One of the most noticeable and inconvenient signs that your air conditioner could need repair or maintenance is the presence of an unpleasant smell. Unpleasant smells from air conditioners are virtually impossible to ignore and are extremely frustrating. Fortunately, usually, a musty smell from an air conditioner is easy to fix, sometimes it can even be remedied without having to call for repair. If your AC starts to smell musty, here are some of the common causes and what you should do to remedy the situation.

Clogged Air Filter
Your air conditioner or furnace air filter collects debris from the air so you don’t end up breathing it in. Most of what the air filter collects isn’t hygienic (hair, pet fur, odours, allergens) and can cause bacteria growth if unattended to. If your air conditioner is releasing a musty smell, the first thing you should do is change the air filter to see if it helps.

A Full Drain Pan
As condensation from the air begins to build, it’s collected in what’s called a drain pan. While the drain pan is meant to drain itself, sometimes after years of use it can become clogged. Sitting water in the drain pan can breed mould and bacteria, resulting in a musty smell from your air conditioner. If you notice a funky smell, check to make sure your drain pan isn’t clogged.

Blocked Condensate Line
The condensate line is a small PVC pipe that brings condensation and water from the air to the outside of your house for expulsion. Unfortunately, this pipe is very small and minor build-up can cause it to clog, breeding bacteria and mould. Call an HVAC professional to inspect your system and they will inspect your condensate line.

Excess Moisture in the Vents
One of the most common reasons for having a musty smell from your air conditioner is the presence of moisture in the vents. This can happen if your home is too humid during the summer, causing mould to grow in your home’s moist and humid vents. Remember that breathing in mould and bacteria from your vents can be dangerous to your health and safety, and if you believe this is the issue, you should call for repair with the experts at Fahrhall right away.

Wrong AC Unit Size
Remember when purchasing your air conditioner to always purchase the right size for your home, not just the biggest or most powerful unit. If your air conditioner is too large for your home, your air is going to be recycled too quickly, not adequately drying the moisture from your home’s air and allowing for bacterial growth.

Has your air conditioner been smelling musty lately?
The HVAC team at Fahrhall is here to help!

Fahrhall has been proudly serving the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions since 1967. We are committed to providing our customers and our community with reliable service and quality equipment.

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