It may not seem like it now, but spring will be here in just a few short months and before you know it you’ll be cranking your air conditioner back on to cool the house. However, after months without use your A/C could develop an unpleasant musty smell that will permeate your house when you turn it on. So what can you do to get rid of it?
Musty smells coming out of your air conditioning system can stem from a number of sources. Luckily, all of them are fixable (and remember, if you’re not comfortable doing DIY care for your A/C system, Superior HVAC and Plumbing can give you a hand). Let’s start with the basics.
- Your air conditioner doesn’t create its own cool air. Simply put, it uses an outdoor compressor unit to push refrigerant into your indoor unit, which then cools the air and pushes it through your home. Bottom line, there are a lot of moving parts and a variety of places from which the musty smell can originate.
- If the musty smell coming from your HVAC system only lasts a day or two, you don’t need to worry about it. However, if it persists after that, you may need AC repair or maintenance.
What Makes Your Air Conditioning Smell Musty?
So what’s causing that unpleasant, mildewy smell in your HVAC system? Here are a few culprits:
- You need a new air filter. A dusty, mildewy air filter can push odors into your home.
- You have a full drain pan. Your drain pan could be moldy or mildewy from excess moisture, which can lead to smells.
- You have excess moisture in your air ducts. Your HVAC system could have too much moisture in its duct system. Mold or mildew can develop as a side effect of this moisture.
- Your condensate line is blocked. This is the line that drains water from your drain pan; over time, mild and mildew can build up inside of it. If it’s clogged, it can cause bad smells in your home.
- Parts in your HVAC system are failing. A failing fan motor, for example, can lead to musty odors in your system.
You may be tempted to burn a few candles and hope the smell goes away, but we recommend addressing the issue ASAP. Exposure to mold and mildew can cause upper respiratory issues and negatively impact your health and the health of your family, so don’t ignore an air conditioner that smells musty.
How To Fix Musty Smells in Your HVAC System
If you’re dealing with a musty-smelling air conditioner, it may be time for A/C repair or maintenance. However, you can try a few things on your own before you call in the professionals.
#1: Replace your air filter. As noted, an old A/C filter can cause musty smells. Try replacing your filter with a fresh one to see if it makes a difference.
#2: Check to make sure the airflow isn’t restricted. Did you close certain vents over the winter season to avoid using too much heat? Maybe you moved furniture and it’s blocking a supply or return vent. Do a quick inspection of your home to make sure airflow isn’t restricted anywhere.
#3: Call in the professionals. If you’ve taken the first two steps and the musty smell persists, it’s time to call in the professionals for A/C repair and maintenance. You may need new parts in your HVAC system, a duct cleaning, or other services to ensure your home is cool AND odor-free throughout spring and summer.
Get Your HVAC System Odor-free in Time For Spring
Prepare for the upcoming seasons by ensuring your air conditioner is not only operational but also free from any unpleasant odors that might arise when it’s most needed. At Superior HVAC and Plumbing, we specialize in providing comprehensive solutions to make your air conditioning system not just functional but also refreshing. Our team of experts is ready to conduct a thorough consultation to identify and address any potential issues that may be causing unpleasant odors. Whether it’s mold growth, accumulated debris, or other factors affecting your air quality, we have the expertise to rectify the situation promptly. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your air conditioning system not only runs efficiently but also provides clean and fresh air. Contact Superior HVAC and Plumbing today to schedule a consultation with our experienced professionals and make sure your air conditioner is ready to deliver optimal performance when you need it most.