How do you start a dryer vent cleaning business in 2027?
Honest 5/10 take.
Startup costs: $2k-$8k. Rotary brush kit (LintEater or pro-grade) $200-$600, HEPA vacuum $400-$1k, ladders, inspection camera $200-$500, anemometer $80-$150. CSIA dryer-exhaust tech cert $400-$600 � meaningful for insurance partnerships. Used van/SUV $5k-$10k. Branded uniform $200.
Permits: LLC, general liability $500-$900/yr (low-risk class). Some HOAs and condos require certificate of insurance on file.
Acquisition: This is a high-intent search vertical � Google LSA $10-$25 per lead, strong conversion. Nextdoor posts about lint fires convert. Property management partnerships are gold (multi-unit lint code requirements). Angi fine, Thumbtack weak. Insurance agents send referrals after fire claims. Hospitals/laundromats want commercial contracts.
Revenue model: Residential $90-$180/visit, 45-60 minutes. Multi-unit complexes $40-$70/unit, batched. Upsells: bird guard install $40-$80, exterior vent cap $60-$120. 4-7 jobs/day solo.
Year-1: $45k-$95k revenue solo. Stackable with chimney sweep or HVAC adjacent. Seasonality is mild � slight winter peak. Repeats every 1-2 years.