Common Causes of Air Conditioner Odors

If your air conditioner has a moldy or musty odor coming from it, chances are there’s something wrong with it. Here local heating and air conditioning company Kemnitz shares a look at the common causes of air conditioner odors and how to get rid of them.

What Causes Air Conditioner Odors?

Odors coming from the air conditioning system can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Excess moisture In the ducts and vents — Moisture that lingers in the ducts or vents, when combined with the unlit environment, enables mold to grow unnoticed and spread through the ductwork.

• Frozen evaporator coils — Clogged air filters can lead to frozen evaporator coils. The lack of airflow can result in water collecting and freezing on the coils.

• A clogged condensate line and full drip pan — The condensate line transports moisture collected from the HVAC system into the drain pan. Stagnant water in the condensate line or a full drip pan allows for mold and bacterial growth.

• An oversized HVAC system — HVAC technicians factor in the size of the living area when choosing matching heating and air conditioning systems. An inexperienced installer or DIYer may overlook this detail and choose the wrong size. An undersized HVAC system will run at full capacity all the time, while an oversized one would turn off too soon, resulting in improper dehumidification, which contributes to mold and bacterial growth.

How to Remove and Prevent Air Conditioning Odors

The best way to completely remove odors from the HVAC system is to have it cleaned by a professional air duct cleaning service. In addition to having the entire system of ductwork cleaned and disinfected, joints and seams will also need to be resealed. Scheduling a duct cleaning every three to five years can help keep the ductwork clear and sealed off from pollutants.

As a homeowner, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent the odors that can come from your air conditioner. First, regularly check the condensate lines and clean the drain pan to prevent bacteria buildup. Replace air filters as they become clogged, and should you find problems that require repair, have them fixed by a certified HVAC technician.

Call Kemnitz for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

Kemnitz is your leading provider of HVAC services, including heating repair. Give us a call at (949) 467-9157 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Irvine, Forest City, and Mission Viejo.