Last summer, the Houston area saw a record-breaking temperature of 109 degrees. As we move into another summer season here in Katy, TX, it’s important to be thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool.
The good news is that your AC unit tends to let you know when something isn’t working right. In some cases, you’ll hear hissing or clanking sounds. In others, you might notice that your indoor temperature control is getting less and less consistent.
Today, we’re going to talk about what it means when your AC unit smells musty. As you crank your AC into high gear for the first time this year, you don’t want to ignore any new and unusual odors. Read on to learn more.
Why Does My AC Unit Smell Musty?
There are a lot of reasons why your AC unit may smell musty. Some of them are relatively easy to fix and others require professional help. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for that musty smell.
Dirty Air Filters
Depending on the make and model of your AC unit, you should be changing the air filters at least once every three months. The air filter removes airborne debris like pollen and dust from the air before circulating it through the house.
Over time, those contaminants start to clog the filter. Your AC has to work harder to push air through a dirty AC filter and that forced air carries a musty smell.
Excess Moisture
AC units are designed to keep moisture levels low, but these systems aren’t able to withstand certain types of maintenance issues.
For example, clogged air filters can lead to frozen evaporator coils. Clogged drain lines can trap moisture inside the AC system. Because there’s no easy way for the water to drain or evaporate, it tends to pool and mix with pollutants like dust and pollen.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If the culprit is moisture, there’s a good chance that what you’re smelling is mold and mildew. Mold and mildew love dark, dank spaces. All they need to thrive in your AC unit is a steady source of humidity.
Once you’re dealing with mold and mildew, it’s hard to pinpoint where it started. Mold can spread fast, infesting your HVAC system all the way to your ducts.
Overdue Maintenance
Each year, you should have your AC unit inspected at least once. A spring tune-up is a great way to make sure your AC is ready for a long summer.
If it’s been over a year since an AC professional looked at your AC unit, any number of things could contribute to that musty smell. One of the best things you can do to protect your indoor air temperature is look for AC repair near me.
What Are the Effects of a Musty AC Unit?
Why shouldn’t you ignore that unpleasant odor? It’s a signal that something isn’t quite right with your AC. Here are some of the potential long-term effects of running an AC that puts off a musty odor.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
If you have clogged filters and vents, any air that circulates through your home may carry contaminants. This can include things like pet dander, pollen, and dust mites, all of which can take a toll on your indoor air quality.
Mold in AC ducts can have a similarly harsh impact on your indoor air quality. For many people, this can lead to health issues like worsening allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Reduced Efficiency
AC manufacturers like Carrier will be the first to say that how long your AC unit lasts will come down to factors like routine maintenance. Regardless of the cause, a musty AC unit isn’t running efficiently.
When you have clogged ducts or broken parts, your AC has to work harder to cool your home. That means more energy use to achieve the same temperature and higher energy bills in the summer.
What Should I Do If My AC Unit Smells Musty?
Now that you know that strange smells coming from your AC unit are no laughing matter, what’s next? Here are some ways to check and repair the source of bad AC unit smells.
Check Your Air Filters
If you haven’t changed your air filters in the last three months, the first thing to do is see if they need replacing. This is something most homeowners can do on their own.
If you don’t know where to find your air filters or what size you need, call your local AC experts. Make sure to get this information from them so you can change your filters again in the coming months. You can often order replacement filters in bulk online.
Call AC Experts in Katy
It may seem tempting to watch a few videos or read some tutorials online and tackle your AC issues on your own. The reality is that without expertise and the right tools, DIY repairs can fail to fix the problem at best and lead to injuries at worst.
If your air filters aren’t the problem, your best bet is to look for AC companies with a license to repair or replace your AC unit. If the issue is with a specific part, like the evaporator coil or condensate drain, you’ll need someone with expertise to locate and repair or replace it. If there is an excess of moisture or mold, you may also need duct cleaning.
Call Texas Eagle for Carrier Repairs and Replacements in Katy, TX
If you fire up your AC for the first time and notice that the AC unit smells musty, it’s time to take a closer look. While strange odors may not seem like that big of a deal, they can indicate some bigger long-term problems.
Texas Eagle AC & Heating is a family-owned and operated business in Katy with 15 years of great service under our belts. All of our technicians are licensed, bonded, and Carrier certified. Contact us to schedule an appointment or call for 24/7 emergency service.
