As a southern Maryland resident, you may be concerned about air quality coming from your air conditioner. If you turn on the A/C and get a musty smell, chances are your cooling system might have mold or mildew growth. This can be a hazard to your and your family’s health and needs to be dealt with promptly.
Knowing how to recognize the smell of mold in your A/C can help you address a hidden problem that needs attention. Learn the causes of mold and mildew growth in an air conditioning unit and how to take proactive steps to prevent it, ensuring a healthier living environment.
How to Recognize the Smell of Mold in an Air Conditioner
A musty smell from air conditioner air ducts and vents could indicate mold in the system, especially if you smell it in various rooms that contain an air vent while the A/C is running. The distinctive earthy smell emits a pungent odor that resembles old books or wet dirt.
Other than the musty smell from A/C systems, other common odors to look out for that indicate issues include:
- Burning: A burning smell or gunpowder odor indicates an electrical or mechanical problem.
- Chemical: An unusual sweet or chemical aroma means your system could have a refrigerant leak.
- Rotten eggs: The smell of rotten eggs or decay from your A/C vents could point to a dead animal in the ductwork or a potential gas leak, especially if the odor smells more like exhaust fumes.
- Feet: An A/C that smells like feet means you’re probably dealing with a dirty or clogged-up system that’s pooling up.
If you find any odd odors coming from the vents, switch off the A/C immediately, open windows for fresh air and call professionals to repair and clean the system. If you suspect a gas leak, your first call is the fire department and your gas company.
Why Does Your A/C Smell?
Mold and spores thrive in moist environments. Here are a few common ways mold may develop in A/C units.
- Dirty or clogged filter: The filter traps all dust, dirt, and particles from entering the air you breathe. If the filter works insufficiently, it can impede on the ability of your A/C unit to work as a dehumidifier. The moisture may be trapped in the unit, causing mold or mildew to grow. Therefore, when the air blows it smells bad.
- Clogged drip pan: Your air conditioner may be causing condensation, and that liquid needs a place to go. If it’s unable to get through the drainage lines to the drip pan, it could cause mold and mildew to build up. This smell will be spread through the property when the A/C kicks on.
- Clogged condensation drain line: As your A/C performs its dehumidifying processes, it will draw the moisture from the air. Typically, that liquid is then carried away from the property via a drain line. If this line is clogged, then the water has nowhere to go and it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
- Moist ductwork: The A/C ducts carry the cool air throughout your home. Poorly insulated ducts can lead to moisture buildup and condensation. When that happens, the ducts will leak, creating an environment for mold and mildew to grow. The ducts might also transport mold and mildew throughout your home, creating a larger problem.
- Internal problems: Sometimes, the interior of an air conditioning system can become dirty or have bigger issues than the growth of mold or mildew. Faulty parts or malfunctioning pieces could cause issues leading to mold and mildew.
Signs and Symptoms of Mold in Your A/C
In addition to the smells, other lesser-known signs and symptoms of mold in your A/C may include:
- Visible mold growth: Look for green, yellow, black or white stains with fuzzy textures on walls, air duct vents, air filters, drain pans, evaporator coils or insulation liners. Keep in mind that you need more than surface cleaning to get rid of the problem.
- Moisture and condensation: Water leaks or condensation create ideal environments for mold growth.
- Poor A/C performance: Mold in your A/C can lower its ability to provide airflow and regulate temperature without using more energy.
- Health effects: Mold exposure can lead to respiratory issues and symptoms like coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath and skin irritation, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
Mold Prevention Strategies
Although mold might be a regular occurrence, you can implement the following prevention strategies to lower the chances of mold growing in your A/C unit:
- Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to reduce moisture and indoor humidity levels.
- Ventilate: Keep windows open when you can to ensure good airflow and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce moisture from building up.
- Monitor signs of mold: Conduct regular visual and odor inspections for mold growth on A/C components and have any leaks or condensation issues fixed.
- Maintain filters: Clean or replace air filters regularly according to manufacturer guidelines to prevent clogs and maintain a clean system.
- Seek professional assistance: Consult a professional to come and inspect your unit and follow a regular maintenance schedule. They can pinpoint problem areas, offer solutions and also repair your unit. Sometimes, however, you may have to replace your A/C system.
Let SMO Energy Take Care of the Mold in Your A/C
Regular maintenance and tune-ups offered by professional teams can help prevent mold growth by keeping your system clean, dry and functioning. In cases where mold is detected, service providers can do a thorough cleaning, repair or replacement to eliminate the mold and restore the A/C’s efficiency and indoor air quality.
When it is hot outside and you want to enjoy the cooling effects of your air conditioner, the last thing you want to worry about is a foul smell or potential health issues. SMO Energy has the tools and experience to clean mold from air conditioners and HVAC systems for those living in and around Maryland.
Get in touch with our Client Care representatives for all your air conditioning needs.