a Clogged Dryer Vent Driving Up Your Electric Bill?

How a clogged vent costs you money

Two separate hits to your bill, in compounding order:

1. The dryer runs longer. Restricted airflow means moisture leaves slower. A 45-minute load becomes 75–90 minutes. That's nearly double the kWh per load.
2. The AC works harder. When vent air leaks back into the laundry room — or backs into the wall — your AC removes the extra heat and humidity. In a San Antonio summer, this is a real and measurable hit.

Quick math for an average household

• 4 loads/week × 30 extra minutes × ~5 kWh per hour ≈ 40 kWh/month
• At CPS Energy residential rates, that's about $5–$8/month from the dryer alone
• Add the AC compounding effect and the typical total is $15–$35/month

Other signs it's the vent, not the dryer or the AC

• Laundry room is noticeably hotter than the rest of the house
• Clothes are hot to the touch when the cycle ends
• Outside vent flap barely moves when the dryer runs
• Bill went up but you didn't change habits
• Drying takes two cycles

What the cleaning saves you

A typical San Antonio home recovers full airflow after one cleaning. Drying drops to normal. The AC stops fighting back-vented air. Most customers see the difference on their next CPS Energy bill — and the cleaning pays for itself in 4–8 months on energy alone.

Confirm it before you spend anything

Book the free inspection. We measure airflow at the exterior exit, check the duct, and tell you whether the vent is actually the cause. If it's not, you've paid nothing.