Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Business
A low-cost service with a real fire-safety purpose, where most homes need one visit a year and property managers can bring steady repeat work.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$284 – $1,720*Pending verificationSourcesJendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Brush Kit 861024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Vacuum w/ Tool Kit & Rotary Brush Kit (DVK200)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Low
Difficulty
Moderate
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $1,720
8 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
3 / 56.1% a yearPending verificationSourceDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 1 brand: Dryer Vent Wizard 6.1% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
3 / 58.2% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
113 of 1,375 SBA 7(a) loans to Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 128 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
1 / 5Growing much faster than all businessesPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Other services to buildings and dwellings, which includes duct and vent cleaning (NAICS 561790): employer establishments +21.8% (14,841 to 18,069) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
Cleaning needs only a city or county business license; a CSLB license applies only to vent repair or replacement of $1,000 or more (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households, plus some property managers; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
3 / 5Moderate
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (3 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $25,000 – $100,000Pending verificationSourcesDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — DryerVentz / DuctVentz / WindowZ(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Dryer Vent Squad(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $55,550 – $253,500Pending verificationSourcesDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — DryerVentz / DuctVentz / WindowZ(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Dryer Vent Squad(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands. | $284 – $1,720*Pending verificationSourcesJendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Brush Kit 861024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Vacuum w/ Tool Kit & Rotary Brush Kit (DVK200)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 5% – 10% of revenuePending verificationSourcesDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — DryerVentz / DuctVentz / WindowZ(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Dryer Vent Squad(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $24,270 – $25,470Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cleaning business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — Limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $24,270 – $25,470 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $170,720 – $363,570 | $24,554 – $27,190* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $25,000 – $100,000Pending verificationSourcesDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — DryerVentz / DuctVentz / WindowZ(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Dryer Vent Squad(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $55,550 – $253,500Pending verificationSourcesDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — DryerVentz / DuctVentz / WindowZ(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Dryer Vent Squad(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands.
- Independent
- $284 – $1,720*Pending verificationSourcesJendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Brush Kit 861024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Vacuum w/ Tool Kit & Rotary Brush Kit (DVK200)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (3 brands)
- 5% – 10% of revenuePending verificationSourcesDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — DryerVentz / DuctVentz / WindowZ(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Dryer Vent Squad(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $24,270 – $25,470Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cleaning business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — Limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $24,270 – $25,470
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (3 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $170,720 – $363,570
- Independent
- $24,554 – $27,190*
5-year totals assume $78,000–$156,000 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Dryer Vent Wizard
Item 19 reports 2025 Gross Sales for franchises open all year, split by single-unit and multi-unit owners, plus average sales per job; about a third of single-unit franchises reached the average.
- Average annual Gross Sales, 2025, 73 single-unit franchises open all year (not profit)$236,672 a yearPending verificationSourceDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 73 single-unit franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 81 businesses owned by multi-unit franchisees (reported separately), 8 opened in 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." 25 of the 73 (34%) reached this average.
- Median annual Gross Sales, 2025, same 73 single-unit franchises (not profit)$165,307 a yearPending verificationSourceDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 73 single-unit franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 81 businesses owned by multi-unit franchisees (reported separately), 8 opened in 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average annual Gross Sales of the top 25%, 2025, 18 single-unit franchises (not profit)$532,924 a yearPending verificationSourceDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 73 single-unit franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 81 businesses owned by multi-unit franchisees (reported separately), 8 opened in 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average annual Gross Sales of the bottom 25%, 2025, 18 single-unit franchises (not profit)$64,005 a yearPending verificationSourceDryer Vent Wizard 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 73 single-unit franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 81 businesses owned by multi-unit franchisees (reported separately), 8 opened in 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." The lowest single-unit franchise reported $14,712.
DryerVentz
We couldn't check Item 19: no DryerVentz FDD was available on Minnesota CARDS, and we don't use earnings figures quoted by third-party sites.
