Does Your Air Conditioner Smell Musty? 3 Possible Causes And Solutions

Your air conditioner should cool down and freshen your indoor air when you turn it on. However, it is common to experience musty smells when the unit is running, especially during the summer. That said, the smell of dirty socks or laundry from your unit can make it hard to stay indoors, especially during a hot day. As such, you may want to check system components to ensure they are working as needed and aren't the reason behind the musty smell. Here are some common reasons why your system is emitting this smell.  

You Installed the Wrong Unit Size

One of the mistakes people make is installing a unit without finding out whether it is sufficient for the space they need to cool. If yours is too large, it will pull a lot of air from the room. In addition, it dissipates the air back into the house faster than it should, which interferes with dehumidification. As such, you will end up with excess humidity, which leads to musty smells. With this in mind, you should get the right unit size to resolve this issue.

The Ducts Have Mold

Mold grows where there is warmth and moisture. Unfortunately, your air ducts have the perfect environment for mold growth and can leave your indoor space with a musty smell. Often, mold spores get inside the ducts because the filters aren't working as efficiently as they should. More so, it could be that you haven't replaced the air filters in a long time. Alternatively, the spores could get inside the ducts if they are worn out and have leaks. You should know that removing the mold is the best way to handle this problem. An air cooling contractor can help clean your ducts to eliminate all mold growth. Moreover, they will replace the filters and seal any broken parts to prevent spores from getting into the system. 

You Haven't Cleaned the Evaporator Coils for Months

The evaporator is a part of the unit that facilitates the first part of the heat exchange, which keeps your home cool. That said, high amounts of air blow over this crucial component, leaving dirt and grime buildup. Ultimately, a unit with dirty coils will promote the growth of microorganisms that lead to awful odors inside the home. Hence, you must call in an expert to perform regular cleaning to eliminate foul smells and optimize heat exchange. 

These are some common causes of issues with a musty AC. Speak to a professional air cooling contractor and get a system assessment for these issues. With their help, you will eliminate the smells and restore freshness to your home

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