Turning on the air conditioning on a hot day should bring cool air and refresh your home. However, what happens when you suddenly notice unpleasant odors filling your house, ruining a relaxing day? Ambient Edge is here to help you understand why your AC smells musty and what you should do to get your system back in shape with fresh, clean air.
Our skilled HVAC technicians can examine your AC unit and identify the problem, putting your mind at ease. We provide top-notch service with reliable communication, so you never worry about what it will cost or how long the work will take. Contact us to schedule your HVAC inspection and get a reliable quote on repairs, cleaning, or installation today.
My Air Conditioner Smells Musty – What’s Going On?
Mystery smells can pop up all over your house, from a stinky garbage can to a pet’s accident on the rug. However, that musty odor that seems to be everywhere could be coming from your AC system. You can’t just turn it off in the heat of summer, so it’s crucial to figure out and fix the issue.
Often, there is mold or mildew growing somewhere inside your AC components, sitting there over the winter until you’re ready for cool air again. There are many causes for a smelly air conditioning system. Some of the most common factors include:
- Pooled water from leaking pipes
- Dirty air filters
- Dusty or frozen AC evaporator coils
- Spilled liquids in the attic or HVAC air return area
- Window or roof leaks that allow rain in
- Excess humidity in the attic, basement, or bathrooms
- Clogged AC condensate drain lines
You should start by inspecting your ceilings, attic, and other areas for signs of mold or mildew. If you suspect you might have mold, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend you remove both the mold and the humidity that contributes to its growth. You can also contact Ambient Edge to schedule an indoor air quality test that can detect mold and any other contaminants in your home’s environment.
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Identifying What Causes a Mildew Smell from Your AC
That musty “old house” smell can be off-putting and embarrassing, especially when you have guests. Many people become nose blind to the smells of their own homes and lose the ability to detect a mildew odor. However, if you have a moisture problem that’s causing your AC to flood your home with unpleasant odors, you should request a visit from the experienced team at Ambient Edge.
Your friendly HVAC technician will inspect your system and help you determine whether the smell happens only when your AC is running. They can assess whether the odors are stronger near your vents or elsewhere in the house. If your air conditioner hasn’t been used in several months, water could have collected, and mildew could have begun to grow.
After locating the source of the smell, your Ambient Edge professional will clean or replace any damaged components. They can also educate you about ways to avoid future issues with mold and mildew. By conducting regular maintenance, you can lower your risk of bad smells and potential health risks in the future.
Preventing Musty Smells in Your AC System
At Ambient Edge, we are always ready to manage any problems with your home’s HVAC system. However, as the homeowner, you can save yourself time and money by following a few easy tips to keep your system running efficiently and cut down on musty AC smells. For example, make sure to take these steps on a regular basis:
- Check and replace air conditioner filters regularly. Most should be changed every three months, but if a resident is a smoker or you have pets, you may want to do this monthly.
- Switch to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These higher-quality filters can capture more dust, pet hair, pet dander, and other contaminants to reduce musty smells in your home’s air.
- Ensure your condensate line is clear. The AC condensate line can get clogged up with mold or algae. Pouring a cup of half water and half vinegar through the line once a month can prevent these issues.
- Check the AC drain pan. There’s a small metal pan where excess condensation collects near your indoor unit. Ensure there’s no mildew or algae growing in or near the pan.
- Get your air ducts cleaned. Most homeowners are unaware of how much dust and dirt collects throughout their homes in these areas. If you’ve never had this done or just bought a new home, it’s worth cleaning your air ducts to help eliminate bad smells.
- Schedule an HVAC checkup. Your Ambient Edge technician can clean your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils, two areas where collected dirt can lead to stinky air.
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Let Ambient Edge Keep Your Home’s Air Fresh and Free of Odors
With a busy life managing work, home, and family, you need someone you can trust who will ensure your home is comfortable and inviting when you are ready to relax. Whether it’s a cooling or heating problem, you can rely on the team at Ambient Edge to treat you fairly and honestly. Our VIP Maintenance Club rewards you by providing a 10% discount on repairs, a two-year warranty, and a $99-per-visit savings in service fees.
You don’t have to live with moldy or musty AC smells when you have Ambient Edge on your side. We are on call 24/7 to help you with your home’s heating and cooling needs with a satisfaction guarantee and rewards for referring your friends and family. Contact us to learn more or schedule your HVAC inspection today!
