Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Musty?

You rely on your AC system to keep your home cool and refreshing throughout the warmest months of the year. But if your HVAC begins smelling musty, it may be difficult to continue using.

This problem is typically caused by moisture, which creates mold and mildew. Here are five reasons why your system could have excess moisture in it.

1. The Drain Pan is Full

One thing your AC unit does is remove humid air from your home. The moisture in that air goes into your drain pan.

Your drain pan will lose effectiveness as time goes by due to normal wear and tear. Eventually, that can lead to it getting full of water.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Your HVAC system needs an unobstructed flow of air to work properly. But it doesn’t get that when your air filters become dirty with dirt and debris.

When your system has an airflow blockage, it causes water drops to build up on the evaporator coils. Eventually, this freezes them, which can lead to mold and mildew.

3. Excess Moisture in Ducts or Vents

You could also be dealing with an accumulation of moisture in your ductors or vents. This can happen because of high humidity levels or a drainage leak.

The key test is how quickly you notice the musty smell. If it happens right after you turn on your AC unit, this could be your issue.

4. Blocked Condensate Line

Your air conditioner has a condenser unit that’s typically located outside the home. Its job is to get the water from your drip pan into a storm drain.

The condensate line is what transfers the water from your HVAC unit into your air conditioner. When it gets clogged, mild and mildew are usually not far behind.

5. Your AC is too large for your home

It’s important to have an air conditioner that’s the correct size for your home. If your system is too large, it will cycle on and off very quickly.

That might not sound like a bad thing, but it doesn’t give the unit enough time to dehumidify the air. This leads to excess moisture in your home, which could be causing the smell.

Indoor Air Quality Can Solve Your Musty Air Problem

If you’ve noticed a musty smell coming from your HVAC system, it’s important to take care of it quickly. Mold and mildew can be dangerous to breathe in for prolonged periods of time.

Indoor Air Quality is the team you can trust to get the job done on time and on budget. We offer speed AC unit repairs in Highlands Ranch and throughout the Denver Metro Area.  You can get in touch with us today to get started.