It can be quite alarming when your air conditioning system starts to emit a musty smell as this can often be an indicator of deep-seated issues within your air conditioning system that may need to be resolved by an experienced professional. By understanding the causes of the musty smell and taking action, you can ensure your air conditioner runs reliably for years to come without emitting any strange odors.
If you’ve started up your air conditioner only to be met with a musty smell, there’s likely a buildup of bacteria somewhere in your system. This buildup of bacteria is the result of an accumulation of dust, dirt and moisture. In this guide, we’ll look at what causes this buildup, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of the musty smell coming from your air conditioner.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is a common cause of musty smells when air conditioning systems are running. These fungi can accumulate on the surfaces of cooling coils and within drain pans, where they feed on moisture and other organic material. When your AC is running, the scents of mold and mildew can become airborne as small amounts of spores are released. This can be an indication that there could be an issue with either air flow or water drainage in your air conditioning system.
Mold and mildew growth is often caused by a lack of proper maintenance, including neglecting to replace filters regularly or not cleaning drain lines properly. It can also occur due to incorrect settings on the thermostat or issues with the coils or fans. If you have been experiencing musty odors coming from your AC unit, it’s important to schedule an inspection with a qualified AC technician as soon as possible to determine if any repairs need to be made in order to resolve the problem. The earlier you can identify the source of the smells, the better off your entire HVAC system will be.
Clogged Air Filters
The primary culprit of musty smells in air conditioning units is clogged air filters. Air filters clean the air of dirt, dust, and debris before it passes through the AC system and into your home or business. If the filter isn’t regularly changed or cleaned, it will start to develop a clog of dirt and debris that restricts airflow. When this happens, your AC system has to work harder to keep up its cooling level – resulting in extra strain on its components and poor performance. A filter that hasn’t been changed for a long time will also start to accumulate mold from inside the AC unit, leading to musty smells.
If you suspect a clogged filter may be the cause of your musty smell, then check the filter immediately and replace if necessary. It’s always best practice to replace your air filters at least once every three months; if you don’t remember when you last changed them then now is the time! When changing out your filter, make sure that you discard the old one properly – never just throw it away as it can be harmful to our environment.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Musty smells coming from your air conditioner can indicate a sign of a dirty evaporator coil. An evaporator coil helps remove humidity from the interior air by cooling it and capturing the resulting condensate water. If there is either dirt or mold, this can prevent proper airflow and release pungent odors throughout your home.
If the musty smell persists, this may be an indication that harmful spores are being released into the air—this can cause respiratory allergies if inhaled. A dirty or clogged filter may also be contributing to the accumulation of dust particles, leading to a musty smell as well as poor air quality.
Enacting regular maintenance on your AC system is key when it comes to preventing odors from forming in your home’s environment. Thoroughly cleaning all filters and coils—every few months depending on how often you use them—can help reduce potential musty smells caused by dirt build-up. In addition, make sure to check for any mold growth and take extra steps to eliminate any sources of water leakage so that you don’t get mildew build-up in your air conditioning system.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can contribute to a musty smell coming from the air conditioner. Refrigerant is an important part of a functional air conditioning system, as it is what provides the cooling and dehumidifying process. When there is a refrigerant leak in the system, it can cause an unpleasant musty odor.
During a routine maintenance visit or emergency call, our technicians have the tools and training to quickly detect and repair or replace damaged components that are causing refrigerant leaks. It’s important not to ignore strange odors coming from your air conditioner. Refrigerant leaks can damage your home’s indoor environment as well as be harmful if ingested or exposed to skin directly.
With regular maintenance service, you don’t have to worry about potential refrigerant issues becoming serious problems for your home or family. Contact us today for all of your air conditioning needs!