When you turn on the AC on a warm summer day, the last thing you expect is to be met with a full blast of musty smell coming from your unit. But this is a reality for many homeowners who face this issue, as they don’t know the source of the nasty odor.
In this blog, we will uncover the most likely reasons for the musty air conditioning smell to help you fix the issue as soon as possible and enjoy the cool air without worrying about the smell.
Reasons for Musty Air Conditioner Smell
1. Full Drain Pan
A drain pan collects droplets when your air conditioner removes the moisture from your home. Over time, the drain pan experiences significant wear and tear due to constant drip and needs to be replaced to maintain its functionality.
Failing to do so can result in mold growth in the drain pan due to the accumulated water. This growth can lead to a sock smell circulating throughout the system and affecting your indoor home environment.
2. Moisture in Ducts
Mold growth occurs in damp and moist places. So, if there is trapped water in your air vents and ducts, it can be the reason for the musty smell coming from your AC. This excess moisture in the vents can be due to a drainage leak or high humidity.
Strange odor due to mold growth is one of the warning signs that your air conditioner needs maintenance. So contact the experts quickly to prevent any health issues in the future.
3. Issues with Evaporator Coil
Another reason for the unpleasant smell coming from your air conditioner can be due to frozen evaporator coils. There is a moisture build-up on the coils when dirty air filters obstruct the airflow inside your HVAC system.
The water droplets on the evaporator coil freeze when the refrigerant cools the air, resulting in a musty smell. Only trained experts can handle this issue. You shouldn’t try to handle it yourself, as it can cause further issues.
4. Blocked Condensate Lines
The function of the Condensate pipes in your HVAC system is to drain the water from the drip pan into the landscaping. The condensate pipe is near the condenser unit and is a prime spot for mold growth.
So, a blockage of the condensate line can result in mold growth, which causes a bad odor in your air conditioner. You can prevent this by routinely checking the condensate pipes for leaks and fixing the issues quickly.
5. Wrong AC Size for Home
Having too large or too small an HVAC unit can also lead to a musty odor in your home. Larger units result in a lack of dehumidification and excess moisture accumulated in your system.
Meanwhile, smaller units can get damaged due to frequent turning on and off. The best way to prevent this is by asking HVAC experts about the correct size for an AC in your home before installation. It will lead to efficient airflow and prevent the musty odor.
At Castle Rock Heating & Air, we provide full air conditioner repair and maintenance. Our skilled experts can detect the reasons for the musty smell in your system and fix it before it becomes an issue. So book our service and get rid of the unpleasant smell from your HVAC unit.
