After a hot day, the cold air from the vents feels great. However, you may notice a musty smell coming from the HVAC vents and circulating in your home. You need to eliminate it. This is likely due to organisms like mold present in your air ducts, which a dirty evaporator coil can cause. Another reason could be dead rodents. You should also check the air filter. Here are some solutions for how to clean the HVAC and get rid of the musty smell.
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1. Keep the Evaporator Coil Clean
The evaporator coil is a vital part of your AC unit, and it needs to be kept clean to function properly. If the coil gets dirty, mold can grow, which will cause musty smells. To prevent this, you should clean your AC evaporator coil regularly. Don’t fret, we have your back. Here’s how you can do it.
- To clean your evaporator coils, you can use a solution of 10% bleach and water or a coil system cleaner from your local hardware store.
- Firstly, remove the access panel to expose the fins of the condenser coil.
- Secondly, use a shop vac with a brush attachment to suck off any dust and debris that has built up.
- If any of the fins are bent, use a flat-head screwdriver to straighten them out.
- Once the coils are clean, spray them with the bleach/water solution or coil cleaner and wipe them down.
- Lastly, reattach any parts that you removed.
2. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
Air filter replacement is a vital part of regular AC maintenance. If you do not replace your AC filter regularly, it can cause problems with your HVAC system. It is recommended to replace your AC filter every three months. This will help to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and prevent smells and odors from travelling throughout your home.
3. Check if Your Condensate Drain Line is Clogged
Your HVAC unit is a complex system with many moving parts. If any one of these parts malfunctions, it can affect the overall efficiency of your system. For example, the evaporator coil is responsible for removing moisture from the air. If the coil becomes clogged or damaged, it can’t remove as much moisture, which can lead to a decrease in efficiency. The excess water that forms on the evaporator coil is drained away through a condensate line. This line helps to prevent flooding and keeps your HVAC unit running properly.
If the AC unit drain line becomes clogged, the water will not be able to drain away. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as flooding. To clear the clog, you can use a shop vac to suck out the excess water. Then, you can pour a cleaner down the line to loosen up any buildup. This process is similar to pouring a liquid cleaner down your shower drain to unclog it.
4. Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of the Smell
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. It can be used to remove foul odors from your fridge, pantry, and even your air ducts. To use baking soda to deodorize your air ducts, simply place an open box of baking soda in the ducts. The baking soda will trap the odors as they travel through the vents, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean. You can also place duct filter pads throughout your ductwork to help absorb excess smells. Duct filter pads are made of materials that are designed to attract and trap odors. They are a great way to keep your air ducts clean and free of foul odors.
HVAC Maintenance
Avoid waiting for 2-3 months to clean and maintain your HVAC. A healthy practice is to maintain the HVAC from time to time. This includes cleaning the condensation line, condensing unit, and air filter.
How Long Does an HVAC Last?
This is a crucial question. Generally, an HVAC lasts for around 10-15 years. However, it can be shorter or longer depending on certain factors. For instance, the weather may be the issue. Or, you might be using chemicals in the machine which can also affect the life of the HVAC.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact a Professional for Help
When it comes to any home appliance, never hesitate to ask for help from a professional. You may have a hard time cleaning it up or replacing any part, simply contact the professional. Also, if you smell any weird odour or are confused about any part, simply call the professional.
Routine Clean Up!
The best thing you can do to prevent your air conditioner from emitting a musty smell is to clean it regularly. This will improve the air quality in your home and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. You will also notice that your air conditioner will run more efficiently and will not produce any unpleasant odors.
