Possible Causes Of The Mildew Odor From Your Air Conditioner
Posted on: 17 July 2018
If you notice a mildew odor in your home but you can't seem to figure out where it's coming from, you should consider checking your air conditioning unit. If your HVAC hasn't been cleaned and serviced on schedule, it might be dirty and moldy. This can spread the mildew odor throughout your home every time the air conditioner kicks on. Here are some places to check for mildew in your HVAC system:
The Filter
If the filter is caked with dust, it's possible that mold will start to grow on it. Dust and dirt provide a food source for mold and allow it to grow inside your AC. This is one reason it's important to have your HVAC cleaned regularly: so dirt and dust won't accumulate. If the filter is dusty, change it and see if that helps the problem.
The Coils
The coils in the air handler are another place for mold to grow because they are often damp due to condensation. If dust gets through the filter, it accumulates on the coils and then mold could start to grow. Unless you know where the coils are and how to access them, you won't be able to look for mold there. It's necessary to remove the panel over the evaporator housing and it could be dangerous to do so, so calling in an HVAC technician for a check is the best thing to do, especially if it has been several months since the coils were cleaned. The coils are usually cleaned when your air conditioner and furnace have their annual service visits, and this helps prevent the growth of mold.
The Condensate Drain
The evaporator coils create condensation that drips into a pan. The pan is connected to a hose that drains the water outside of your home. If the drain hose gets blocked because of debris or mold growth then water can't drain and the pan might overflow. This leads to dampness on the floor around the HVAC, increasing the risk of mold growth. The solution for this problem is to have the HVAC technician clear out the drain hose so the dampness will dry out.
Mold can spread quickly under the right circumstances. If it has moisture, a food supply, and the right environmental conditions, mold could possibly spread throughout your HVAC system. If you suspect mold is growing inside your unit, call for an inspection. A technician can clean out the mold and pinpoint its cause so the underlying problem is repaired to prevent mold from coming back. You can contact companies like Dick Kearsley Service Center for more information.
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