Possible Source: Dust and moisture sticking on the A/C evaporator coil and filter. Musty smells from a portable air conditioner are almost always caused by the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria. If you notice that your house smells like your son just put his gym socks into your air conditioner or if your house generally smells musky or like a gymnasium when your air conditioner kicks on, then you could have dirty sock syndrome. Unusual odors coming from window air conditioner units often result from mold growing on damp surfaces. When you smell mildew in your AC unit, this is likely because mildew is actually growing inside of it. I can't seem to figure out where the smell comes from. Doing anything other than removing the case may result in personal injury. Many homeowners take advantage of window air conditioners to save money on electric bills, cool down areas of their homes that the central air unit doesn’t reach, or make their room cold enough to be able to use a blanket at night. what can be done about it? Clogged AC Drain Line. However, you are greeted by an unpleasant musty smell releasing from your air con. Unusual odors coming from window air conditioner units often result from mold growing on damp surfaces. our window box air conditioner smells musty when i turn it on? Check out this window AC maintenance checklist for future reference and the video below showing how to clean air conditioner coils. Reassemble the case in the reverse order and slide unit back into the case that it was removed from. Probably the most common culprit is a clogged filter. If your air conditioner smells moldy, the general cause is accumulation of water in the drain pan or drip lines (or ducts in case of ducted systems), which can cause fungus or mildew to grow. Cleaning your window air conditioner regularly is vital to keeping it in good working order. It is putting off the dirty sock syndrome smell and it's terrible. Wipe off any surface dust or debris with a damp cloth. Clogged Filter: Among the most common reasons of a foul odor emanating from your portable air conditioner is a clogged filter. That’s bad news because your AC is most likely distributing mold and/or mildew spores throughout your home. I cleaned the inside of the styrofoam box with Clorox and it helped for a short while. You might smell a musty odor characteristic of mold when the air conditioner is turned on. On smaller window air conditioners, remove the outer metal case of the unit. I reinstalled it in its cabinet and put a fan blowing on it for a good 6 hours. And that musty or ammonia scent? This odor usually indicates the growth of mold or mildew. When the moisture doesn’t drain properly, it can escape into the ducts and create mold. Air conditioning, particularly central air, is a luxury for some and a necessity to others. Strange Smells & Your Air Conditioner. Mold and mildew can build up when they find a nice damp, dark place to hide, and sometimes that includes your air conditioning system. The Homeowner’s Guide To The 7 Causes of Bad AC Smells. And then there’s the dreaded air conditioner smell, which can ruin the simple pleasure of basking in the air-conditioned breeze. I've been trying to get rid of the mildew smell for a month with spraying anything and everything I could find. Since your AC dehumidifies the air as it cools, mildew is one of the most common smells from the condensation it produces. Air Ducts or Air Vents Are Holding Excess Moisture Nothing ruins the enjoyment of cool air quite like a mold or mildew smell coming with it. In humid climates like we have in Queensland, the moisture in the air can cause excess moisture to build up inside the … Yet, when not taken proper care of, a portable air conditioner may start to smell. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It’s another story when the humidity starts causing problems inside your home, such as when you smell mold or mildew. Mold pipes, ethics, windows can increase in the corner and flooding in places to come. Thank you MikeCOIndiana, informative and what I like even better, relayed in such a pleasant way :), Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Often, air conditioners, whether they are window units or central air systems, sit for months or years without maintenance. It can cause several health problems such as asthma attacks, allergies, or respiratory infections, especially if the cause of the smell is mold and mildew accumulated in the air conditioner. Don’t be afraid to open windows when you can. The mold smell problem started when the hot weather temperatures brought high humidity. I then blew tried it with the leaf blower for about 5 minutes. If your ducts are leaking, or if the air coming out of your heating and cooling system isn’t as clean as you’d like, dust and dirt can easily collect in the ducts around your home. If upon your initial inspection, you discover rampant mold and mildew in the air conditioner, do not attempt to clean it. Not many people are aware that the vents inside the units are a breeding ground for black mold and mildew. They carry air to your living spaces. Homeowners don’t always think of their air ducts as a part of the problem when they’re struggling with their AC, but these dark, often dirty spaces are prime places. In addition to the examples above, here are some of the main culprits: Smell: Musty/Dirty Socks. What’s That Smell? The solution: Have a professional inspect your evaporator coil for Unfortunately, that mildew-y smell wafting in with … The most likely culprits include the following: 1. I took my window unit out today,put it on the driveway took the pressure washer out and cleaned it thoroughly with the pressure washer avoiding the electronics. In a larger unit, after the front plastic and a few screws are removed, the air conditioner will slide out of the case toward the inside of the room. Depending on the location and extent of the mildew, cleaning an air conditioner can be quite difficult as a DIY project. When not shown the proper TLC, such as with regular tune-ups, problems like small leaks in the air ducts, or a little clogging in the drain line could turn into a breeding ground for possible mold growth if not addressed soon enough. If your AC smells like mildew, body odor, decay, or other foul odors, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem