A common issue that comes up when running your air conditioner for the first few times after temperatures warm up is a noticeably musty odor.
There are several reasons for a musty AC smell. Here’s what to check and tips to get rid of that stale musty odor.
Dirty Air Conditioner
After a few months of inactivity, it’s not unusual for the AC to smell unpleasant when you first start using it again. One reason may be due to the dirt, dust, and debris that has settled into the unit during those cold, rainy months.
A good spring cleaning of the coils and filter can help get rid of the smell. Because of moisture that has potentially settled into the unit, another odor-causing possibility is the presence of mold.
If you notice the coils are covered in grime, call on the services of a professional HVAC technician for the cleaning. An HVAC tech knows where to look for mold, dirt and is able to really clean out the AC unit.
It’s recommended to clean the unit before using your AC daily to prevent dirt and potential mold spores from spreading deeper into the HVAC system and distributing throughout your home.
Filter Change
The start of each new season is the time to change your air filter. This gives your AC the chance to run as efficiently as possible without restricted airflow or spreading dirt and dust around your home.
If it’s been longer than six months since you’ve changed the air filter, it’s definitely time for a new one.
You’ll notice the signs of a filter change with higher energy bills, a dustier home, and a spike in sneezing or other allergy-like symptoms.
Dirty Vents
Another reason for a musty AC smell is due to mold or mildew in your vents or ductwork.
If you notice an unpleasant odor throughout the home, it’s more than likely due to dirty vents or ducts.
You also want to check your ductwork for any leaks, condensation, or moisture. Any excessive moisture is a prime reason for mold spores to settle and mold to take root and grow. When mold is growing in the ductwork or vents, you’ll smell that stale, musty odor throughout your home.
It’s especially unhealthy for anyone who has allergies or upper respiratory issues to breathe in mold and/or mold spores, which can make existing conditions far worse.
AC Equipment Issues
If your AC has a full drain pan, clogged drain lines, or problems in the evaporator coils, any of these circumstances may result in a musty odor and a threat for mold or expensive repairs.
Conclusion
The best course of action for a persistent musty smell is to call an HVAC repair technician for a complete inspection of the AC unit.
When you need to identify the source of the odor, check for equipment failure, or for potential mold, call the HVAC experts at Dale HCS for both comfortable temperatures and sweet-smelling air.