What’s that smell coming from your AC? It’s sort of a damp, musty odor, like a dirty sock. What’s causing it? Is it harmful? What can you do to fix your system and eliminate the smell? Here’s how to deal with a musty air conditioner.
Possible Causes of a Musty Air Conditioner
If your AC smells musty, it means that excess moisture is causing a buildup of bacterial growth. This is detrimental to your indoor air quality, and if left unchecked, it can lead to mold and mildew as well.
There are a couple of likely causes. If the air is particularly humid, it may be a clogged air filter. Moisture buildup on the dust particles trapped by the filter lead to mold growth.
There may also be an issue with your drain line. Your AC’s drain tends to be a damp area even if the air isn’t humid. Your system pulls moisture from the air as it cools it. If the drain line becomes clogged, that moisture doesn’t get disposed of, leading to bacterial growth and a musty smell.
What to Do If You Have a Musty Air Conditioner
First, change your air filter. This should be done every three to six months, on average, to prevent clogging. Wash your vent covers as well (every six months) and check with your HVAC technician to see if you need a duct cleaning.
To clean your drain line, shut the system off and pour a quarter cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then pour water down the drain to flush it out and make sure it’s flowing properly. If none of this helps, call your HVAC technician to give your system a more thorough inspection and cleaning.
Preventative maintenance is also key. Don’t forget to schedule your annual tuneup every spring, just before cooling season starts. Your technician will look for issues that could lead to moisture buildup or mold and mildew growth and resolve them before the musty smell reaches your nose.
For help dealing with a musty air conditioner, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin trust us for quality home-comfort solutions.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area