Are you currently experiencing frustrating air conditioning problems in Elgin, IL? Call Leith Heating & Cooling today to schedule a consultation.
The summer months in Elgin, IL, generally stay warm and pleasant. You can expect the temperatures to hover around the 80s for the better part of the day. However, the humidity levels can make indoor spaces uncomfortable. So most people rely heavily on their air conditioning systems during these months.
Thus, it can be annoying when the air coming from the air conditioning isn’t fresh. “Why does my air conditioner smell musty?” As the premier HVAC contractors in Elgin, IL, it’s one of the most common questions we hear from our customers.
We’ll address all the various causes of musty odor in air conditioner systems and what you can do about each one.
Your Drain Pan Is Full
If you have an AC unit producing musty odors, it’s most likely due to this problem.
The drain pan may not help with the cooling process directly, but it still plays an important role. It collects condensation as the air conditioner runs and channels it into the drain line and away from your property. This saves you from potential water damage.
However, the drain pan can fill up if dirt and debris accumulate anywhere around the system, causing blockages that will stop water from draining away properly. The accumulation of dirty water will lead to bacteria breeding in the pan. That explains why you perceive that musty odor as your air conditioner runs.
If your drain pan is full, turn off the air conditioner and try to clean the pan. Pour out the water, then use a mix of household cleaning solutions and equipment to clean out the pan and eliminate bacteria. If you can’t reach your drain pan, leave the job to an experienced technician.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Your evaporator coil can freeze for various reasons, including refrigerant leaks and poor airflow. These issues can also impede the overall performance of your air conditioner.
As the ice melts, the water will mix with dust and debris around the air conditioner, leading to that musty smell.
Eliminating the musty smell from air conditioner systems due to frozen coils comes down to addressing the underlying causes of the freezing.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp environments such as the area where you have your air conditioner. Once the growth begins, it spreads quickly, getting into your air ducts and vents. When you turn on your air conditioner, the mold and the spores will circulate around your home, spreading the growth further.
If you’re wondering, “Why does my air conditioner smell musty?” and also noticing a rise in allergic reactions and respiratory issues around the space, that’s a clear sign of mold and mildew trouble.
There’s only one approach to preventing musty odor in air conditioning systems: calling an HVAC company to clean your ducts.
Blocked Condensate Line
Is your air conditioner emitting a musty smell? You probably have clogged condensate lines.
Just like the drain pan, the condensate line helps remove moisture from your AC unit. If the line becomes blocked, condensate buildup will follow, causing bacteria and algae growth. This will give your home that pond-like smell while your air conditioner runs.
Dirt and debris clogging the condensate line is a common issue. Cleaning out the accumulation within the line can usually get the condensate flowing away normally again.
You can use a pipe cleaner, a wire hanger, or a vacuum cleaner to eliminate any solid clogs. Next, flush the line with bleach or vinegar to eliminate any organic growth. Pour water down the line to ensure it’s now free of clogs before connecting everything back together.
Clogged Filters
Your AC filters help trap dust, dirt, and debris. Over time, the filter can trap too much of these contaminants, causing unpleasant odors and restricting airflow. Some of the musty smell you perceive while the air conditioner runs could stem from moisture from the cool air mixing with layers of debris and organic growth on the filter.
One of the easiest solutions for the musty smell in an AC unit is to replace the filters when they get dirty. Depending on the prevailing levels of pollution in your home, this could mean replacing the filters every one to three months.
Poor Equipment Size
Did you recently install a new air conditioner? Did you recently complete a home expansion? The musty odor you smell could be a sign that you have the wrong size air conditioner for your home.
If you have a small unit, it will work harder to cool your home and may fail to remove enough moisture from the air. The excess humidity mixing with other contaminants can lead to that musty smell.
On the other hand, an oversized air conditioner will cool your residence too quickly. However, it won’t run long enough to adequately dehumidify the air around your home, again leading to that musty smell.
If your air conditioner has worked fine through the years and you didn’t make any changes to the home structure, it’s highly unlikely that you have a poorly sized system. If you just bought an air conditioner, you may need to talk to a professional installer about replacing it with a unit that’s the right size for your home.
Get Professional Help From Your Local HVAC Experts in Elgin, IL
Are you still wondering, “Why does my air conditioner smell musty?” after trying all the tips above? Maybe your air conditioner’s problems are beyond your DIY skills. It’s time to call in the experienced pros at Leith Heating & Cooling.
We can diagnose your air conditioner’s problems, whether you have an old AC unit or a new one. We’ll complete the fixes to get your air conditioner working optimally without emitting any musty smells.
Call Leith Heating & Cooling today at (847) 534-8686 to schedule a consultation with the premier choice for all things HVAC in Elgin, IL.
