A clogged or damaged dryer vent is one of the most overlooked home hazards. The U.S. Fire Administration attributes nearly 3,000 home dryer fires per year to vent issues — the vast majority from lint accumulation in the vent line. This guide covers everything about dryer vent repair and cleaning in Chicago: signs of trouble, repair options, cleaning methods, and when to call a professional.
Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Repair or Cleaning
- Clothes take 2+ cycles to dry — The most common symptom. Restricted airflow means moisture can’t escape efficiently.
- Dryer gets very hot to the touch — Heat backing up into the drum is a fire warning sign. Stop using the dryer immediately if it’s extremely hot.
- Burning smell during operation — Lint is highly flammable. A burning smell means lint may be smoldering in the vent line.
- Laundry room feels unusually hot and humid — Moist air venting into the room instead of outside indicates a disconnected or damaged vent.
- It’s been more than a year since cleaning — Even without symptoms, annual cleaning is recommended. Chicago’s older housing stock often has long, convoluted vent runs that accumulate lint faster.
- Visible vent hood flap doesn’t open during operation — The exterior flap should open when the dryer runs. A stuck flap means blockage.
Types of Dryer Vent Problems
| Problem | Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lint blockage in vent line | Professional cleaning with rotary brush | $100–$175 |
| Crushed flexible duct behind dryer | Replace with rigid or semi-rigid aluminum duct | $75–$150 |
| Disconnected duct in wall or attic | Access and reconnect or reroute | $150–$300 |
| Plastic accordion duct (fire hazard) | Replace with UL-listed metallic duct | $75–$200 |
| Damaged exterior vent hood | Replace cap/louvre with pest-proof cover | $75–$150 |
| Vent run over 25 feet (too long) | Reroute or install booster fan | $200–$500 |
Dryer Vent Code Requirements in Chicago
- Vent must terminate outside the building — never into a wall cavity, attic, or crawlspace
- Maximum vent length: 25 feet (minus 5 feet per 90° elbow, 2.5 feet per 45° elbow)
- Must use smooth-wall metallic duct — plastic accordion ducts are not code-compliant
- Exterior termination must have a damper that closes when not in operation (prevents pests and heat loss)
- Vent cannot share a chase with other HVAC equipment
Chicago Apartment Buildings: Special Considerations
Many Chicago condos and apartment buildings vent dryers through shared vertical chases running multiple floors. These systems require professional cleaning with specialized equipment — a standard homeowner vent brush kit won’t reach. In high-rise buildings, vent cleaning is typically the property management company’s responsibility. In individual condos, check your HOA documents to clarify responsibility before booking a cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean a Dryer Vent?
Clean annually as a minimum. Clean more frequently if you have a large household (4+ people), wash bulky items like blankets frequently, or your vent run is over 15 feet. In Chicago’s older graystones and courtyard buildings, vent runs are often unusually long — these should be cleaned every 6 months.
Need Dryer Vent Repair or Cleaning in Chicago?
Chicago Handyman cleans and repairs dryer vents throughout Chicago and suburbs. We use professional rotary brush systems and can handle everything from basic cleaning to full vent rerouting. Same-week availability.
Related Home Maintenance Guides
- Chicago Home Maintenance Checklist — Full seasonal maintenance guide
- Exhaust Fan Ducting Services — Bathroom and kitchen exhaust venting