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Q: I recently noticed my AC smells musty when it turns on, and I’ve never noticed this before. Why does my air conditioning smell, and what should I do to get rid of the scent?
A : AC units can sometimes give off a mold smell for a host of reasonableness . If you ’re wondering , “ Why does my AC smell out ? ” it ’s helpful to be intimate that there are various factors that could be causing the issue .
But what does musty think of ? “ Musty ” describes a stale , moldy , or damp flavor — and that type of odor can come from one ofseveral unlike rootage , including an AC unit . If you guess your air conditioner smells musty , you ’ll need to sympathise potential cause to check how to address the perfume and remediate the problem . Some of these fixes are easygoing to make on your own , but more serious event may require the help of an HVAC technician .
The air conditioner may smell musty when you first turn it on after the winter, or you may need to change the filter.
After a farseeing wintertime , it ’s normal for an breeze conditioner to smell musty when you first apply it , as dirt , dust , and debris can build up on its coils and filter . However , this buildup can also meanmold and mildew growth . Cleaning the coil before you go using your AC on a regular basis can ward off this unpleasant smell and keep mold spores from circulate the theatre . Only a professional HVAC technician should undertake coil cleansing .
Dirty filters may be another reason why an AC smells musty . It ’s a estimable thought to deepen the AC filter at least once every 3 months as part of regular maintenance . Some other mark it ’s time to change the AC filter include a stiletto heel in vim circular , debris near the register , and an uptick in allergic reaction symptoms .
There may be mold or mildew in the vents or ducts.
When there ’s a musty aroma wafting throughout the house , you might panic and enquire , “ Does mold smell ? What does mold olfactory sensation like ? ” Mold and mildew can give off that musty scent , so you ’ll require to check — or hire someone to fit — the vents or ducts for signs of growth . Mold and mold in an AC whole or the ducts can be a health hazard for residents . inhale mold spores can stimulate symptom such as headaches , afflictive throat , and respiratory distraint .
A full drain pan can cause a musty smell.
If a house smells fusty , but there ’s no mold , you may want to confirm whether you have a full drainage pan . A genus Pan filled with water can signal a clogged drainpipe , which can lead to more severe upshot . Leaving a full drain pan can cause flooding or mold and bacterium growth , so you will need to check and empty AC enfeeble pans regularly . Most AC units have two drain pans : one under the indoor evaporator coils and another auxiliary cooking pan .
Musty smells can come from frozen evaporator coils or a clogged drain line.
A musty - smelling AC unit can point to frozen evaporator whorl or a clogged drain line . If evaporator coils freeze and go untreated , it could lead to expensive hangout . Some signs of icy evaporator coils include meth outside the refrigerant line , condensing and moisture around the air handler , a full condensate waste pipe pan , and noticeable ice around coils . If you note any of these sign , it ’s best to plow off the thermostat and major power to the unit and contact an HVAC recompense technician .
Signs of a clogged drain rail line include digest water supply near the indoor unit , piss damage , trouble cooling your domicile , sodding dysfunction of the AC , and a musty smell near the indoor unit or in the aviation from registers or vents . You may be able-bodied to unclog and cleanse a drainage line yourself , but it ’s always a good melodic theme to contact an HVAC fixture technician if you ’re diffident how to proceed .
The AC unit may be the wrong size for the home.
Many householder do n’t reckon that their AC unit of measurement might be too big or too humble for their house . However , an AC unit that ’s the untimely sizing could lead to unpleasant smells . The building block might not adequately cool the home plate and leave behind the air humid , make a prize surroundings for mold and mildew to flourish . Some other signs an AC unit is the wrong size for a home is if there are red-hot and dusty spots around the house or if the AC is running forever or continuously cycle on and off .
An experienced HVAC repair technician can find and remedy the source of a musty-smelling AC.
When in doubt , it ’s wise to hire an expert to key out the source of a musty olfactory modality and make any reparation . Exploring an AC unit without understand the system can lead to more expensive issues or damages . Experienced HVAC technicians have the proper education and equipment to receive and remediation country of headache . Hiring a professional will also check that you are not drop mold or mildew growth — which can be prejudicious to your health and wellbeing . If an expert finds these common allergens in HVAC ducts , registers , or air animal trainer , they can manoeuver you on how to eliminate them .
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Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
