Mold and mildew grow best in dark and damp conditions. These conditions are common in air conditioner systems and provide the perfect breeding ground for mold. If you have never encountered mold before, you may not be sure what it even smells like. Some describe mold as having an earthy or musty smell .
How do you get the musty smell out of an air conditioner?
- Turn off your air conditioning unit.
- Change the air filters.
- Clean the evaporator coils with a cleaning agent or bleach solution.
- Clean the condensate line with the cleaning solution.
- Gently wipe the air conditioner clean and leave to dry.
Why does my AC smell like mildew?
In short, a musty smell indicates bacterial growth build-up , which forms on the drain, evaporator coil, or in the drip pan or drain line of your AC. Your evaporator coil is a dark and humid location, so all sorts of mold and mildew can grow, which causes that unpleasant, musty smell.
How do you deodorize an air conditioner?
- Turn the power to the unit off. ...
- Change the air filter(s). ...
- Clean the evaporator coils. ...
- Clean the condensate line.
Can you spray Lysol in air conditioner?
Please note that you should not use Lysol to sanitize your HVAC system's return vents . ... When you spray this disinfectant into your HVAC system, it could come into contact with the electric motor and create a flash explosion that could damage your home's ductwork and even create a fire.
Can AC make house smell musty?
Air conditioning systems trap tiny particles that settle in the filters over time and cause mildew growth when exposed to moisture. If your air conditioner's filter is dirty and clogged , this may result in your AC smelling musty.
Can a moldy AC make you sick?
Mold can grow virtually anywhere in your home, and regardless of location, exposure can lead to health problems. However, mold located in air conditioning units spreads spores out into the air throughout the house, which makes it especially dangerous and especially likely to cause sickness.
Why does my air conditioner smell like dirty feet?
If the smell coming from your AC smells like dirty socks or stinky feet, this is another indication of a moisture issue . Your filters may be dirty or your drainage system clogged, causing too much moisture or standing water in your AC unit that eventually starts to smell like sweaty feet.
What can I put in my air conditioner to smell good?
Every month when you change your air filter, you can add a couple of drops of essential oils to the fabric of the filter. When the air conditioning turns on and the air passes through the filter, the scent of the oil will also waft into the home. Lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus are all pleasant options.
Why does it smell when I turn on the AC?
One of the reasons your air conditioning system's mildew smell might be occurring is because the compressor might not be draining properly, so the moisture lingers and causes the smell . In addition to the compressor draining poorly, your A/C might need its filters cleaned or replaced.
How do you disinfect an air conditioner?
Apply Lysol® All-Purpose Cleaner to the coils on the back of the unit and scrub with a stiff brush. Wash the air filter with a disinfecting cleaner like Lysol® Hydrogen Peroxide Multi-Surface Cleaner .
Can I spray disinfectant on AC?
DNT Car AC Disinfectant Spray 350ml DNT Car A/C Disinfectant is a highly effective spray cleaner and Disinfectant for cleaning Louvers of Car Air-conditioner ducts. Benefits: Instantly cleans and disinfects the air-conditioner coils & ducts, thus restricting the growth of bacteria and mold in the AC louvers.
What kills mold in air conditioner?
Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach . Saturate a scrubbing sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces of the AC unit, removing all traces of visible mold. The bleach will kill residual mold spores.
Is it OK to spray water on your air conditioner?
Spraying water on your air conditioner can help it run more efficiently if you remove enough dust, dirt and debris to help improve airflow and prevent it from overheating. It's certainly not going to damage your AC unit to do so. It's a good idea to spray off the condenser coils in particular a couple times a year.
Why does my house suddenly smell musty?
Musty smells in houses may be attributed to several causes, including: Mold and mildew : Leaky pipes, a damaged roof, high humidity, and exposed dirt in the crawlspace may all contribute to moisture buildup. This moisture combined with the stagnant air and dark corners can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Why does the air in my house smell stale?
When indoor air starts to smell stale or feel stuffy, it is usually due to a buildup of certain chemicals as well as humidity in the air . ... These MVOCs are caused by the growth of bacteria and fungi and are responsible for the strong, distinct musty odors that we associate with certain rooms, such as locker rooms.
