An AC is normally odorless, and hence a musty smell from your cooling system indicates an underlying malfunction. Of course, you wouldn't want musty air blasting from the vents once you turn on your cooling unit. Since your utmost priority is providing comfortable optimum temperatures for your family, it is vital to contact an HVAC service professional when you notice musty smells from the vents. They will diagnose and fix the problem to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. Take a look at common causes of the AC's musty odor.
Mold and Mildew in the Ducts
If you reside in an area characterized by excess humidity during summer, moisture might accumulate in the ductwork. This creates dark and damp spots in your ducts, encouraging mold to grow. Over time, as the mold thrives in the ducts, its spores will circulate into your home, potentially causing allergic reactions among the house occupants. Thus, you should engage an AC technician for air duct cleaning to eliminate the growth of mold and mildew.
Clogged Air Filters
Although air filters trap dust, dirt, and other airborne particulates, they naturally clog with contaminants after some time. Clogging causes limited airflow to the evaporator coils, which freeze since the refrigerant circulates without adequate air for heat absorption. Consequently, mold will grow on the coils causing a musty smell as cool air circulates throughout your home. Depending on your filter type, you should contact an AC specialist to either wash or replace it. Moreover, they will defrost the coils to facilitate effective heat transfer.
Blocked Drain Line
The cooling process generates an amount of condensed water, which drips from the coils and collects in the drip pan. However, the drain pan may clog with dirt and cause water back up, enabling mold to thrive. As a result, you will notice a musty smell inside your home. Therefore, it is advisable to hire an HVAC repair expert to assess and clean your system for proper moisture drainage. Additionally, they will replace the drip pan if worn out to ensure effective collection and drainage of water.
Dirty Condensate Line
After water collects in the drip pan, a condensate line channels the water to a storm drain. However, since the drain pipe is small and is close to your exterior, dirt and other debris can easily clog it. This results in water accumulating in this space and creating a prime location for mold to grow. Thus, you should engage an AC contractor to clean your condensate line for water to flow easily without stagnating.
Musty smells from your AC will cause a displeasing and uncomfortable experience. Therefore, regularly hiring an HVAC repair professional to clean your system will help you steer clear of this irritating odor.
For more information about HVAC services, contact a local professional.
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