Dryer Vent Squad
We couldn't check Item 19: the newest Dryer Vent Squad FDD on Minnesota CARDS is from 2024, older than the figures above, so we haven't used it, and we don't use earnings figures quoted by third-party sites.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Part of Neighborly, a large home-services franchise group
- Group purchasing through Neighborly's ProTradeNet program
- Local marketing resources and ongoing operational support
- Classroom and on-the-job training (65 hours listed by Entrepreneur)
- 20% off the franchise fee for qualifying veterans
- Covers dryer vents, air ducts and windows under one brand
- Classroom and on-the-job training (60 hours listed by Entrepreneur)
- No advertising fund fee listed
- Can be run from home
- Classroom and on-the-job training (64 hours listed by Entrepreneur)
- Third-party financing relationships
- 20% off the franchise fee for veterans
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional dryer vent brush kit (Nikro 861024)Pending verificationSourceJendco Safety Supply — Nikro Dryer Vent Brush Kit 861024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Retailer sale price; listed regular price $249.99. | $214 | $214 | $214 |
| Shop vacuum or blower to catch lint (you may already own one) | Data coming soon | ||
| Extension ladder and stabilizer | Data coming soon | ||
| Safety gear (dust mask or respirator, gloves, eye protection) | Data coming soon | ||
| LLC filing (California Articles of Organization)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026California Secretary of State filing fee. Other states differ. | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| Website and scheduling software setup | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $284 | $284 | $284 |
Share of mid estimate
- Professional dryer vent brush kit (Nikro 861024)75%
- LLC filing (California Articles of Organization)25%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
The total leaves out 6 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Average ticket is Fixr's national average ($150). Jobs per week, ramp-up, costs and seasonality are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 1
- Year-1 revenue
- $58,492
- Year-2 profit
- $65,220
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 13.0 | $1,950 | $610 | $1,340 | $1,056 |
| 2 (Apr) | 16.8 | $2,519 | $667 | $1,852 | $2,908 |
| 3 (May) | 18.5 | $2,779 | $693 | $2,086 | $4,994 |
| 4 (Jun) | 21.9 | $3,291 | $744 | $2,547 | $7,540 |
| 5 (Jul) | 25.3 | $3,803 | $795 | $3,007 | $10,548 |
| 6 (Aug) | 28.8 | $4,314 | $846 | $3,468 | $14,016 |
| 7 (Sep) | 35.8 | $5,363 | $951 | $4,411 | $18,427 |
| 8 (Oct) | 43.5 | $6,524 | $1,067 | $5,457 | $23,884 |
| 9 (Nov) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $29,904 |
| 10 (Dec) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $35,924 |
| 11 (Jan) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $41,944 |
| 12 (Feb) | 43.3 | $6,500 | $1,065 | $5,435 | $47,379 |
| 13 (Mar) | 43.3 | $6,500 | $1,065 | $5,435 | $52,814 |
| 14 (Apr) | 43.3 | $6,500 | $1,065 | $5,435 | $58,249 |
| 15 (May) | 39.0 | $5,850 | $1,000 | $4,850 | $63,099 |
| 16 (Jun) | 39.0 | $5,850 | $1,000 | $4,850 | $67,949 |
| 17 (Jul) | 39.0 | $5,850 | $1,000 | $4,850 | $72,799 |
| 18 (Aug) | 39.0 | $5,850 | $1,000 | $4,850 | $77,649 |
| 19 (Sep) | 43.3 | $6,500 | $1,065 | $5,435 | $83,084 |
| 20 (Oct) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $89,104 |
| 21 (Nov) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $95,124 |
| 22 (Dec) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $101,144 |
| 23 (Jan) | 47.7 | $7,150 | $1,130 | $6,020 | $107,164 |
| 24 (Feb) | 43.3 | $6,500 | $1,065 | $5,435 | $112,599 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Dryer vent cleaning (national average)$150Pending verificationSourceFixr — dryer vent cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size.
- Dryer vent cleaning (typical range)$100 – $200Pending verificationSourceFixr — dryer vent cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. The same page also gives $80–$175 in one section.
- Second-floor vent$125 – $200Pending verificationSourceFixr — dryer vent cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size.
- Rooftop vent$150 – $300Pending verificationSourceFixr — dryer vent cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Per vent. No published sample size.
