How to Know if Your A/C Duct Needs Cleaning

Increase in Utility Bill

• An increase in your monthly utility bill may indicate that your air conditioner ducts are clogged and in need of cleaning. Clogged air conditioner ducts can impede air flow and force an air conditioner to work harder to circulate cool air through the house. A sudden uptick in the amount of energy used by your air conditioner may indicate your ducts need to be serviced.

Odors

• An odor coming from your air conditioner registers is a sign of potential mold and mildew growth. Mold growth in your ducts can be a serious problem and may even be hazardous to your health. Any musty odor coming from your registers should be treated as a mold problem. This requires a thorough duct cleaning or replacement by a professional.

Dust Emanating From Registers

• If dust is being blown from your air conditioner air registers, the odds are good that there is debris in your ductwork. Any dust accumulation around the registers or on the directional fins should be taken to mean there are contaminants in the duct. Remove a length of ductwork from one of your registers and use a flashlight to see if there is visible debris or mold growth.

Moisture at Registers

• Dust and mold growth in a duct will trap moisture from the air and cause additional mold growth. A duct that needs cleaning may cause the register to which it is attached to become damp or drip while the air conditioner is running. This can also be a sign of a clogged air conditioner filter. Replace the air conditioner filter and see if this solves the problem; if not, your ducts should be cleaned.