Dryer vent cleaning removes the lint that causes thousands of house fires a year, and air duct cleaning (from $99) clears dust and debris from your HVAC system. A clogged dryer vent makes your dryer run hot and slow and is a real fire hazard; failure to clean is the leading cause of dryer fires. Chimney Sweep Squad cleans dryer vents and air ducts across McHenry, IL. Call (815) 420-6665.
Why dryer vent cleaning matters
Lint is highly flammable, and it builds up inside the dryer vent where you can’t see it. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause about 2,900 home fires a year, resulting in roughly 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss — and the leading factor, behind about a third of those fires, is simply failure to clean them. Clearing the vent removes that fuel and lets your dryer breathe.
Signs your dryer vent is clogged
- Clothes take two cycles to dry, or come out hot and damp
- The dryer and laundry room feel unusually hot during a cycle
- A burning smell when the dryer runs
- The vent flap outside barely opens, or lint is visible around it
- It has been more than a year since the vent was cleaned
Air duct cleaning — starting at $99
Over time, dust, debris, and allergens collect in your home’s HVAC ductwork. Air duct cleaning clears that buildup so your system moves air more freely. We start air duct cleaning at $99, and we will give you an honest assessment of whether your ducts actually need it — we don’t upsell cleaning you don’t need.
Our process
For dryer vents, we clear the full run from the dryer to the exterior vent with brushes and high-powered vacuums, check the exterior flap, and confirm airflow is restored. For air ducts, we clean the accessible ductwork and registers to remove built-up dust and debris. You get a straight answer about what we found and what, if anything, needs follow-up.
Burning smell from the dryer
If you smell burning when the dryer runs, stop using it. A burning smell often means lint has built up near the heating element. Unplug the dryer, don’t run it again, and have the vent cleaned before using it. A clogged vent is a genuine fire risk.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
At least once a year for most households, and more often for large families or homes with a long or winding vent run. If clothes are taking longer to dry or the dryer runs hot, clean it sooner regardless of the calendar.
How dangerous is a clogged dryer vent?
Dangerous enough that it is a leading cause of house fires. The U.S. Fire Administration attributes about 2,900 dryer fires a year largely to lint buildup, with failure to clean being the top factor. A clean vent removes the fuel and is the simplest way to cut that risk.
Why is my dryer taking so long to dry clothes?
The most common cause is a clogged vent. When lint restricts airflow, hot moist air can’t escape, so clothes dry slowly and the dryer overheats and works harder. Clearing the vent usually restores normal drying in one cycle.
How much does air duct cleaning cost?
Our air duct cleaning starts at $99. The final price depends on the size of your home and system and the condition of the ducts. We give you an honest assessment first, because the EPA notes duct cleaning is most worthwhile when there is visible contamination, mold, or pests — not as a routine upsell.
Does air duct cleaning help with dust and allergies?
It can help when ducts have a real buildup of dust, debris, or allergens, by removing that material so it isn’t recirculated. It is not a cure-all, and we will tell you honestly whether your ducts have enough buildup to make cleaning worthwhile.
Can you clean a dryer vent that goes up through the roof?
Yes. Long vertical runs and roof terminations actually collect lint faster because the path is longer and harder for air to push through. We have the tools to clean the full run and verify airflow at the exterior.
What are signs my air ducts need cleaning?
Visible dust blowing from registers, a musty smell when the system runs, excessive dust settling right after cleaning, or evidence of mold or pests in the ductwork. If you see these, cleaning is worth considering; if not, it often isn’t necessary.
Do you clean both the dryer vent and the air ducts in one visit?
Often yes. Many McHenry homeowners book both together, and it is efficient to handle them in one trip. Tell us what you’ve noticed when you call and we’ll plan the visit around what your home actually needs.
Clear your vents, cut the risk
Faster drying, lower bills, and far less fire risk. Dryer vent cleaning and air ducts from $99, 7 days a week.
Related
Published November 10, 2026 · Reviewed by Joseph Ino, Founder & Master Chimney Technician, Chimney Sweep Squad