Did you know that a poorly cleaned dryer vent can not only increase your electricity bills, but also put your home in danger of fire? It's a question we're often asked at Ventilation Vortex Air.
In Montreal and the surrounding area - the North Shore, Laval, the South Shore and Montérégie - our humid climate combined with the density of our urban buildings means that we need to clean our ducts more often than elsewhere.
In this article, we'll directly answer your question about prices, and explain exactly what influences the cost of a good professional cleaning.
Why invest in dryer vent cleaning?
Before talking about money, you need to understand why it's important not to skipper on this maintenance.
Fire safety: a preventable risk
In Canada, 33% of dryer-related fires are caused by lint build-up. We're talking about 5,000 cases a year across the country.
"Last year, I was called to Rosemont for a duct so clogged that the lint was compacted like concrete," says Mohamed of our team. "The family had started to smell something burning, but thought it was normal."
La charpie, c’est hautement inflammable. Une petite étincelle pis c’est parti.
Energy savings: it shows on your bill
When your ducts are clogged, your dryer consumes 20 to 30% more electricity per load. That may sound like nothing, but a Montreal household can easily pay 50$ to 100$ more per year just because of dirty ducts.
With Hydro-Québec rates on the rise, every dollar saved counts.
Longevity of your appliance: protect your investment
A dryer that works too hard wears out faster. Regular cleaning can extend the life of your appliance by 5 to 10 years.
Think about it: replacing a dryer costs between 800$ and 1500$. Avoiding repairs can easily save you 200$ to 500$.
Health and air quality: breathe easier
Clogged ducts cause moisture and mold to build up. In condos and houses near humid areas like Rivière-des-Prairies, the problem is even worse.
If you have children with asthma or allergies, a clean duct makes a real difference.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost in Montreal?
So, let's get down to business. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2025.
Average prices in the Montreal area
General fork : 120$ to 250$
Here is a more detailed breakdown:
- Basement or first floor ducts : 120$ to 180$
- Ducts on upper floors or exiting onto the roof : 180$ to 250$
- Bird's nest removal or major blockage : 150$ to 280$
- Multi-units (group prices) : 80$ to 120$ per unit
At Ventilation Vortex Air, our prices fall within this range, but we always offer a high quality product. [free inspection] to give you an exact price before you start.
Factors influencing cost
Conduit length :
A 6-foot duct costs less than a 25-foot one. The longer it is, the more time and equipment it takes.
Accessibility :
If we have to climb onto your 3-storey roof in the middle of winter, it's bound to cost more than a duct running out the side of your house.
Presence of blockages :
A bird's nest or 5 years of lint accumulation is more work than regular maintenance.
Number of elbows :
The more twists and turns your duct makes, the more complicated it is to clean completely.
"We had a house in Brossard where the duct made 4 elbows and came out 3 floors higher," explains Omar. "It took us almost 2 hours instead of the usual 45 minutes."
Length of service
On average, you should allow 30 to 60 minutes for a complete cleaning. For more complex or really clogged ducts, it can take up to 90 minutes.
Common cost myths
Myth: Cheap services (80-99$) are enough
Reality: Often, it's partial cleaning or there are hidden costs that appear afterwards.
We've seen too many customers who paid 80$ for a "complete cleaning" only to call us 6 months later because their problem hadn't been solved.
Real professional cleaning, with the right tools and the necessary expertise, costs what it costs.
Myth: The price is the same for all houses
Reality: Every situation is different. A bungalow on the North Shore with a short duct will cost less than a 20th-floor condo in Montreal.
That's why we always make a [évaluation gratuite] before giving a final price.
Myth: DIY is always cheaper
Reality: Canadian Tire kits cost from 50$ to 100$, but they only clean part of the duct. If you cause damage or don't clean properly, it can cost you more in the long run.
Not to mention that if you're not comfortable climbing on your roof or using power tools, it's not worth the risk.
How does professional cleaning work?
When you pay for a professional service, here's what you should receive:
Specialized tools :
- Rotating brushes loosen stuck lint
- High-power vacuum cleaners with negative pressure
- Air compressors to push debris
External method :
Most of the cleaning is done through the outside exit, to avoid bringing dust into your home.
Final check :
Air flow test to make sure everything is working as it should.
"We always measure the airflow before and after," explains Mohamed. "It's the only way to prove that the job has been done properly."
Trends and news 2025
Prices have remained relatively stable in Montreal: between 120$ and 250$ for most residences.
Many companies offer seasonal promotions. We often offer combined packages - for example, [free dryer vent cleaning]. when you have your main ventilation system cleaned.
Established companies in the area include names like us, Ventilation Vortex Air, but also other local players. The important thing is to choose someone who is certified and has good references.
Beware of offers that are too good to be true - often there are hidden charges or the service isn't complete.
Practical tips for Montreal families
Between professional cleaning :
- Empty the lint filter after each cycle (it costs nothing and helps a lot).
- Watch for warning signs: long drying time, burnt smell, excessive heat
Planning :
For most families, a cleaning every 1-3 years is sufficient. If you have pets or a large family, you're better off cleaning every 1-2 years.
Shopping :
Compare services, but avoid those that are "too good to be true". Check that the company has certifications such as RBQ or NADCA.
Questions to ask :
- Is the inspection free?
- What's included in the price?
- Do you clean from the outside?
- How long will it take?
[Always ask for a free estimate]. before committing yourself.
A worthwhile investment
Dryer vent cleaning definitely costs less than the risks involved - fires, major repairs, inflated electricity bills.
In Montreal, Laval, the North Shore and all over the South Shore, with our particular weather conditions, it's not just an expense, it's an investment in your family's safety and comfort.
At Ventilation Vortex Air, we've helped more than 500 families in the region since our inception. Our INVC-certified technicians understand the unique challenges of our neighborhoods-from downtown condos to suburban single-family homes.
Protect your home and reduce your electricity bills: schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning in Montreal today.
[Contact us for your free estimate]. - available 24/7 with Mohamed, Omar and our team of experienced technicians. We'll travel anywhere in the metropolitan area, and give you a fair price before we even start.
