Starting a dryer vent cleaning business is a rewarding venture that combines hands-on technical skill with smart business sense. Low startup costs and steady demand from homeowners and property managers make it an accessible field, but that doesn't guarantee success.
This guide will walk you through the practical steps. We'll cover how to validate your concept, acquire the right equipment, and obtain the necessary licenses to launch a successful dryer vent cleaning business in the U.S.
Step 1: create a business plan and validate your idea
Market and competitor research
Start by searching for "dryer vent cleaning" on Google Maps, Yelp, and Angi in your target service area. Note the top 5-10 companies. Analyze their websites and Google Business Profiles to see their service lists, customer reviews, and the specific neighborhoods they serve.
You can also check local Facebook groups or Nextdoor to see if residents are asking for this service. This helps you gauge real demand and identify common complaints about existing providers. Many new owners skip this, missing key insights into pricing and customer pain points.
Estimate your startup costs
A realistic budget prevents early surprises. Your initial investment will likely fall between $1,900 and $5,700. Professional equipment, including a rotary brush system and a powerful vacuum, will be your largest expense at $1,000 to $3,000. Resist the urge to buy cheap kits as they often fail.
Other costs include business formation (LLC registration is typically $100-$500), general liability insurance ($500-$1,200 annually), and initial marketing materials like business cards and a simple website ($300-$1,000).
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- List at least five local competitors and document their advertised services.
- Call two competitors to request a quote for a standard cleaning to learn their pricing.
- Draft a startup budget in a spreadsheet with estimates for equipment and insurance.
- Visit your state's Secretary of State website to confirm the exact LLC registration fee.
Step 2: set up your legal structure and get licensed
Choose your business structure
You should consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure protects your personal assets, like your home and car, if your business faces a lawsuit. It also offers pass-through taxation, meaning profits are taxed on your personal return, which simplifies paperwork.
Some owners start as a sole proprietorship to save on fees, but this is a significant risk. Without the LLC's protection, your personal finances are exposed to business debts and legal claims. The registration fee, typically $50 to $500, is a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
Get the right licenses and permits
First, get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website. You will need this to open a business bank account and to hire employees later. The process is online and takes minutes.
Next, you must obtain a local business license from your city or county clerk's office. Costs usually range from $50 to $200 annually. While there is no specific federal license for dryer vent cleaning, some local authorities may require adherence to NFPA 211 standards.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Decide on a business name and register your LLC with your state's Secretary of State.
- Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) directly on the IRS website.
- Search your city or county government's website for "business license application."
- Confirm your state's specific registration fees and processing times, which can take a few weeks.
Step 3: secure insurance and manage risk
Key insurance policies
General liability insurance is your first priority. A policy with $1 million in coverage is standard and typically costs $500 to $1,200 per year. This protects you if you accidentally damage a customer's property, like their dryer or wall, during a service call.
Many new owners forget that a personal auto policy will not cover accidents during business use. You will need a separate commercial auto policy for your work vehicle. This is a non-negotiable step to protect your business from liability on the road.
If you plan to hire help, workers' compensation is mandatory in most states. It covers medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job. Also consider professional liability insurance to guard against claims of faulty work, a specific risk in this field.
You might want to get quotes from providers like Next Insurance, Hiscox, or The Hartford. They specialize in policies for trade businesses and understand the risks involved. A general agent may not find you the best coverage or rates for this type of work.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Request a quote for a $1 million general liability insurance policy.
- Contact your auto insurance provider to ask about a commercial policy.
- Look up your state's workers' compensation laws for small businesses.
- Reach out to an insurance broker who works with contractors for tailored advice.
Step 4: purchase your equipment and set up a base
Secure your equipment
Your main investment is a professional-grade cleaning system. Expect to spend $1,000 to $3,000 on a rotary brush system and a high-CFM vacuum. Brands like RamAir or Nikro offer complete packages. Many new owners try to save money with hardware store kits, but these often break on the first job.
You will also need ladders, a powerful cordless drill, and various vent attachments. You can find these items at suppliers like Jon-Don or Interlink Supply. Budget an additional $500 for these miscellaneous items. They do not usually have minimum order quantities for this type of gear.
Find a home base
You do not need a commercial storefront. Most owners operate from a home garage or a small storage unit. A 10'x10' unit, which costs about $100-$200 per month, provides enough space for your equipment. When you look for a unit, ask for a month-to-month lease for flexibility.
While specific business zoning is rarely an issue for a mobile service, you should check your local city ordinances. Some neighborhoods have restrictions on parking marked commercial vehicles overnight. A quick search on your city's website or a call to the clerk's office will clarify the rules.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Get quotes for a complete rotary brush system from two suppliers like RamAir or Nikro.
- Price out a 10'x10' storage unit with month-to-month leasing options near you.
- Check your city's website for rules on parking a commercial vehicle at your home.
- Create a final equipment purchase list and budget for all necessary gear.
Step 5: set up your finances and payment systems
Payment processing
Most residential jobs are payment-on-completion. For larger contracts with property managers, you can issue invoices with Net 30 terms. A mistake many new owners make is only accepting cash or checks, which can turn away customers who expect to pay with a card.
You need a reliable way to take card payments on-site. For a dryer vent cleaning business that must accept payments on-the-go, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit, and digital wallets directly through your smartphone—just tap and done.
At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it's particularly useful for collecting payment right after a service call. This rate is competitive, as many other payment solutions charge between 2.5% and 3.5% per transaction.
- Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
- Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
- Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done—no waiting for bank transfers.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Open a dedicated business bank account to keep finances separate.
- Decide on your payment terms for residential versus commercial clients.
- Download the JIM app to see how the interface works.
- Create a simple invoice template for any commercial jobs.