- Dryer vent cleaning (Thumbtack data)$186 – $510Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — how much is dryer vent cleaning? (updated July 8, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Thumbtack says most people pay about $307. No published sample size. Noticeably higher than Fixr's figures; jobs booked through Thumbtack may include extra work.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per employer firm with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561790 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings, which includes duct and chimney cleaning), 2022$312,420 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses, U.S. & states by 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Employer firms: 12,845 firms, $4,013,029,000 total receipts. Covers all kinds of building services in this code, not only dryer vents. We divided the table's total receipts by its count of businesses and rounded to the nearest dollar. It is an average of gross receipts, before any expenses, and many businesses take in far less. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per employer establishment, NAICS 561790 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings), all sizes, 2022$780,393 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses, U.S. & states by 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Employer establishments: 17,574 establishments, $13,714,624,000 total receipts. Includes large multi-location companies. We divided the table's total receipts by its count of businesses and rounded to the nearest dollar. It is an average of gross receipts, before any expenses, and many businesses take in far less. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per nonemployer (solo, no employees) business, NAICS 56179 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings), 2023$40,915 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Nonemployer Statistics, United States file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Nonemployer businesses: 142,112 businesses, $5,814,574,000 total receipts. Many are part-time. We divided the table's total receipts by its count of businesses and rounded to the nearest dollar. It is an average of gross receipts, before any expenses, and many businesses take in far less. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Roof and ladder work
Many vents end on the roof or high on a second-story wall. A fall from a ladder or roof is a serious risk at any age, recovery is slower in your 50s and 60s, and one bad fall can end the business.
How to manage it: Clean from the inside where you can, running rods up from the dryer end. Decline steep or high roof jobs, or refer them to a roofer or a partner with fall protection. Never go on a roof alone.
Fire liability
You are working on a known fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates about 2,900 home clothes dryer fires a year (2008–2010 data), with failure to clean the leading factor at 34%. If a home you serviced later has a dryer fire, you may be blamed.
How to manage it: Carry general liability insurance, photograph the vent before and after, give the customer a written report of what you found, and recommend a licensed contractor when the duct itself is damaged or unsafe.
Crossing into contractor work
Replacing crushed foil duct, rerouting a long run or installing a new roof cap moves from cleaning into construction. In California, unlicensed work must stay under $1,000 in total, need no permit, and use no employees.
How to manage it: Keep your service to cleaning and inspection, or get the right CSLB license before offering repairs. Keep a licensed HVAC contractor you can refer customers to.
Low price per job
A typical cleaning is $100–$200 (Fixr), so you need many jobs a week, and drive time between them eats into earnings.
How to manage it: Group appointments by neighborhood, sell multi-unit buildings to property managers, and offer add-ons such as bird-guard installation where your license allows.
Customers only need you once a year
Repeat business is real but slow: most homes need one visit a year, so you must keep finding new customers in the first years.
How to manage it: Book next year's visit before you leave, send reminders, and build accounts with apartment complexes, HOAs and landlords that have many dryers.
Dust, tight spaces and kneeling
Pulling dryers out, kneeling behind them and working in laundry closets or attics is hard on knees and backs, and lint dust is unpleasant to breathe.
How to manage it: Use an appliance dolly, knee pads and a dust mask or respirator, and pace the number of jobs per day.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based; CalGold lists local permits by city.
Verify with the CalGold (California permit finder)(opens in a new tab)Contractor license (CSLB) — for vent repair or replacement
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor classification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026CSLB's C-20 classification covers installing, servicing and repairing ventilating systems and their ducts. Since January 1, 2025, unlicensed work is allowed only when the whole job (labor and materials) is under $1,000, needs no permit, and the person uses no employees or helpers. Cleaning an existing vent is not directly addressed on the CSLB pages we found, so confirm with CSLB before offering duct repair, replacement or rerouting.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Advertising rules if you are not licensed
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Unlicensed businesses may advertise work up to $1,000 only if the ad says they are not licensed, and may not claim to be licensed or qualified as contractors.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)LLC filing and annual tax
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — Limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Forming an LLC costs $70 with the Secretary of State, and California LLCs owe an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board.
Verify with the California Franchise Tax Board(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Decide which jobs you will take and which you will decline (for example, steep roofs)
- Form your business and get a local business license
- Buy a brush kit, vacuum and basic safety gear
- Get general liability insurance
- Set up scheduling, reminders and invoicing
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Property manager sales
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Annual repeat customers
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Vent cleaning equipment
Rotary brush kits, rods and dryer vent vacuums.
Scheduling and invoicing
Booking, reminders and invoicing for repeat annual customers.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Is there a real safety reason for this service?
Yes. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates about 2,900 clothes dryer fires in homes each year, causing about 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss (2008–2010 data). Failure to clean was the leading factor, at 34% of those fires.
Do I have to go on roofs?
Not always. Many vents end on a wall you can reach from the ground, and many roof vents can be cleaned with rods pushed up from the dryer end. You can choose to decline roof jobs or refer them out.
Do I need a contractor license in California?
Possibly, if you repair or replace ducts. California lets unlicensed people do minor work only under $1,000 in total, with no permit and no employees. Check with the CSLB before offering repairs.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.