Have you noticed a strange smell coming from your AC unit? When the air conditioner runs, you might notice odors coming out of one of its vents. If so, don’t worry. This may be a simple issue that is easy to fix. This article will explain why your air conditioner smells musty and give you suggestions for how to fix the problem.
What are the Most Common Types of Smells?
There are a lot of reasons your air conditioner might smell strange. Those odors could be caused by a dirty filter, bacteria, mold, mildew, or even dead rodents. If you notice a musty smell from your AC unit, here are some possibilities:
· Mold and mildew build up in the drain pan
Suppose the water from condensation has been sitting for too long because of an obstruction in the drain line or poor airflow through the system due to dirt and debris buildup on evaporator coils. A backup should automatically activate a switch that shuts off power to stop damage to other unit’s parts should it overflow, though this switch may need replacing if it is not working properly. You can clear any blockages causing high water levels and ensure the evaporator coils are clean. If the drain line is clogged, you can use a wet vac to suck out any excess water, though it should dry naturally if the airflow through the system is good.
· Lack of maintenance or dirt buildup on evaporator coils
A dirty filter and blocked drain pan may not be your only problem! Dirt and debris on your unit’s evaporator coils will reduce its ability to function properly, resulting in poor performance. Periodic service by a professional can prevent this problem from happening or get rid of musty odors that have started arising due to poor airflow.
· Old smells
Old smells coming from your AC unit could mean there was a dead rodent caught in the unit at one point. Rodents build nests in warm places, so if they find their way into your air conditioner or heater vent, they may die. The smell of the decomposing rodent will stay until you get rid of it and clean your system properly.
What Are Some Possible Causes?
If you notice musty smells coming out of your AC vents, there are some common causes that could be to blame:
· Animal carcasses
A dead animal has found its way into your unit’s vents and caused a terrible odor. You should immediately investigate your vents for dead animals. If you can’t find any living creatures lurking inside, then there probably is a carcass blocking airflow through the system somewhere. If you can’t determine where the smell is coming from, look into professional help.
· Dirty or damaged drain pan
Your AC’s drain pan may be dirty, which means it is unable to properly collect condensate water. The musty smell may be due to dirt falling out of your unit’s vents and onto the ground. You should clean the pan regularly with a wet vac or other tools in order to keep it free of debris that could cause this problem. If your air conditioner has not had any recent maintenance performed on it, then you should clean the pan now. A blocked drain line will create this issue more commonly than an obstructed evaporator coil drain system because it has fewer layers protecting against blockages.
· Clogged drain line
If your AC unit’s pan is correctly draining excess water, but it still smells musty, then the problem could be that the drain line is partially clogged or obstructed. You will need to get rid of any debris in its path and clean whatever parts of the system are dirty before it does. This should solve the musty smell issue if you have already cleaned your drainage pan properly.
Why Does My Air Smell Musty?
Your air conditioner may smell because dirt has collected somewhere in its vents or around one of its components, which blocks airflow through certain parts of the system. Animal carcasses can also cause terrible odors after they start to decompose and block airflow. If your AC is unable to correctly drain water through the pan and its drain line, it may smell musty due to excess moisture in the air around it.
You should make sure you clean out dirt and debris along with any built-up or decaying matter from your AC before they cause musty smells like this one. Professionals can also help you clear the drainage line if there is any debris in it. A blocked evaporator coil vent will need to be replaced in order for the AC unit to function properly again, but a dirty or damaged pan usually only requires maintenance that you can perform at home. Just remember: when in doubt, call a professional!
If none of these solutions work and you still notice bad smells coming from your air conditioner’s vents, it may be time to replace its evaporator coil.
You Should Always Contact a Professional for Assistance
If you notice a strange smell coming from your air conditioner, there can be a variety of reasons for it. If the smells come from a source that shouldn’t be emitting this odor, or if they persist after you have made all the proper fixes, then you will likely need to call in professionals to help solve this problem for you. There are many benefits to hiring a professional for AC service, so consider this option before you perform repairs yourself.
You Don’t Have to Suffer from Musty Smells
If your AC smells musty, there are some simple solutions that could be all you need to get rid of the terrible smell. If these don’t work, or if you can’t fix the problem by yourself, then it may be time for a professional to take over and help solve the issue.
Since an AC unit impacts air quality in your house and affects your comfort throughout the year, it is important that you address any issues that arise with it as soon as possible. A musty smell coming from your AC should not be ignored because it could lead to other problems down the road!