You may be noticing a strange smell when you turn on your AC. If you’re wondering, Why does my air conditioner smell like mildew? ADA heating and Air can help. Musty odors can often be linked to mold and mildew growing in your cooling system. Many times you can do a little investigating and clean the areas that are causing the problem. Mold and mildew left untreated can sometimes cause health problems so it’s important to tackle the problem as soon as you notice. Here are a few areas of your AC unit you can check for mold.
The Drip Pan
Mold and mildew in your AC can cause the mildew smell. Check your drip pan first. If there is standing water in the drip pan, that could be the problem. If the drip pan is not draining, you could have a clog in the drain line. The drip pan is designed to collect condensation from your air conditioner. It is not designed to hold water. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the drain lines to eliminate the problem. Once the drain is unclogged you can wash the drip pan with bleach to get rid of the mold, mildew and odor.
The Ducts and Vents
Ducts and vents are another area that can begin to smell. Humidity can cause your ducts and vents to get moist and grow mold. Your ADA Heating and Air technician can inspect your ducts for mold. You can often get rid of the problem by having your ducts professionally cleaned.
The Evaporator Coils
You may find mold and mildew on your AC unit from time to time. Cleaning the evaporator coils with bleach and water will eliminate the mold. You can use a dryer to dry the unit and get rid of extra moisture. Keeping trees and bushes away from your AC unit will also help.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Like Mildew?
Sometime your AC unit doesn’t dehumidify the air properly. This is often true if your AC unit is too big for your house. Extra moisture in your home will cause mold to grow and this is where the musty smell comes from. Your ADA Heating and Air technician can help you determine the cause for the mildew smell and then help you eliminate the odor. Being a part of our air conditioner maintenance program can also help. We offer bi-annual maintenance, which includes checking for mildew and other AC problems. Don’t keep asking yourself the same question over and over, Why does my Air Conditioner smell like mildew? call ADA Heating and Air and fix the problem. We will be happy to help!