and call a professional for effective cleaning and repairs. Both harmful to your health, especially if you have allergy issues. There are several possible reasons for that musty stink: Window air conditioners have a drip tray that is a necessary component of the system. Its comming from the vent area. One reason for musty smelling air coming from your air conditioner is if there is a build up of excess moisture in the ducts or vents. Coatings of dust and dirt provide a perfect medium for the fungi that cause unpleasant smells. If your home is not properly ventilated, try letting more air into it when possible. But not the smell is back again, and the box still looks clean. Using a soft brush such as the type used to remove lint from a dryer vent, stroke the fins up and down to remove debris caked on to the front and rear of the air conditioning unit. However, if that drainline gets clogged, moisture builds up in the pan which is a terrific breeding ground for possible mold growth if left untreated. If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner is putting out some gross odors every time it kicks on, you’re probably wondering if that’s normal. Mold appears as a result of a damp environment, so any place that’s subjected to excessive moisture is at risk.Check out and follow these tips for preventing mold in your AC. Air conditioning odors usually come from mold and mildew that accumulate from condensation on the refrigerator coils, in a clogged drain pan, or leak in the system. Here are some of the most common reasons your air conditioner smells musty and what you can do about it. 1. Is it OK to spray Clorox or Mildew Remover right on the coil? Mold In Window Air Conditioner. Allow the unit to dry for a few hours. Air conditioners can sometimes blow smelly air. Be careful not to damage the metal fins on the front and rear of the unit. Place the window air conditioner on something secure such as a couple of saw horses or a secure table of some kind. In most cases, air conditioner smells are caused by mold and mildew growing somewhere within the system. Without proper maintenance of the filters, coils, and drains, a portable air conditioner can become overrun with mold, but it is easily cleaned away in most cases. I suggest cleaning the filter and also the coil. Signs this is the problem: AC runs for a long time, but struggles to cool your home; Your entire home gets dusty very quickly; Your home is very humid, even though the air conditioner runs constantly; If your cooling system was a body, the air ducts would be the respiratory system. If Your Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew. Wipe up any remaining water with a dry cloth and wipe down any surfaces that still need cleaning. This should be enough to remove the smell from the window air conditioner. If you notice that your house smells like your son just put his gym socks into your air conditioner or if your house generally smells musky or like a gymnasium when your air conditioner … Watch the video to learn more. “Dirty Sock Syndrome” is when your air conditioner gives off a foul, moldy or mildew-like smell when you turn it on. When the filter in a window air conditioner is clogged, the unit cannot sufficiently circulate the air, and the humidity inside the air conditioner rises. mold spores could also cause allergic reactions and asthma. Air conditioning, particularly central air, is a luxury for some and a necessity to others. 5 Reasons Your AC Smells Bad. If it turns out your evaporator coil is housing the problem, make sure your coil is getting cleaned on your scheduled maintenance visit. Seven Steps to Get Your AC Smelling Right. Related: Why Going on Vacation Can Lead to Mold Growth in Your Central Air Conditioner. This collection of water, along with heat and dust, allow for some pretty nasty “muck” to collect over time. Not only does it provide you the flexibility to move it around and cool different parts of the home, it will remain trouble-free for the most part. Your air conditioner contains an important component called an evaporator coil, which is the part that actually cools your home’s air.. So how do these things start growing in your air conditioner? It really needs to be removed to thoroughly clean it. Flushing for several minutes is usually enough to sufficiently clean things up. i cant see anything in the back part. Mold spores could also cause allergic reactions and asthma. Just picture it: Its a hot North Carolina day, and all you want to do is come to the cool relief of your air-conditioned home. Choose a location outside where a hose can be used, such as a driveway. Just remember to take your time and don't attempt to remove anything associated with the compressor or electrical. If your air conditioner smells moldy, the general cause is accumulation of water in the drain pan or drip lines (or ducts in case of ducted systems), which can cause fungus or mildew to grow. 4. When the AC is running, there is a lot of condensation within the unit. But when you walk in the door, youre greeted by an unpleasant odor that does not give you the refreshed, relaxing feeling you were hoping to get from your homes AC! Spray directly into the area where the cool air blows out of the air conditioner. Be very cautious to avoid inhaling the bleach, getting it on your skin or clothing or in your eyes. Flush out the drip tray with a hose outside. This moisture is from condensation that … When you finally kick on your air conditioner for the first time, and revel in the fact that summer is here, the last thing you want to think about is air conditioner maintenance. It is caused by the build up of mold and bacteria on your evaporator coil. 4 Reasons Your AC Smells Musty. These steps should be taken at the end of every warm season. 4 Reasons Your AC Smells Musty. 1. Be sure to get plenty of the solution into the blower fan while turning it slowly. A musty smell is one of the most common portable air conditioner problems and solutions to repair. This can be moved around if need be, but I wouldn't do much else. If there's a drainage problem, water may have pooled and mildew may have grown on the filter, condenser coil, or somewhere else inside. who10 (author) from Midwest on July 11, 2012: We do this every year with ours. 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