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If the air in your home has a musty odor, your air conditioner could be to blame. Your AC could smell icky when you first turn it on after the winter, but there are some other reasons that could be at play.

Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer from an unpleasant air conditioner smell once you know the cause.

Read on to learn about a few reasons why your AC smells musty, and what you can do to fix it.

A Mold or Mildew Problem

One of the most common causes of a must air conditioner smell is the presence of mold or mildew. These musty-smelling spores can grow when moisture gets trapped somewhere inside your air conditioning unit.

During the winter, your home’s heating system creates a dry environment. But as the temperature and humidity rise, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow.

Knowing the most common mold causes can help you prevent it. Keep your system clean and dry, and contact an HVAC specialist for service if it becomes a serious concern so they can correct the issue.

Air Conditioner Smell and Ventilation

Improper ventilation can cause the air in your home to get stagnant. When air isn’t circulating the way it should, it can lead to an unpleasant musty smell and poor indoor air quality.

Not only can dirt and airborne particles get into the air, but improper ventilation also causes bacteria buildup. This bacteria eventually leads to a musty smell from the AC.

Start by checking your HVAC filter and change it if it’s dirty or clogged. A new, clean filter should improve ventilation and eventually help you get rid of the odor.

Improper Drainage

If your AC smells musty, you could be dealing with a clogged drain or clogged drain line. Your HVAC system needs proper drainage in order to operate effectively. If it’s clogged up, then it could impact airflow and your air conditioning system’s ability to work efficiently.

When the drain gets clogged, it leaves stagnant water sitting inside the unit. This makes your system work harder and can cause a myriad of issues. Over time, the clog will eventually produce that familiar musty smell.

Check to see if your air conditioner is draining properly. If not, it’s a good idea to call a professional to remove debris that’s blocking the unit. The technician can also drain any excess water and do a thorough inspection to look for any other clogs or issues.

Say Goodbye to Musty Smells

Keep these tips in mind if you’re dealing with a musty air conditioner smell. Finding the cause and taking steps to correct it is the best way to keep the air in your home smelling fresh and clean all summer long.

If you need help with your home’s HVAC system, contact the pros at Schwartz Air Conditioning and Heating today.