How To Remove Musty Smells From Your Air Conditioner

Let’s say for a moment that you get home after a long day of shopping in the hot, summer weather. All you can think about is how good your home is going to feel. After all, you set the temperature to a comfortable level before leaving home. Imagine your shock and discomfort as you walk into your house – tired and ready for a rest – and smell a dank, musty scent coming from your vents. And what about the temperature? Why isn’t your air conditioner cooling as it should? If you ever experience this, you’ll definitely want to remove the musty smell from the air conditioner and fix the problem as quickly as possible.

There are a few reasons why your AC might smell, each with a unique solution. Here is a list describing some of the most common issues:

• Full Drain Pan When your drain pan fills with water, it will grow mold and bacteria as it sits. You may even see external signs of a full drain pan, such as a yellowish discoloration around the bottom of your unit, or water dripping down the wall.
• Dirty or Clogged Filters If your air conditioner isn’t used for a long period of time, it can get clogged, releasing an “old” smell when it’s turned back on. Also, moisture and dirt can collect in the filters over time.
• Damp Air Vents Air conditioning units can fall victim to too much humidity, causing moisture to build up inside the system. If the problem isn’t dealt with, mold is likely to grow.

Now that you know what causes the most common AC unit problems, keep reading to learn how to fix them:

• Clean the Filters Turn your HVAC unit off and open up the air conditioning component. Take out the filters, vacuum them, then soak them in a warm water and vinegar solution for about 45 minutes to remove dirt or dust. Then rinse the filters with clean, cold water and let them air dry.
• Empty the Drain Pan and Condensate Line Make sure your AC is off, then open it up. Empty the drain pan and wash it with warm water and soap. Before replacing it, let it air dry. Locate the T-shaped vent and remove the PVC cap on top. Then clean off the vent and reapply the cap. Next, you’ll have to go outside and find your air conditioner pipe. Clean the inside of the pipe with a thin brush, then use a vacuum to suck up any loose debris or dirt. An effective vacuuming trick is to hold and seal the suction end firmly to the pipe using your hands or tape.

Repairing your own AC unit can be tricky, and you definitely don’t want to break anything or cause further damage. The best way to avoid this is by hiring a professional HVAC service. With HVAC Service in Leesburg, GA; Americus, GA; and Cordele, GA, Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning has more than 70 years of AC repair experience. We are here to make sure that all our customers stay cool and comfortable in their homes. Call us for a free quote today at 229-924-3693!