Step 6: fund your business and manage finances
Since startup costs are low, many owners self-fund with personal savings. If you need a loan, you might want to consider an SBA Microloan. These government-backed loans offer between $500 and $50,000 and are designed for new businesses without extensive credit history.
Securing a loan
Lenders will want to see a personal credit score of 640+ and your business plan. Interest rates typically range from 8% to 13%. You can also ask your equipment supplier about financing options, as they sometimes offer plans for professional-grade systems.
Managing your working capital
Plan to have $3,000 to $6,000 in working capital for your first six months. This cash reserve covers fuel, insurance, and marketing before your revenue stream is steady. Many new owners focus only on equipment costs and get caught off guard by these operational expenses.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Check your personal credit score to see where you stand.
- Research SBA Microloan lenders in your state.
- Create a six-month operating budget in a spreadsheet.
- Ask your top equipment supplier if they offer in-house financing.
Step 7: hire your first technician and set up operations
Hiring your first technician
Once you are consistently booked, it is time to hire. Look for a "Dryer Vent Technician." This person will handle cleanings, communicate with customers, and manage on-site payments. A starting wage of $18 to $25 per hour is competitive in most areas.
While not always mandatory, having your technician earn a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) credential builds immense trust with clients. Many owners hire for technical skill alone but forget the technician is the face of the company. Prioritize candidates with good communication habits.
Streamline your daily operations
As you grow, manual scheduling becomes a bottleneck. You might want to use field service software like Jobber or Housecall Pro. These platforms manage your calendar, dispatch technicians, and handle invoicing from one place, saving you hours of administrative work each week.
With this in mind, a single, efficient technician can generate between $80,000 and $120,000 in annual revenue. This benchmark helps you know when it is financially sound to add another person to your team. It keeps your payroll costs aligned with your income.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Draft a job description for a Dryer Vent Technician.
- Research the costs and timeline for CDET certification online.
- Sign up for a free trial of Jobber or Housecall Pro to test the features.
- Create a simple checklist for your new hire's first day of training.
Step 8: market your business and get customers
Build your digital foundation
Your Google Business Profile is your most powerful free marketing asset. Fill out every section with photos of your equipment and van. After your first few jobs, ask every customer for a review. Many new owners set up a profile and forget it, which is a missed opportunity.
You should also consider a simple one-page website. It gives you a professional online home to list services and display your contact information. This builds credibility when potential customers search for you by name.
Use local marketing channels
Partner with appliance repair technicians, property managers, and HVAC companies. They often encounter clogged vents and can send referrals your way. Offer them a small referral fee, like $15-$25 per booked job, to build a strong relationship.
In addition, you can post in local Facebook groups and on Nextdoor. A simple message that introduces your new service can generate your first few leads. Just be sure to check the group's rules on business promotion first.
Track your results
You need to know what works. Your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) should be your guide. Aim to spend less than $75 to acquire each new customer. If you run paid ads, a click-to-call conversion rate of 15% or higher shows your campaign is effective.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Claim and completely fill out your Google Business Profile.
- Identify three potential referral partners, like local appliance repair shops.
- Draft an introductory post for a community group on Nextdoor or Facebook.
- Design a simple door hanger to leave with neighbors after a job is complete.
Step 9: price your services and define your offerings
Set your base pricing
Most owners use a flat-rate model. For a standard, ground-floor vent, a price between $99 and $179 is common. This simplicity appeals to customers and makes quoting easy. Your profit margin on a job like this can be as high as 60-80% after fuel and supply costs.
A mistake many new owners make is offering one flat price for all jobs. This can cause you to lose money on difficult cleanings, like those in multi-story homes or with very long vent runs. You should plan for these situations with clear upcharges.
Define your service tiers
You might want to create two or three service tiers. A basic package could be a standard cleaning. A premium tier could include a full diagnostic inspection with an endoscopic camera or minor repairs like re-taping joints. This allows you to upsell on-site.
For example, you could charge an extra $40-$75 for a second-story vent or for vents longer than 25 feet. Bird nest removal is another common add-on that can command an additional $50 or more, depending on the complexity of the removal.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Call three local competitors to get quotes for a standard cleaning.
- Define your base price for a single-story home with a short vent run.
- List at least two upcharges, such as for second-story vents or bird nest removal.
- Create a simple price sheet with two or three service tiers.
Step 10: establish quality control and scale your operations
Maintain service quality
A consistent process is your best defense against callbacks. Create a simple checklist for every job. This should include taking before-and-after photos with a smartphone to show the customer the completed work. This practice builds trust and protects you from disputes.
You should aim for a callback rate under 5%. If more than one in twenty customers calls with an issue, it is time to review your training and cleaning process. Also, consider getting your team CDET certified to standardize their skills and boost your marketing credibility.
Know when to scale
Many owners hire too soon. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you are consistently booked two to three weeks in advance. At that point, one technician can generate $80,000 to $120,000 in annual revenue, which covers their salary and a new vehicle.
As you add technicians, manual scheduling will fail. You will need field service software like Jobber or Housecall Pro. These platforms let you manage multiple schedules, dispatch jobs, and track team performance from one dashboard, which is vital for organized growth.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Create a quality checklist that includes taking before-and-after photos.
- Research group pricing for CDET certification for your future team.
- Set a booking threshold, like being scheduled two weeks out, to trigger your first hire.
- Compare the multi-user plans for field service software like Jobber or Housecall Pro.
You have the roadmap for your dryer vent cleaning business. Remember, the before-and-after photo is your most powerful sales proof as it builds instant trust with homeowners. With consistent quality and a smart approach, you are set to build a profitable local business.
And when it comes to payment, keep it simple. JIM lets you accept cards right on your phone for a flat 1.99% fee, with no extra hardware. This keeps your cash flow simple from day one. Download JIM.
