While the odor of mildew coming from your air conditioner can feel like an embarrassing nuisance, it might also be a sign of a serious problem. If it’s related to a cooling system malfunction, you’ll want to find and fix the cause as quickly as possible. This guide will help you explore and correct the potential reasons for the odor.
- The First Use of the AC
- A Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
- Contaminants in the Ducts and Registers
- Dirty Evaporator Coils
- A Blocked Condensate Line
- Air Conditioner Malfunctions
- AC Needs Replacement
1. The First Use of the AC
The most common cause of unpleasant odors resembling mildew is time. Throughout the colder months, dust and debris collect on the various parts of your unused air conditioner.
Once you turn on the system for the first time in a season, the cooling process distributes those particles into your living spaces. You can prevent exposure to those particles by scheduling a tune-up before you use the system.
2. A Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause a variety of problems since a filter blockage inhibits the flow of treated air. As the AC forces cool air through a dirty filter, the air picks up dirt, debris, and smaller particles. As those particles get flushed out with the treated air, they bring an unpleasant odor to your living spaces.
The most effective fix for this problem is replacing the air filter. If you keep up with filter changes and the air still smells like mildew, try switching to a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This will trap smaller particles and deliver cleaner air to your living spaces.
3. Contaminants in the Ducts and Registers
You’ll enjoy cleaner, odor-free air and improved efficiency if you schedule duct cleaning for early spring. This service removes physical debris and unseen particles from the surfaces in your ducts. You should also wipe your register vent blades with a clean, damp cloth periodically.
These steps will remove foul-smelling contaminants before the treated air disperses them into your living spaces.
4. Dirty Evaporator Coils
When your evaporator coils become clogged with debris, you’ll likely experience frozen coils and other cooling system disruptions. In the earlier stages, you’ll probably notice the strong smell of mildew in the treated air. This is a sign of mold and other fungal growth on the coils. An air conditioner tune-up will resolve this problem.
5. A Blocked Condensate Line
The condensate line carries water outside from the drain pan. Over time, the inner walls of the line collect mildew, dirt, and more contaminants. If those particles create a blockage, you’ll also notice that the drain pan is overflowing. An HVAC technician has the equipment necessary to clear the line and restore proper drainage.
6. Air Conditioner Malfunctions
When there’s something wrong with your cooling system, the malfunction can allow more contaminants to enter your living spaces. Additionally, grease, oil, and moisture combine to create a musty odor that’s similar to the smell of mildew. A malfunction can also inhibit cooling performance and create unusual sounds.
If you have already checked the less serious causes of an odor, it’s time to consider an AC malfunction. Your HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and fix the underlying issue. In addition to eliminating the odor, speedy AC repairs can restore efficient cooling.
7. AC Needs Replacement
While maintenance and repairs go a long way toward protecting the performance of your air conditioner, it will eventually start to fail. Older systems also tend to use more energy and are much less efficient.
Don’t Neglect the Symptoms of an AC Problem
Even if a slight odor is the only sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner, correcting the problem right away is essential. Delaying repairs for any HVAC malfunction will give the issue time to worsen.
Many neglected problems will lead to increased energy waste and poorer indoor air quality. For all of these reasons, find and correct the source of any unpleasant AC odor as soon as possible.
Cromwell Energy has the experience and expertise to professionally install and maintain your central air conditioning (AC) system. Our licensed and insured technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment to install the highest quality, most reliable systems on the market. Need help? Contact us.