AC Smells Musty? Right here’s what to do.

It received’t be lengthy earlier than you begin up your air conditioner for the primary time this spring (for those who haven’t accomplished so already). However what in case your AC smells musty and ugly after sitting unused all winter? Air conditioner smells can occur for a lot of causes.

Let’s check out what could cause that musty odor coming out of your AC vents (or the unit itself) and the best way to do away with it. 

Why your AC smells musty

When an air conditioner smells musty, it’s an indication of moisture the place it doesn’t belong. Moist situations permit mildew to develop, resulting in that musty odor. 

The query is, the place are the moisture and the mould coming from? It may very well be one (or extra) of the next:

• Your ducts.  Constructed-up mud and dirt in your HVAC ducts, together with amassed moisture, could cause a musty odor that spreads by your house together with heated or cooled air.
• The unit. You probably have a though-the-wall kind air con system, moisture could have amassed within the unit. Mildew spores can get in and develop because the air warms, bringing nasty smells whenever you flip in your AC.
• Water leaks someplace else. It’s doable that the musty odor could also be coming from someplace else in your house. It may very well be a poorly ventilated lavatory, locker room, or storage space that has a return duct delivering smelly air again into your AC system. You probably have plumbing points and water leaks someplace, poor HVAC design can create airflow situations that unfold odors all over the place.

You in all probability already know that attempting to masks air conditioner smells with sprays or scented candles isn’t going to do away with the issue. Right here’s what to do as an alternative.

3 steps to do away with air conditioner smells 

Listed below are 3 steps to take in case your AC smells musty:

1. Have your AC system inspected and completely cleaned

Begin by bringing in knowledgeable HVAC technician to take a look at your system elements. He’ll change clogged filters and spot indicators of water leaks and mould progress that may very well be inflicting odors. You may need condensate fluid leaking, a drain ache that’s overflowing, or different situation that’s gone undetected for lengthy sufficient to permit mildew to develop. 

This will simply occur for those who haven’t had your system maintained for some time. Air con upkeep prevents points like this as a result of the issues that trigger them get fastened earlier than any harm is completed. (That’s why it’s known as preventative upkeep.)

Residential methods ought to get upkeep no less than annually, ideally within the spring earlier than you begin it up for the primary time. Business air con methods may have upkeep extra continuously, relying on the utilization situations. It pays to speak to the consultants and get a suggestion.

In the event you’re within the NYC metro space, Arista will help. Right here’s a simple strategy to get an estimate for a industrial or luxurious residential upkeep settlement.

2. Clear your HVAC ducts 

In case your tools is working properly and doesn’t have any water leaks, the musty odor could also be coming from the ducts that distribute cooled air all through your house. (That’s assuming you’ve gotten a ducted system.)

Your HVAC technician can check out your ducts after they examine your tools, and they are able to see moisture and even mould progress. If that’s the case, you’ll want to herald duct cleansing consultants to scrub and sanitize your ducts.

Get our useful information to be taught extra about the advantages of duct cleansing for enhancing indoor air high quality.

3. Restore water leaks and regulate airflow 

In case your AC smells unhealthy however your tools and ducts are effective, it’s time to look elsewhere in your house for the supply of the odor. If water leaks are discovered, clearly you’ll have to get that taken care of to do away with the musty odor. 

However why does the odor appear to be coming out of your AC? The reply is air stream. Your HVAC system is designed to maneuver conditioned air all through your house. However generally it might probably unfold odors together with the air shifting by the ducts. 

Air stream is one thing that may be managed with correct air flow and HVAC design. Speak to your HVAC technician about this if in case you have ongoing odor issues. You may profit from shifting ductwork, including followers, or including air flow to make your house odor recent once more.