Why an Air Conditioner May Smell Like Mildew

If the house has high humidity levels, the mold can grow anywhere and quickly become a problem.

If the air from an AC unit smells musty or like laundry left wet in the washing machine for too long, then there may be a mildew problem. Some mildew issues can be solved with a little investigation and cleaning, while other mold problems may be more complicated and require expert care.

Mildew or mold can cause many health problems, so it’s imperative to eliminate the source of the smell as soon as possible. To tackle the musty, moldy smell, the cause must be identified and eliminated, usually by expert care. Homeowners should be familiar with the parts of the unit and the home that can be prone to mold or mildew, resulting in an AC system emitting a musty smell.

Drip pan

The mildew smell could originate inside the AC unit. Start by checking that the drip pan does not have stagnant water. If it does, there may be a blockage in the condensate drain line. If the drip pan that collects condensation is not draining correctly, then unblocking the clog can help. Wash the pan with bleach and dry thoroughly. If the condensate drain line is the source, then replacing the line should eliminate further problems and the smell. To be sure all mold is eliminated, clean the evaporator coils with bleach and water and soak the coils for at least 10 minutes. Use a fan to dry out any parts or remove the remaining moisture in the AC unit.

Ducts and vents

Another place the mildew smell may be coming from are the ducts and vents. If the house has high humidity levels, the mold can grow anywhere and quickly become a problem. The best way to ensure there’s no mold in the vents is to have a professional inspect the vents; if mold is found growing in the vents, they must be professionally cleaned to eliminate the issue.

System size

Also, consider that the AC system may be too big for the size of the home. When this happens, the AC system brings new air in so quickly that the air going through the AC is not dehumidified correctly. Excess moisture in the home can allow mold to grow, creating a musty smell. Check around areas such as windows and doors and clean off any mold with a good mold removal spray, then contact an AC specialist to see if installing a smaller unit may help.

Mold is a significant health hazard and can grow quickly in the right conditions. Keep these areas of the home in mind and inspect them regularly to ensure mold isn’t growing and causing the AC unit to emit a musty smell throughout the home. If mold is detected, call a local expert to resolve the situation before it becomes a significant issue.

Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.