How to Stop Musty Smell From Air Conditioner

Several people take a properly functioning air conditioner for granted. After all, you already have a ton of daily responsibilities that require your attention, such as going to the gym, dropping off your children at school, riding the subway to and from work, and answering a million inquiries and emails from your coworkers.

You can only put off dealing with a musty odor in your home for so long after you arrive. Explain why this is occurring and suggest some solutions.

What Causes Musty Smell?

A musty odor from your air conditioners could result from mold and mildew growing in them, both of which require moisture to thrive. If your air conditioner has started to smell like mildew, it could be due to one of the many potential causes listed below.

Mildew can grow on AC filters because they collect dust and other particles that eventually settle there. If the filter in your air conditioner is blocked with dirt and dust, the unit may give off a musty odor.

Incorrect installation of the units also contributes to leakage. The P-trap and vent line work together to prevent water from being sucked back into the drip pan due to negative pressure created by airflow.

Also, if the ducts weren’t correctly sealed and insulated after installation, then the system will begin to take in wet air from the surrounding environment. Condensation and potential leaks can occur when warmer outside air mixes with the cooler air in your unit’s ductwork. Here are some strategies for cleaning a musty AC:

Replace the Air Conditioner’s Filter

You can buy air conditioner filters that can only be used once or ones that can be washed and reused. Before getting an air conditioner filter replacement, you need to figure out what kind of air conditioner filter you currently have.

Always refer to the manual for your air conditioner to see which filter is recommended for use with it. Putting a filter designed for use in a central air conditioner into a slot designed for use in a window unit will render your air filter worthless.

When the air filter in your air conditioner becomes clogged, dust and other particles are released into the room. Anywhere the vents are exposed, musty smells will fill the room.

Unclog Your Condensate Drain Line

Excessive condensation from the evaporator coil drains into a pan and then out a drain line. Moreover, if this drain line becomes clogged, water may back up into the pan, increasing the conditions ideal for mold growth.

Your air conditioner’s condensation problem is likely the source of any musty or moldy odors you may be experiencing. Fortunately, you may occasionally fix this by attempting to clear the drain line with a wet/dry vac. However, if the drain line is clogged and you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, you should usually call a plumber.

Fix Overfull Drip Pan

Since air conditioners are also utilized to remove humidity from the air, a special container, known as a drip pan, is required to store the condensation that forms as a byproduct of this process. The drip pan is supposed to catch the condensation that forms as water vapor is distilled from the air, but it can corrode or get damaged and stop doing its job. There may be mold and a musty odor if condensation forms inside the AC unit.

Fortunately, most home improvement stores can purchase a low price for a new drip pan for an air conditioner. Take a picture of your AC drip pan before shopping to ensure you get the right part. Contact your local air conditioning professional if you are unsure of the sort of drip pan you require to purchase or if you cannot locate one.

Using Air Purifiers To Help With Air Conditioner Smells

A home air purifier is another solution for unpleasant air conditioner odors. Using air purifiers is a risk-free and efficient method for eliminating unpleasant odors. The cleaner works to eliminate odors by recirculating the air in the space using a fan. Afterward, an activated charcoal filter eliminates the scents from the air. Its high absorption rate helps to eliminate unpleasant odors from the space.

Air purifiers are great for getting rid of smells, but there are steps you can take to ensure your air conditioner doesn’t emit any in the first place. It is possible to avoid the need for an air purifier altogether if the cause of the odor can be identified and eliminated.

Mold Removal

Mold can be harmful to your health if you come into contact with it, and it can be challenging to remove completely and prevent it from returning, so it’s usually better to have a professional handle the job. Air conditioning mold removal is a component of our standard Air Duct and Vent Cleaning service, and we also provide mold remediation and restoration for other areas of your house.

Can the same method be used to remove paint smell from air conditioner as getting paint out of clothes?

When it comes to removing paint from clothes, it requires a specific method to ensure it is completely gone. However, the same technique cannot be used to remove paint smell from an air conditioner. Different measures are needed to effectively rid the air of the lingering paint odor.

Clean Evaporator Coils

An unpleasant odor and other problems, such as a frozen air conditioner, can quickly arise from a dirty cooling coil. This AC maintenance can be done in a flash by a pro, but you can save some money by doing it yourself. However, people unfamiliar with HVAC systems shouldn’t tackle this project independently. Get some protective gear, like goggles and gloves, before beginning the project by yourself.

Turn off the air conditioner and enter the unit to access the evaporator coils. Exposure to your air conditioner’s coils may usually be gained through a panel on its back. Take out that section and put it somewhere else. Apply a handheld vacuum cleaner to eliminate the dust and debris inside the air conditioner. Safely place the coils against a wall after removing the protective fins.

Final Thoughts

If you smell something unpleasant or musty coming from the vents of your air conditioner, you don’t have to replace the entire unit immediately. To get rid of smells, lessen energy costs, and enhance air quality, clean the inside and outdoor AC unit and ensure everything is sealed. How do you stop the musty smell from the air conditioner? We think you can consider your query answered at this point.